World Meteorological Organization
World Meteorological Organization is a international organization that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Texas flash floods highlight hazard dangers and warning challenges
The heavy loss of life in the central Texas Hill Country flash floods, when months worth of rain fell in the space of a few hours, highlights the dangers of this major hazard and the challenges in ensuring that early warnings reach those who need them. More than 100 people were confirmed dead and dozens […]
Rising temperatures increase threat of severe droughts, says new WMO report
Global climate predictions show temperatures are expected to continue at or near record levels in the next five years, increasing climate risks and impacts on societies, economies and sustainable development, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO report forecasts that the annually averaged global mean near-surface temperature for each year between […]
World Meteorological Organization releases guidance on tracking and assessing drought impacts
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released the report "Drought Impact Monitoring: Baseline Review of Practices" to address a critical gap: the lack of consolidated guidance on how to track and assess the wide-ranging impacts of drought. The report was released under the banner of the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) – joint WMO and the Global Water […]
WMO strengthens hydrological partnerships with Republic of Korea
WMO has signed a new partnership agreement with the Republic of Korea to strengthen international cooperation in operational hydrology, flood forecasting and water resource management. There is a special focus on capacity development in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo signed two Memorandum of Understanding with Byounghwa […]
WMO issues guidelines on verification of hydrological forecasts
The World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) has issued 2025 Guidelines on the Verification of Hydrological Forecasts (WMO-No. 1364), offering straightforward, scientifically grounded methods to help assess and improve the accuracy of forecasts, improve systems and better serve communities. In response to demand from WMO’s Members, they showcase practical implementation through case studies and visualization tools, all aimed at […]
Glacier melt will unleash avalanche of cascading impacts gat global level
Five of the past six years have witnessed the most rapid glacier retreat on record. 2022-2024 witnessed the largest three-year loss of glacier mass on record. In many regions, what used to be called glaciers’ “eternal ice” will not survive the 21st century, according to reports from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the World […]
Green Climate Fund approves $103 million in financing for early warning systems in seven countries
Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the five-year project will bolster multi-hazard early warning systems in Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Somalia, and directly benefit more than 26 million people. The total budget of $114.6 million includes $11.3 million in co-financing from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), […]
WMO calls for proposals for youth-led projects for flood and drought resilience
For the third consecutive year, WMO is pleased to launch the Global Integrated Flood and Drought Management Competition for Youth-Led Projects. This initiative funds innovative, youth-led solutions that enhance global resilience to water-related hazards and contribute to the Early Warnings for All initiative. Young people are not only victims of climate change – they are […]
UNESCO and WMO Launch the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025
Glaciers and ice sheets store about 70% of the global freshwater Melting ice and glaciers threaten long-term water security In 2023, glaciers suffered the largest mass loss in the five decades of record-keeping