The Impact of Regional Focus Group (RFG) Activities on the Use of Current Satellite Data and Images by Meteorological Personnel with Implications for New Satellite Use

In support of the continuing professional development for operational meteorologists, members of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) launched virtual monthly Regional Focus Group (RFG) weather discussions for Central and South America and the Caribbean in March 2004.  The goals for the sessions centered on regular exposure to satellite image interpretation to enhance confidence in use, motivate the frequent use of satellite imagery in the forecast process, and provide a means to obtain knowledge about new satellite products and applications.  The sessions are still an effective means to obtain these goals. 

Over the years, there has been participation from more than 36 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.  On average during the past two years, 29 individuals from 11 different countries participate each month.  The sessions are bi-lingual, in English and Spanish, and include a leader and a moderator.  The sessions present a range of benefits to not only the operational forecaster, but also the student, researcher, educator/trainer, and manager. There are additional benefits of linking formal in-person training to continuous virtual training.  Preliminary results of a survey on the impact of RFG activities on the use of satellite data and images by meteorological personnel will be shared.