MET.OR.245 Meteorological watch and other information

Within its area of responsibility, the meteorological watch office shall:

(a)maintain continuous watch over meteorological conditions affecting flight operations;

(b)coordinate with the organisation responsible for the provision of NOTAM and/or ASHTAM to ensure that meteorological information on volcanic ash included in SIGMET and NOTAM and/or ASHTAM is consistent;

(c)coordinate with selected volcano observatories to ensure that information on volcanic activity is received in an efficient and timely manner;

(d)provide its associated VAAC with information received on pre-eruption volcanic activity, a volcanic eruption and volcanic ash cloud for which a SIGMET has not already been issued;

(e)provide its aeronautical information service units with information received on the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere in the area or adjacent areas for which it maintains watch and for which a SIGMET has not already been issued;

(f)provide its associated area control centre and flight information centre (ACC/FIC), as necessary, with relevant:

(1)METAR and SPECI, including current pressure data for aerodromes and other locations, TAF, TREND and amendments thereto;

(2)forecasts of upper winds, upper-air temperatures and significant en-route weather phenomena and amendments thereto, SIGMET, AIRMET and appropriate special air-reports;

(3)any other meteorological information required by the ACC/FIC to meet requests from aircraft in flight;

(4)information received on volcanic ash cloud, for which a SIGMET has not already been issued, as agreed between the meteorological watch office and the ACC/FIC;

(5)information received concerning the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere, as agreed between the meteorological watch office and the ACC/FIC;

(6)tropical cyclone advisory issued by a TCAC in its area of responsibility;

(7)volcanic ash advisory issued by a VAAC in its area of responsibility;

(8)information received on pre-eruption volcanic activity and/or a volcanic eruption as agreed between the meteorological watch office and the ACC/FIC;

(g)when available, provide the relevant air traffic services units, in accordance with local agreement, with information regarding the release into the atmosphere of toxic chemicals which could affect the airspace used by flights within their area of responsibility.