Shared Guidance and Resources from the WMO-CGMS VLab to Support the Early Warnings for All Initiative

The efforts presented in this session demonstrate the influence of many interconnected communities that have worked together over the past 25 years. These communities connect through the activities of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS). Two groups of particular importance include the Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) and the Satellite Data Requirements Group (SDR). In the early 2000s, both of these groups recognized the importance of adequate access and display of satellite imagery and products, and adequate training to use the imagery and products to improve weather forecasts for the public. A long-term goal of VLab is “Globally share knowledge, experience, methods, and tools related to access and usage of satellite data, especially in support of WMO Members that have limited resources.” Objectives that support this include:

1) Transfer the improved scientific understanding and technological advances that can lead to enhanced National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), and the evolution of the services they provide.

2) Promote the uptake of satellite data in research and institutions.

3) Respond to new and emerging service demands for weather, water and climate. These include impact-based decision support services (IDSS) and the application of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) in support of marine and land applications.

Along the way and with the help of the Social Sciences, we also recognize the importance of communicating an appropriate message to the public.

As a follow-on to the training developed under the Early Warning for All Project, we expand on other available formal and informal resources to reinforce the training developed and provide a community of learning and practice to support one another.