Locations42 weather monitoring stations provide reliable local data
March 30, 2026
Weather station, Hîncești
The Republic of Moldova is modernizing its national meteorological, hydrological, and agrometeorological monitoring system to better protect the population and agriculture from extreme weather events. Thanks to a joint effort of Japan, Sweden, and Austria coordinated by UNDP Moldova, 42 new-generation stations will provide accurate, real-time data to people and farmers in 17 districts of the country, as well as in Găgăuzia region.
The total investment amounts to more than US$476,000, contributing to the strengthening of the capacities of a system that issues rapid local warnings about drought, frost, torrential rains, and floods. The stations were installed and will be managed by the State Hydrometeorological Service, covering both cities and villages, as well as large and small water river basins in both the north and south of the country.
14 agrometeorological stations save agriculture in the south of Moldova
In recent years, climate change has turned farming into a risky business. Droughts, late frosts, and storms are occurring more frequently and causing major losses. Southern Moldova, the most affected region in the country, is becoming drier and more arid every year, making cultivation increasingly difficult.
For farmers here, every growing season is a major challenge. Crop and investment losses are the highest in the country and uncertainty casts doubt on the future of agricultural production and the incomes that depend on it.
To support farmers and respond to this emergency, UNDP Moldova, with the support of the Government of Japan, has installed 14 automatic agrometeorological stations in the heart of the southern region.
Thanks to the information provided by the new monitoring system, farmers will know when to irrigate their crops, when to protect them from frost, when to harvest, and which varieties are best suited to local climatic conditions.
At the same time, authorities will receive early warnings about floods and other hazards, giving them enough time to mobilize resources and inform the population.
Flood protection: 16 hydrological stations will monitor water basins from north to south
The hydrological monitoring network has been expanded through the installation and modernization of 16 hydrological stations, with support from UNDP Moldova and funding from Sweden, Japan, and Austria. Authorities can now monitor water levels in small river basins in real time to forecast flash floods.
Each development partner aligned its contribution to cover a specific geographical area. With Sweden’s financial support, equipment was purchased to modernize six automatic hydrological stations located in the localities of the Nistru River basin: in Unguri (Ocnița district), Soroca city, Sănătăuca village (Florești district), Criuleni town, Vadul lui Vodă town, and Răscăieți village (Ștefan Vodă district). These stations will ensure continuous monitoring of the country’s main rivers, from the northern to the southern part of the basin.
The Government of Japan has allocated funds for the installation of five hydrological stations in the southern part of the country, a region characterized by high hydrometeorological vulnerability. These stations were installed in Giurgiulești (Cahul district), Pelinei (Cahul district), Ceadîr-Lunga (Găgăuzia region), and in the towns of Cahul and Basarabeasca.
Austria is supporting the installation of five hydrological stations, completing the coverage of the national network with the monitoring of secondary river courses. By the end of 2026, hydrological stations will operate in the sub-basins of Copăceanca, Soloneț, Bahu, Lăpușna, and Ialpug.
Mini weather stations for villages purchased with support of Austria and Japan
Twelve mini weather stations installed in villages will improve the quality of forecasts by providing accurate data for each locality, enabling authorities to warn the population in advance so that they can protect their homes and crops.
With Japanese funding, seven mini weather stations have already been put into operation in the localities of Gotești (Cantemir district), Căinari (Căușeni district), Tvardița (Taraclia district), Congaz (Găgăuzia region), Cișmichioi (Găgăuzia region, Ciumai (Taraclia district), and the city of Hîncești.
Another five mini-stations will be installed with financial support from Austria. They will be installed in the villages of Vasileuţi (Rîșcani district), Sîngereii Noi (Sîngerei district), Crăsnăşeni (Telenești district), Bolțun (Nisporeni district), and Maximeni (Cimișlia district).
Thanks to these stations, farmers will be able to plan their agricultural activities more effectively, knowing when to irrigate, when to harvest and when to protect crops from frost. Local public authorities will receive early warnings about floods, droughts, and other natural disasters, giving them time to evacuate people, mobilize resources, and save lives.
In a country increasingly exposed to extreme weather conditions, these stations are becoming a safety tool for people and agriculture.
