Fourth programme in a series of five about ESA's new Weather satellite MSG (Meteosat Second Generation). This programme focuses on how the accuracy of weather forecasts have increased through the use of computer technology and satellite observation and how MSG add to this following its launch in August 2002.
The programme comprises of a 5 minute A-roll with split audio and English commentary and is complemented by a longer B-roll with clean international sound.

In 1854, after a heavy storm had sunk 39 French vessels in the Crimean War, the first national storm warning service was set up in Paris. Today, this is recognised as a milestone of modern meteorology.
In the 21st century, more than 6000 weather stations on land, 7000 commercial ships and a dozen satellites provide global coverage of weather monitoring to the national meteorological services.
Thanks to this worldwide co-operation, it is now possible to achieve three-day-predictions which have an accuracy of 80%. Twenty years ago, this level of accuracy was only possible for24-hour forecasting.
Emmanuel Legrand, M?t?o France:
Il n'y a pas un syst?me d'observation parfait ? lui tout seul, qui donne l'ensemble de l' ?tat de l'atmosph?re ? tout moment il y'a simplement des syst?mes, qui ont chacun un leurs forces et leurs faiblesses mais se compl?tent le plus amenuisement possible.
The increased accuracy of weather forecasting is based on computer technology and satellite observation. Global coverage and fas