World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day History

World Meteorological Day seeks to highlight the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services for the safety and well-being of society. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to fall in line with current global and regional climate issues. These themes have encompassed various aspects, such as climate change, water scarcity, natural disasters, and exploration of weather phenomena. It aims to affirm the importance of meteorology in predicting weather and climate patterns and making informed decisions that safeguard life, property, and the environment.

The inception of World Meteorological Day dates back to 1950 when WMO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, was instituted. Over the years, the significance of this observance has increased in countries like India. This is due to India's diverse climate, prone to extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, and droughts. Proper meteorological predictions are vital for India as they empower local communities, agricultural sectors, fishermen, etc., offering them the ability to prepare and adapt accordingly. Issues like persistent air pollution and the strong impact of climate change on India make World Meteorological Day an imperative observance, serving as a reminder to promote sustainable practices.

In India, World Meteorological Day is marked with numerous activities to create awareness and guide behavioural change. Educational institutions, governmental organisations and meteorological agencies conduct seminars, lectures, and awareness programmes highlighting the relevance of the year's theme. Occasionally, awards and recognitions are given to individuals or organisations for their contributions in the field of meteorology. World Meteorological Day is observed every year on the 23rd of March.

Facts about World Meteorological Day

• The theme for World Meteorological Day in 2024 was At the frontline of climate action. The theme in 2023 was The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations.
• According to the United Nations, the worlds current population expected to surpass 8 billion in 2022, but is expected to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, and 10.4 billion by 2080.
• According to UNICEF, about 700 million people around the world could be displaced due to intense water scarcity by 2030.
• agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster risk reduction in India.
  The WMO and IMD work together to tackle challenges related to climate change. They focus on enhancing the understanding of climate variability, improving climate predictions, and developing climate scenario-based risk management strategies.
• The IMD operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and is one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization. Its primary function is reporting and forecasting weather events over the Indian region and a large part of the Indian Ocean.

In the News and Trending in India for World Meteorological Day

Top things to do in India for World Meteorological Day

• Explore the online World Meteorological Organization Library. View reports and publications about the climate and what can be done to save it.
• Visit the IMD Museum in Pune: Known as Monsoon Museum, it has a wide display of old instruments, their evolution, and a compendium of meteorological observations.
• Read a book to learn more about Meteorology in India:
  Monsoon Diary: A Memoir with Recipes - by Shoba Narayan
  Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power - by Robert D. Kaplan