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March 23, 2025, marked the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a United Nations specialized agency focused on weather, climate, and water resource management. The WMO has been pivotal in advancing global forecasting systems and ensuring the free exchange of meteorological data, which has significantly contributed to economic stability, public safety, and disaster preparedness worldwide.

The WMO's role extends beyond just weather forecasting, with its contributions impacting sectors ranging from agriculture to infrastructure. Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, emphasized the organization's role in "making the world safer, more secure, and prosperous" through science and data-driven action. Saulo’s remarks came during the observance of World Meteorological Day, whose theme this year is "Closing the Early Warning Gap Together."

The Need for Investment in Meteorological Services

Despite significant advancements in weather forecasting, gaps remain in global data networks and the accessibility of high-quality climate and hydrological information, particularly in developing countries. WMO’s continued efforts aim to address these disparities, stressing the importance of investing in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to enhance resilience and foster climate adaptation worldwide.

According to WMO, global economic losses from weather, climate, and water-related hazards between 1970 and 2021 reached a staggering $4.3 trillion, with more than 2 million lives lost. While economic costs continue to rise, improvements in early warning systems have contributed to a reduction in fatalities. WMO’s initiatives, including the UN Secretary-General’s "Early Warnings for All" program, seek to ensure that by 2027, all people have access to multi-hazard early warning systems, with a particular focus on reaching vulnerable communities.

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Technological Advances and Future Challenges

Technological advancements, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), are expected to revolutionize weather forecasting in the coming years. However, the WMO stresses that closing existing gaps in data and observation networks is essential to ensuring that these innovations benefit all nations, particularly those with limited resources.

As of 2024, 108 countries have established some capacity for multi-hazard early warning systems, more than double the number reported in 2015. The WMO is working to expand support beyond the initial 30 focus countries, in partnership with multilateral organizations, development banks, and climate funds. The organization's call to action urges governments, businesses, and communities to collaborate on scaling up resources, fostering innovation, and securing greater financial investments to enhance early warning capabilities globally.

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