(29-08-2025) Mobile phone traffic can help measure how hard it is raining. The Department of Geography at Ghent University is collaborating with the Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) on an innovative system to monitor local precipitation more accurately using GSM signals. Geographer Kwinten Van Weverberg explains that the signal attenuation of GSM traffic can be directly converted into rain intensity. The technique offers particular added value in hilly terrain such as the Ardennes, where radars are less effective, or in places where precipitation data is scarce, such as in Central Africa. The system can also be used to determine the type of precipitation in winter and to control early warning systems.

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/22/weer-voorspellen-universiteit-gent-kmi-lokaal-neerslag/