Cuba SOFF Investment Phase

Cuba is the largest Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Caribbean and is highly exposed to a wide range of meteorological hazards, including hurricanes, cold fronts, heavy rainfall, droughts, and coastal flooding. Due to its geographical location and elongated shape, weather systems affecting Cuba frequently influence neighbouring countries across the Caribbean. The Instituto de Meteorología de Cuba (INSMET) is responsible for operating and maintaining the national meteorological observation network and plays an important role in regional forecasting and early warning, including through long-standing collaboration with other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the Caribbean.

INSMET currently operates a mixed network of manual synoptic stations and automated weather stations, many of which are affected by equipment obsolescence, partial functionality, and limitations in power supply, communications, and calibration capacity. Only a share of existing automated stations are fully operational, and no upper-air radiosonde station is currently functioning. Obsolete sensors and data acquisition units, limited availability of spare parts, reliance on diesel-powered generators, and vulnerabilities in the last mile of communication infrastructure constrain the reliability of observations—particularly during extreme weather events. These gaps limit Cuba’s ability to fully meet Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) requirements and to sustain the international exchange of high-quality observational data.

The SOFF Investment Phase is designed to address these gaps by modernizing Cuba’s meteorological infrastructure, strengthening institutional and human capacity, and establishing sustainable operations and maintenance arrangements. The project supports new and rehabilitated surface and upper-air stations, upgraded sensors, power and communications systems, improved data management, and strengthened calibration capacity. Technical advisory services will be provided by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) to support INSMET in implementing the GBON National Contribution Plan. By improving the availability, quality, and continuity of observations, the project will strengthen Cuba’s national forecasting and early warning capacity while contributing to regional and global meteorological data systems.

Output 1. Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) institutional and human capacity developed

1.1 National consultations including with CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders conducted

1.2 NMHS institutional capacity required to operate the GBON network developed

1.3 NMHS human capacity required to operate the GBON network developed

Output 2. GBON infrastructure in place

2.1 New land-based stations and related equipment, ICT management systems and standard operating practices in place

2.2 Improved land-based stations and related equipment, ICT systems, data management systems and standard operating practices in place

2.3 New upper-air stations and related equipment, ICT systems, data management systems and standard operating practices in place    

2.4 Improved upper-air stations, related equipment, ICT systems, data management systems and standard operating practices in place

Outcome: Sustained compliance with GBON

3.1 GBON land-based stations’ commissioning period17 completed, country- specific standard cost for operations and maintenance established, and data sharing verified by WMO Technical Authority

3.2 GBON upper air stations’ commissioning period completed, country-specific standard cost for operations and maintenance established, and data sharing verified by WMO Technical Authority