The WPC International Desks: Trainings on Weather and Climate Forecasting since 1988

Under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the sponsorship of the US Government, the US National Weather Service hosts a training program on operational weather and climate forecasting for meteorologists from WMO regions III and IV.  Depending on their needs, they can train at either the South American or the Tropical Desks.  During the four-month long attachment to the desks, the visiting scientists are exposed to forecasting techniques and tools used by the NWS, and how can they be applied to their regions of responsibility.  The students learn to generate experimental analysis and forecast products that are made available via web and the GTS.  They also work on a short case study of relevance, and assist the instructors with the training of their peers.  The Desks also support the community by conducting ~2-3 on-site workshops per year; developing relevant research projects and applying them to operations; facilitating forecasting tools; and developing educational material to prepare the region for the GOES-R transition.