M Chornobyl
07270, Chornobyl, 7 Koshovogo St., tel/fax (04593) 5-14-16
The first meteorological observations in Chornobyl were started in 1894, but were soon suspended and resumed in 1909 under the program of the meteorological post, and in 1925 a category II meteorological station was opened. Before the war, in addition to observations of the main meteorological elements, observations of the intensity of liquid precipitation and the duration of sunshine were conducted. The meteorological station constantly provided agricultural and meteorological information to local authorities and economic organizations of the city and district.
Since 1977, the Chornobyl meteorological station has been part of the network of observation stations and laboratory control over radioactive contamination of the environment (observations of the gamma background level were carried out using the DP-5 device). The meteorologists-observers have always conscientiously and responsibly performed their duties. When the technician on duty took measurements on that spring morning in April 1986, she could not believe her eyes. She repeated the measurements over and over again, but there was no mistake, the arrow was moving far to the right.
In this difficult situation, the meteorologists worked accurately, and storm telegrams were sent to Kyiv in accordance with the instructions.
Despite the high level of radioactive contamination, the observers ensured the operation of the weather station from April 26 to May 5, 1986.
From May 5, 1986 to May 1, 1988, the Chornobyl meteorological station was temporarily closed, but observations were provided on a shift basis by the entire Hydrometeorological Service of Ukraine.
During this period, meteorological observations were carried out according to a reduced program, and radiometric observations were carried out at 3 points. Observations were carried out by the operational group that provided hydrometeorological information to a number of facilities, organizations and institutions of the Chornobyl zone, including the State Commission for Elimination of the Chornobyl Accident Consequences, aviation involved in the elimination of these consequences, and the relevant headquarters of the Hydrometeorological Service of Ukraine.
On May 1, 1988, the station resumed full operation, and the staff headed by Kordyk Z. F. was restored.
In addition to round-the-clock meteorological observations (wind direction and speed, atmospheric pressure, air temperature and humidity, soil temperature, precipitation, cloud cover, visibility, atmospheric phenomena), the station conducts radiometric observations of gamma background using DRG-01T, air pollution (using a filter and ventilation unit) and radioactive contamination of precipitation (using a tablet). The station's employees also conduct hydrological observations on the Pripyat River, where the hydrological post is located.