Meteorological agency to combat weather 'fake news' with legal action

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) announced it will establish a system to pursue legal action against the spread of "fake news" concerning weather forecasts online. The agency cited concerns over inaccurate weather predictions circulating on platforms like YouTube and social media, despite regulations stipulating that only registered businesses can issue official forecasts.

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We will create a system to take legal action.

KMA Administrator Lee Mi-sun stated that the agency is developing internal guidelines and consulting legal experts to address the issue. "According to the law, only those registered as weather forecast providers can issue forecasts, and violations can result in fines or penalties," Lee explained. "However, this has never been enforced before." The KMA intends to actively utilize these regulatory tools going forward, emphasizing that information with personal opinions and no clear source should not be generated.

Lee also highlighted key achievements from the past year, including the introduction of a "severe heatwave warning" for conditions where temperatures are expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Celsius actual temperature) for over a day. This measure aims to prevent heat-related casualties. Additionally, the KMA will issue additional emergency alerts for localized heavy rainfall, potentially providing crucial minutes for evacuation.

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According to the law, only those registered as weather forecast providers can issue forecasts, and violations can result in fines or penalties. However, this has never been enforced before.

To enhance predictive capabilities, the KMA is developing a next-generation Korean Numerical Weather Prediction Model (KIM) set for completion by the end of the year. This advanced model will integrate atmospheric, oceanic, and land surface data, utilizing a variable grid resolution for more precise regional forecasts.

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Information with personal opinions and no clear source should not be generated. We will create a framework for this and make it public.

Addressing public demand for improved forecast accuracy, Lee acknowledged that while the KMA's accuracy is not poor, perfect prediction of natural phenomena is impossible. She noted that forecasts are "subject to revision" and that the agency is leaning towards more conservative predictions in the face of climate change uncertainty. The KMA is also exploring ways to better communicate long-term weather outlooks, moving beyond simple probability statements to provide more quantitative indicators of climate intensity.

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This year, we expect a certain number of severe heatwave warnings to be issued. The first step is important for the system's establishment.