New Delhi: Every year March 23 is celebrated as World Meteorological Day to commemorate the coming into force of the convention that set up the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950.
WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, which is dedicated to international cooperation and coordination on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources.
WMO also facilitates and coordinates an Earth system approach to the gathering and free exchange of observations, promotion and integration of research, and the development and delivery of services in the areas of weather, climate, and water.
The World Meteorological Day intends to showcase the contribution of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and well-being of people across the world.
Theme
Since 1961, World Meteorological Day is celebrated with a different theme every year. The themes chosen are topical weather, climate, or water-related issues. The theme this year is titled ‘early warning and early action.’
Significance
As per the World Meteorological Organization, the forecast of what the weather will be like is not enough in today’s world. Rather, impact-based forecasts of what the weather will do are vital to saving lives and livelihoods.
It believes that greater coordination between national meteorological and hydrological services, disaster management authorities and development agencies is fundamental to better prevention, preparedness and response.
“Being prepared and able to act at the right time, in the right place, can save many lives and protect the livelihoods of communities everywhere, both now and in the future,” says the organization.