The Department provides meteorological services for domestic and international air navigation to ensure the safety, regularity and efficiency of air travel. It also provides support during Search and Air Rescue (SAR) operations by providing vital meteorological information during a search in both, marine and aviation accidents

Currently, the UNMA provides aeronautic meteorological services at 2 airports and 3 aerodromes where Air Traffic Control services are provided. The airports are Entebbe and Soroti whereas the aerodromes are Gulu, Arua and Kasese. Limited meteorological services are also available at the aerodromes of Kajjansi, Kakira, Nakasongola, Pakuba, Kisoro, Kinkizi, Moroto and Kidepo.

The aeronautical meteorology services provided by UNMA to Civil Aviation are specific and are chargeable on cost recovery basis under international rules and regulations. The aeronautical Department at NMC Entebbe, receives on daily basis a copy of “MAY FLY LIST” from the airport authorities. This list contains details of aircrafts that may take off or land at Entebbe International Airport for the day. The Pilot Briefing office then prepares a weather folder for each of the departing aircrafts giving specific details of weather conditions at the expected time of flight.

It is the duty of forecasters to append a trend type forecast to all hourly or half hourly observed data before they are transmitted to the Air Traffic Controllers.

The weather folder contains the following details:

• Terminal aerodrome forecast of the destination Airport & weather conditions of two agreed alternate airports.
• Weather forecast of the originating airport and en route forecast
• Upper level winds, temperature and significant weather for the entire route
• A forecast for Take-off data which refer to a specified period of time and should contain information on expected conditions over the runway in regard to surface wind direction and speed (QAN) and any variations thereof, temperature (QMU), pressure (QNH) and any other information as may be requested by a pilot.
• The Department also provides training in Aeronautical Meteorology to Air Traffic controllers, Pilots and Aeronautical Information Officers. It is also involved in the rating of these officers