Meeting on Climate Watch Advisory and Seasonal Forecast Integration in RA VI
A follow-up meeting on the Climate Watch Advisory initiative was held on 20 June 2025, continuing efforts to strengthen early warning services across WMO Regional Association VI. The session focused on two key areas: capacity building and resource mobilization.
One of the main outcomes was the in-principle agreement to launch a pilot project under the Mediterranean Climate Outlook Forum (MEDCOF), subject of reconfirmation by the MEDCOF Community. This pilot will test practical, scalable Climate Watch tools using platforms like Copernicus JupyterLab, helping countries develop and share regional climate products more effectively.
Enhancing national capacity was identified as a top priority. Participants highlighted the need for tailored training to support National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in interpreting forecasts, managing uncertainty, and applying information in decision-making processes.
The group also discussed the importance of improving access to and use of sub-seasonal and seasonal data. Strengthening data integration is essential to ensure climate information can support more actionable and timely services. Resource sustainability was also addressed, particularly the challenge of transitioning from pilot activities to operational services.
Examples from other regions were shared as inspiration. These included NEACOF’s collaboration with ESCAP in Asia and Met Norway’s partnership with Statnett, both of which demonstrated how targeted cooperation can improve service delivery and institutional resilience.
A virtual coordination meeting is planned for September 2025 to review progress on the Lisbon roadmap, and exchange updates across RCCs and RCOFs, including MEDCOF with the reconfirmation of the next steps for the pilot project.
The meeting closed with a reaffirmed commitment to practical, step-by-step progress. Through focused pilots, strategic partnerships, and tailored support, RA VI continues to strengthen the foundation for more integrated and user-oriented climate services.