World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day falls on 23 March every year. It was on this day the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization took place on 23 March 1950. The day also calls attention to the contribution that the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services make for the protection and welfare of the society.

The theme of World Meterological Day, 2022 is “Early Warning and Early Action” which zero in on the key importance of Hydrometeorological and Climate Information for the reduction of Disaster Risks.

As a result of climate change, environmental degradation and increasing urbanization, the intensity and extremity of weather, climate and water has been increased globally, causing many related hazards to evolve. Also, the recent pandemic has increased the challenges being faced by the society. It has been understood that in our inter-connected world, we need to embrace a truly multi-hazard, cross-border approach to make progress towards global goals on climate action, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. Nowadays, only weather forecasts are no longer enough. These days such impact-based forecasts are necessary which inform the people of how the weather would impact their lives. The need of the time is that the national meterological and hydrological services, disaster management authorities and development agencies should co-ordinate properly for preventing, preparing and responding to risks and calamities.

If the community is well-prepared to combat the natural disasters, many lives and livelihoods of communities could be protected, both now and in the years to come.