Inauguration of the WMO Measurement Lead Centre in Changsha, China (15 November 2025)
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) officially inaugurated the WMO Measurement Lead Centre for Ground-Based Integrated Meteorological Observation (MLC Changsha) on 15 November 2025 in Changsha, China.
The inauguration ceremony included opening remarks highlighting the capabilities and significance of the MLC Changsha for testing measurement instruments and observing systems. These remarks were delivered by the representatives from the CMA, the Hunan Provincial Government, the Hunan Meteorological Service, the INFCOM Standing Committee on Measurement, Instrumentation and Traceability (SC-MINT), and the WMO Secretariat.
Measurement Lead Centres (MLCs), designated by the Commission for Observation, Infrastructure and Information Systems (INFCOM), serve as centres of excellence providing high-level expertise in the testing of surface-based remote-sensing and in situ instruments, as well as in the standardization of instrument performance. Currently, 13 MLCs worldwide conduct research and testing of instruments in several application areas of measurements. Through their experimental work and contributions to WMO guidance material, MLCs help WMO Members better understand the capabilities and limitations of emerging technologies and their suitability for operational use.
MLC Changsha has exceptional capacity for testing a range of in situ and surface-based remote-sensing instruments, with specialist capabilities in testing and calibration of weather radars. In addition to instrument evaluation, the MLC Changsha will play a key role in providing guidance and training to WMO Members on the use, testing and calibration of weather radars and other instruments hosted at the facility.
