History of the Bahamas Meteorological Office

In 1935 the Bahamas Telecommunications Department in conjunction with the United States Weather Bureau organized a network of observing stations. The Bureau provided the instrumentation and forms to record the information, along with the necessary instructions and annual tours were arranged to inspect and upkeep the instruments.

The information was disseminated in accordance with international standards and practices.

Aviation forecast began in 1943 during the Second World War when the Royal Air Force established an Aviation Forecast Office at Oakesfield. At that time only a few Bahamian Assistants aided the Air Force but the number increased in 1945 when the Aviation Forecast Office was transformed in a civilian Air Ministry Office.

Formation of the British Caribbean Meteorological Service in 1951 resulted in the transfer of the Bahamian Assistants from the Air Ministry. The comprehensive functions of the Service were (a) collection and dissemination of meteorological information (b) provide services for aviation, the general public and research (c) provision of hurricane warnings, (d) provide advice to the Government and its agencies for planning purposes, and (e) participation in the activities of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Reconstitution of the Caribbean Meteorological Service in 1962 prompted the Bahamas Government not to be associated with it anymore. In turn, the Government established its own Meteorological Office as an autonomous section of the Department of Civil Aviation. This lasted from 1963 to 1972.

The Bahamas Meteorological Service was created as a separate Department of Government in 1973 while under the Ministry of Tourism.

Since 1973 the Department of Meteorology has been under various Ministries. It is presently under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.