China's meteorological satellite, Feng Yun-2 D, was positioned on Friday to offer dimensional cloud charts for more precise weather forecasts, together with Feng Yun-2 C, which is already in service.

The Feng Yun-2 D, launched in December 2006, would work with Feng Yun-2 C from Friday, and the twin satellites would offer weather observations of the whole country every 15 minutes, said a China Meteorological Administration (CMA) spokesman.

Chinese satellites used to send back cloud pictures for weather forecasts every hour or half an hour at most during the flood season.

The updates of cloud pictures every 15 minutes would allow weather forecasters to have a closer watch over weather changes, said the spokesman.

The cloud pictures provided by both satellites would be better in quality and precision, as charts offered by the twin satellites were more like a moving film while those pictured by a single satellite were slides.

China urgently needed accurate forecasts to take precautions against extreme weather in times of frequent weather-related disasters, a meteorological official said earlier.

Vice Premier Hui Liangyu cited "enhanced forecasts" earlier this week, while calling for greater efforts in flood control and disaster relief amid a season of heavy rain and flooding alongside the Yangtze River.

The Beijing weather bureau has pledged to improve its accuracy in weather forecasting for the looming 2008 Olympics.

(Xinhua News Agency via chinaview.cn June 1, 2007)