“Targeted observations” refers to the selection of additional, specially chosen observations to be assimilated into operational numerical weather prediction models. Observation locations are chosen in order to improve forecasts of high-impact weather events of importance to society. Examples include dropwindsondes launched from aircraft or balloons, additional rawinsonde ascents, remotely sensed observations, and the inclusion of enhanced regular satellite observations (such as radiances or winds) that may normally be excluded from data assimilation due to routine thinning or quality control procedures. As a consequence of many field campaigns worldwide during the past decade, advancements have been made in the development of objective strategies for targeting observations, and in quantitative evaluations of the impact of assimilating these extra observations on numerical weather predictions. The successes and shortcomings of these efforts are summarized here. Based primarily on a review by the WMO / THORPEX Data Assimilation and Observing Systems Working Group, recommendations are made to the community for the use of targeted observations in the future to maximize the impact on forecasts.