The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a founding member of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, has released the 2024 Hydromet Gap Report, revealing critical deficiencies in hydrometeorological services (hydromet) across Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The report, launched during the 8th SOFF Steering Committee meeting, underscores the severe impact of these gaps on climate adaptation and resilience efforts, with significant implications for sustainable development and disaster preparedness.
Key Findings
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of hydromet services in 20 countries, highlighting the following critical gaps:
- Weak Observational Infrastructure: Many National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) face coverage gaps, with a significant portion of stations inoperable and difficulties in maintaining automatic weather stations. Data quality issues are prevalent.
- Insufficient Data Collection and Sharing: Despite positive trends, large data gaps persist, especially in Africa and the Pacific islands. Limited training, technical resources, and internet connectivity hamper service quality.
- Low Data Quality and Availability: Challenges in data transmission and the lack of centralized, automated data management systems are common. Inadequate information and communication technologies infrastructure contribute to these issues.
- Under-resourced and Under-staffed NMHS: A shortage of qualified personnel and financial resources exacerbates service gaps.
- Inadequate Early Warning Systems: None of the assessed NMHS fully implement impact-based forecasting. Common issues include the lack of standard alerting procedures, 24/7 alert services, and integrated multi-hazard early warning systems.
Impacts and Recommendations
The report emphasizes that these deficiencies hinder the effective provision of high-quality weather, climate, hydrological, and related environmental services, which are crucial for disaster preparedness and economic stability. Improved forecasts and timely dissemination of information can save lives and reduce economic losses, aligning with the goals of the Early Warnings for All Initiative.
H.E. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, highlighted the foundational role of hydromet services in economic prosperity and resilient development, noting substantial challenges in delivering these services effectively.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, stressed the intersection of inequality and climate change as a crisis, noting that the report identifies where assistance and political support are most needed. “The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is an innovative financing mechanism that supports countries with the most severe shortfalls in basic weather and climate observations,” Saulo added.
Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the urgent need for climate-focused investments in developing countries, as identified by the report.
To address these challenges, the report recommends:
- Implementing Sustainable Solutions: Develop context-responsive, cost-effective solutions and close the information and communication technology gap.
- Promulgating Appropriate Legislation: Establish governance mechanisms for hydrometeorological and multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS)-relevant services.
- Fostering Cross-Sectoral Relationships: Enhance collaboration among national stakeholders and service users.
- Building In-house Expertise: Provide in-situ training to produce tailored services.
- Supporting Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional technical cooperation frameworks.
The Alliance for Hydromet Development plans to expand SOFF to other parts of the hydromet value chain in support of the Early Warnings for All Initiative, aiming for comprehensive early warning systems globally by 2027.
Conclusion
The 2024 Hydromet Gap Report highlights the critical need for enhanced hydrometeorological services to support climate adaptation and resilience in vulnerable nations. Coordinated support from governments and development partners is essential to close these gaps, improve early warning systems, and achieve sustainable development goals.
For more information, please refer to the full report published in Weather and Climate Extremes.