PURPOSE: Every 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization commemorates the coming into force of the Convention establishing the Organization on this day in 1950. The  World Meteorological Day showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world. The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues.As a result of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, the average global temperature is now more than 1° Celsius higher today compared to 150 years ago. Our weather is more extreme, our ocean is warmer and more acidic, sea levels have risen and glaciers and ice are melting. The rate of change is accelerating. We need urgent action now to slash emissions and to ensure that future generations can both survive and thrive on our planet. The good news is that rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Big data is being exchanged more freely among a wider community than ever before, and there are new tools including machine learning and Artificial Intelligence.  There has been significant progress to monitor, simulate and project the global climate to support decision-making. Our weather, climate and water cycle will be different in future than in the past. Weather, climate and hydrological services will help us tackle the associated challenges and seize the opportunities. Forecasts of what the weather will be are no longer enough. Impact-based forecasts that inform the public of what the weather will DO are vital to save lives and livelihoods. Yet one in three people are still not adequately covered by early warning systems.

FORUM: ''Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.'' World Meteorological Day 2025. For over 75 years, WMO has been a global leader in Earth system science—an integrated approach that connects weather, climate, water, and the environment. Understanding and predicting these complex interactions is critical to building effective early warning systems. While forecasting capabilities have advanced significantly, gaps remain in observation networks, forecasting accuracy, and access to high-quality climate and hydrological data. Strengthening National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in developing nations is not only vital for climate adaptation—it is essential for global resilience, security, and economic stability. As the UN’s specialized agency for weather, climate, and water, WMO continues to harness the power of partnerships through its network of 193 Member States and Territories. Now is the time to act. By closing the early warning gap together, we can build a safer, more resilient world. Innovation and technology are central to achieving the Early Warnings for All mission. By integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and expanding access to data-driven solutions, we are improving the accuracy and effectiveness of early warning systems. These advancements help countries reduce risks, protect lives, and build resilience. Progress is underway. Greater access to climate and hydrological data, combined with emerging technologies, is transforming how early warnings are delivered. This shift moves us from basic forecasts to actionable information that communities can trust and act on. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovations are already making a difference:

• Flood forecasting models: AI-powered models enhance Weather forecasting accuracy and provide timely alerts, helping communities prepare for potential impacts.

• Data rescue for climate records: Digitizing and preserving historical climate records improves long-term prediction accuracy and strengthens resilience planning.

• Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF): Shifting from forecasting “what the weather will be” to “what the weather will do” enables decision-makers to focus on reducing risks and protecting communities.

• Advanced dashboards: Tools such as the Hydrology Dashboard and the Global Observatory for Early Warning System Investments provide real-time data and insights, supporting smarter planning and decision-making at national and regional levels.

Partnerships are key to scaling these innovations. WMO collaborates with governments, technology providers, and research institutions to integrate these solutions into national systems. Together, we are harnessing innovation to ensure early warnings reach those who need them most—helping to build a safer, more resilient world. Early warnings save lives—but only if they reach people in time and in a way they can act on. That’s why Early Warnings for All focuses on strengthening national capacities and fostering collaboration at every level, ensuring that early warning systems are effective from global to local scales. No country can tackle these challenges alone. Forecasting hazards requires international cooperation, with data shared across regions and transformed into actionable warnings by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). But warnings must go beyond forecasts—they must be clear, accessible, and linked to early action so that people and communities know how to respond when hazards approach. WMO’s Regional Specialized Centres play a key role in this effort, providing region-specific expertise and guidance to support NMHSs. These centres enhance national early warning systems and facilitate cross-border cooperation, ensuring consistency and accuracy across regions. Peer-to-peer collaboration is also essential. By creating opportunities for countries to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices, WMO helps strengthen early warning services, enabling countries to protect more lives. Together, through partnerships, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing, we are helping governments strengthen their early warning services, ensuring that alerts are trusted, actionable, and reach those who need them most. For every dollar invested, early warning services deliver a tenfold return—reducing losses, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring economic stability. Achieving the Early Warnings for All goal by 2027 requires coordinated action, streamlined financing, and a focus on long-term impact. Our Shared Priorities

• Strengthen the entire value chain of multi-hazard early warning systems to ensure sustainable solutions.

• Minimize duplication by scaling up existing mechanisms such as the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF).

• Integrate early warning systems into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to secure climate finance aligned with national priorities.

• Support countries in accessing climate finance by positioning National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) as key players in national climate strategies.

Together, we can bridge the early warning financing gap and ensure that every country has the resources needed to build resilience and protect communities from the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate change. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldMetDay, #ClimateAction, #23March, #Meteorology, #Climatology, #Hydrology, #weather.

EVENTS: On March 23rd from 15:00 to 17:00 P.M. (GMT); The High-level panel discussion to mark the World Meteorological Day 2025 will take place at the WMO HQ. Participants will debate on the theme “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”. Together, we can bridge the early warning financing gap and ensure that every country has the resources needed to build resilience and protect communities from the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate change. Join us for the global celebration, which will be broadcast live. Register to participate!

MEETINGS: Get the dates of the WMO Upcoming conferences, seminars and workshops!

PUBLICATIONS: The state of the climate and water resources, provides scientific information to inform greenhouse gas emissions reductions and delivers climate services and early warnings to support climate adaptation. Science is central to solutions and can supercharge progress on the SDGs across the board. We are united in science.

STATEMENTS

• Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on World Meteorological Day 2025; March 23rd.

• “Ensuring that every person on Earth is protected by early warnings is a global challenge that will require the combined efforts of the public and private sectors. WMO is committed to ensuring that everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals—has access to accurate, science-based information. “Statement from the WMO Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo on the occasion of the World Meteorological Day 2025; March 23rd.

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