13 November 2009: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) held a Regional Workshop on Climate Monitoring and Analysis of Climate Variability for Regional Association II (Asia) from 10-13 November 2009, in Beijing, at the China Meteorological Administration. The workshop was coordinated through the WMO World Climate Data and Monitoring Division and sponsored through its Education and Training Programme.
The workshop addressed the implementation of climate watches in the region, with a focus on the monsoon-affected sub-region of Asia. “Climate watches” refer to advisories to inform users, particularly those involved in natural hazards preparedness, mitigation and response, about evolving or foreseen climate anomalies at the regional and national levels, thus allowing them to make informed decisions. Workshop participants discussed these climate watches in the context of the Global Framework for Climate Services, established at the third World Climate Conference, which took place from 31 August-4 September 2009. The ultimate goal of the workshop was to ensure that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and regional climate institutions make use of best practices in delivery, provision and evaluation of climate watches, and to efficiently manage interaction among regional institutions, NMHSs and end users.[WMO Press Release]