The Meteorology Law was promulgated in 1999 and amended in 2009, 2014 and 2016 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on November 7, 2016.

There are 45 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.This Law shall be observed by units and individuals that engage in meteorological observation, forecasting, services, prevention of meteorological disasters, exploitation of climatic resources and research in meteorological science and technology, which are carried out in the territory of China and the sea areas under the jurisdiction of China.

2.Public welfare meteorological services shall be the first priority in meteorological work.

3.Meteorological activities that organizations and individuals of other countries wish to conduct in the territory of China and the sea areas under the jurisdiction of China shall be subject to approval by the competent meteorological department under the State Council in conjunction with relevant departments.

4.Meteorological offices and stations shall issue to the community public meteorological forecast and severe weather warning, with timely supplements or corrections added as the weather changes. No other organizations or individuals may issue to the community such forecast or warning.

5.The governments’ meteorological departments shall arrange for climatic feasibility studies relating to city planning, key national construction projects, major regional economic development projects and large projects for the exploitation of climatic resources such as solar and wind energy.