World Meteorological Day is observed every year on March 23 to commemorate the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1950. The day highlights “the essential role that ‘National Meteorological and Hydrological Services’ (NMHS) plays in the safety and wellbeing of the society,” the WMO’s website reads.
To brief both, Meteorology is a field of study that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena, with focus on weather forecasting, and NMHS are key to establishing early warning systems and improved observations. Fundamental to a country’s national infrastructure, NHMS undertakes activities at observing and understanding the weather, thus contributing towards protecting lives, environment, sustainable development, international cooperation among other things, as per the WMO.
Also Read: World Meteorological Organization warns of likely spike in temperatures globally
World Meteorological Day is celebrated based on themes that reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues. As the world reels from the effects of climate change such as threats to crops, water crisis, floods, heatwaves, etc, the ‘World Met Day’ gains even more significance as an opportunity to reflect on our choices for the planet.
WMO – the United Nations authoritative voice on climate, weather and water – has its roots in the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), the idea of which came from the Vienna International Meteorological Congress 1873. This year WMO marked the ‘World Met Day’ based on the theme – ‘the future of weather, climate and water across generations.
The ‘World Met Day 2023’ highlights past achievements, present progress and future potential – from the late 19th century telegraphs and shipping forecasts to supercomputers and space technology, WMO said. As this year marks WMO’s 150th anniversary, the UN body said the occasion was also a reminder of our changing climate.