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Climate breaks multiple records in 2016, with global impacts.
Climate change, Climate, Disasters, Meteorology, Greenhouse gases
The year 2016 made history, with a record global temperature, exceptionally low sea ice, and unabated sea level rise and ocean heat, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Extreme weather and climate conditions have continued into 2017. WMO issued its annual statement on the State of the Global Climate ahead of World Meteorological Day on 23 March. It is based on multiple international datasets maintained independently by global climate analysis centres and information submitted by dozens of WMO Members National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and Research...
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WMO determines highest death tolls from tropical cyclones, tornadoes, lightning and hailstorms
Natural hazards, Disasters, Climate
GENEVA 18 May 2017 (WMO) – The World Meteorological Organization has announced « world records » for the highest reported historical death tolls from tropical cyclones, tornadoes, lightning and hailstorms. It marks the first time the official WMO Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes has broadened its scope from temperature and weather records to address the impacts of specific events. The findings were announced just ahead of two major conferences on improving multi-hazard early warning systems and strengthening disaster risk reduction, taking place in Cancun, Mexico from 22 to 26 May and...
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Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference: Saving Lives, Reducing Losses
Disaster risk reduction, Natural hazards, Disasters, Hurricanes
19 May 2017 - Climate change, associated extreme weather and demographic shifts means that record numbers of people are exposed to floods, heatwaves and other hazards. Improved early warning systems and more coordinated disaster risk reduction are therefore more important than ever before. To meet the growing challenges, an international conference will launch a concerted drive to improve warnings for an interlocking range of hazards and to translate these warnings into effective action on the ground.
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Global forum on disaster risk reduction takes place in Mexico
Disaster risk reduction, Disasters, Climate services, Climate change, Natural hazards
The top global forum on preventing and mitigating disaster impacts opened its biennial session on 23 May in the Mexican resort of Cancun with calls for more unified and concerted action against interlocking natural hazards that disrupt the lives of millions of people every year. Climate change, sea level rise, water stress, population growth and rapid urbanization have dramatically increased vulnerability levels. The impacts of natural disasters force an estimated 26 million people into poverty every year and roll back socio-economic development. Improved early warning systems and concerted...
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Haiti's meteorological and hydrological service opens new building
Disaster risk reduction, Disasters, Hurricanes, Environment, Meteorology
Haiti's National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (UHM) has a new headquarters – an important milestone in the drive to improve weather forecasts and warnings, and build resilience to tropical cyclones, floods and other hazards. The new building was inaugurated at a high-level ceremony on 26 May. It is constructed to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes, enabling operations to continue during extreme events when services are most needed. Solar panels will power daily activities and will provide a back-up against electricity outages.
Radio frequencies are vital for weather, water and climate monitoring and prediction
Satellite, Information
Geneva 23 October (WMO) - The recent spate of devastating tropical cyclones and fires has once again demonstrated the life-saving importance of weather forecasts and disaster warnings, which are critically dependent on radio frequency bands used around the clock by meteorological services.
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2017 is set to be in top three hottest years, with record-breaking extreme weather
Climate, Climate change, Disasters, Floods, Public health, Hurricanes
WMO report highlights impacts on human safety, well-being and environment 6 November 2017 (WMO) - It is very likely that 2017 will be one of the three hottest years on record, with many high-impact events including catastrophic hurricanes and floods, debilitating heatwaves and drought. Long-term indicators of climate change such as increasing carbon dioxide concentrations, sea level rise and ocean acidification continue unabated. Arctic sea ice coverage remains below average and previously stable Antarctic sea ice extent was at or near a record low.
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Global Review of Regional Climate Outlook Forums is underway
Climate services, Information, GFCS
Publish Date: 5 September 2017
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is undertaking a global review of Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) which make seasonal predictions of rainfall and temperatures on regional and help national planning in key sectors like agriculture, health, energy and water management. The review workshop will determine how to improve the process of creating, interpreting and disseminating regional climate outlooks to better serve the needs of society. It takes place at the International Research Centre on El Niño in Guayaquil, Ecuador from 5-7 September 2017.
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World Weather Information Service website is revamped
Information, Weather
Publish Date: 24 August 2017
A new, improved version of the World Meteorological Organization World Weather Information Service (WWIS) website has been launched. It is enhanced with more content, including current weather, times of sunrise and sunset for world cities, as well as global satellite imagery. It also features a new user interface and more responsive web design that provides a better search and browsing experience.