World Weather Watch Program (Invited Presentation)

.The World Weather Watch (WWW) is a global observing and services system that integrates the efforts of 179 nations and 6 territories. Increased requirements for atmospheric data and information coupled with recent improvements in technology have suggested that the WWW could be more effective. The increased effectiveness will result from planed changes in the Basic Systems that include Global Observing, Global Telecommunications, and Global Data Processing. During 1998 and 1999 continuing consultations and implementation co-ordination meetings were held with WMO experts and members to plan upgrades to the entire WWW. Results of these sessions are presented in terms of advances in the WWW, particularly with respect to a requirement setting process, integrated global observing, managed telecommunications and data quality, and regional specialised meteorological services. Specific initiatives discussed include a new composite upper air network, conversion of analogue to digital telecommunications, and increased use of new code forms for data and product exchange