The weather data is published on its website, where it is accessible to everyone. The data is mainly used by farmers and winegrowers for their work.
In addition to temperatures, precipitation, wind, and solar radiation, forecast models for plant pests and diseases are also produced. For example, fruit growers are informed about the risk level of scab infections in their apple and pear trees. With this information, farmers can treat their crops with plant protection products in a targeted manner at the right time.
Asta works together with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (List) and the Lycée technique agricole in Ettelbruck to develop and maintain these models. When it comes to forecasting pests and diseases, Luxembourg is a pioneer, says Asta's head of meteorology, Dr Andrew Ferrone. Scientists are in fact comparing the forecast models with the reality on the ground and can thus check whether the pests are already there and whether their model calculations are correct. This has not yet been done abroad.
Their plans for the future are linked to weather developments that could change with climate change. In fact, because of climate change, Luxembourg farmers and winegrowers are facing new challenges, on the one hand with regard to temperature and precipitation and on the other hand with regard to pests and diseases. Because of the higher temperatures, new forms of pests and diseases, which have been present mainly in the South until now, could appear here too. Climate change could also lead to more droughts in Luxembourg. Agrimeteo would therefore also like to offer longer-term forecasts, going beyond weeks and months.
The full report in Luxembourgish:
