Meeting of RA VI RCC Coordination Team and RA VI RCOF Coordinators
The RA VI RCC Coordination Team and RCOF Coordinators held a meeting on April 17, 2024, chaired by Stefan Rösner, the RA VI RCC Coordinator, with facilitation by the WMO Secretariat. The meeting focused on two primary topics: enhancing Climate Watch Advisories (CWAs) through seasonal forecasting and preparing for the RCC Users’ Forum scheduled for Autumn 2024.
This meeting was a follow-up to the actions agreed at the 2020 RCC Users’ Forum. It brought together 14 participants, including four WMO Secretariat officers.
Brief updates on the RA VI RCC Users’ Forum planning were provided, emphasizing logistical and agenda considerations.
The meeting focused on the significance of seasonal forecasting in enhancing Climate Watch Advisories. Peter Bissolli, the RA VI RCC Climate Monitoring Node Lead presented an overview, emphasizing the potential collaboration between Climate Watch Advisories and Climate Outlooks. Discussions highlighted challenges such as limited skill in seasonal forecasting over RA VI, the need for caution in delivering messages perceived as warnings, and the complexities of conveying consistent messages.
Participants discussed potential collaboration opportunities, including integrating sub-seasonal forecasts into seasonal outlooks and developing climate indices to enhance advisory content. The importance of aligning efforts with existing RA VI mechanisms and involving stakeholders like research groups, regional training centers, the RCC User Forum and the RA VI Scientific Forum was emphasized.
Key points included the need for a comprehensive approach considering reliability, consistency, and technical considerations. Resource requirements, including financial and human resources, were highlighted, along with the importance of structured planning and staged implementation. Collaboration with modeling groups and external expert teams under the WMO Services Commission was proposed to leverage expertise and resources effectively.
The meeting concluded with plans to assess current resources, initiate dialogue with modeling groups, draft a concept note for the development of a potential project description for further review and feedback. Overall, while acknowledging the complexity and resource requirements, participants expressed a commitment to advancing collaboration in enhancing Climate Watch Advisories through seasonal forecasting.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for participants’ contributions and a commitment to follow up on action items promptly.