Participation in monthly satellite weather briefings via the Internet has become something to look forward to in many countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It has become a relatively easy and inexpensive way to simultaneously connect people from as many as 24 different countries, view satellite imagery, and share information on global, regional, and local weather patterns, hurricanes, severe weather, flooding, and even volcanic eruptions. Forecasters and researchers are able to “build capacity” by being able to readily communicate with others in their discipline from different countries and discuss the impacts of their forecasts or impacts of broad reaching phenomena such as El Niño.

The idea for the satellite weather briefings was born at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Satellite Training Workshop held in Barbados in December 2003. At that time, a WMO Virtual Laboratory Focus Group was formed with support from the U.S. through the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), the Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training (VISIT), and the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). Internationally, the Regional Meteorological Training Centers of Excellence in Costa Rica and Barbados have significantly contributed to success of the satellite weather briefings by attracting participants.

A VISITview server at CIRA provides the framework and real-time geostationary and polar orbiting imagery and products for viewing, while voice-over-Internet provides the conversation. NOAA's International Desk at the National Center for Environmental Prediction provides invaluable guidance (in both English and Spanish). These sessions have proven to be a very powerful training tool. People learn how to use new and existing satellite products in real time situations.

The weather briefings have been highly successful, but they have also had their share of challenges – particularly in connecting so many people from many different countries with varying Internet bandwidth capabilities. This presentation will give an overview of the invaluable contributions from the various supporting agencies and the participants themselves, as well as the challenges and solutions to date. It is amazing to see how patient, persistent, and understanding people can be when it comes to participation in a discussion that is important for improving the work they do and benefiting the communities that they live in.