World meteorological Day being observed today

Kathmandu, March 23: The World Meteorological Day is being observed by organising a variety of activities across the world, including in Nepal.    

The day is observed at the initiative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) commemorating the coming into force of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization on 23 March 1950. It 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 theme for World Meteorological Day 2025 is "Closing the early warning gap together".    

Issuing a statement President of WMO, Dr Abdulla Al Mandous has urged all WMO Members to intensify their efforts and achieve significant progress in closing the early warning gap together. "Through enhanced collaboration, innovation, and commitment, we can build a safer and more resilient world for all," reads the statement.    

Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization. The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Early warnings for all make economic sense. On a global scale, every US dollar invested in early warnings is estimated to result in 9 US dollars in net economic benefits, says the WMO.    

It may be noted that the WMO recently confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record. Changes in our environment are driving more extreme weather events. Rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones, devastating rainfall, storm surges, flooding, deadly droughts, and wildfires are on the rise.

Sea levels are increasing, exposing densely populated coastal areas to coastal inundation and ocean wave impacts. The societal effects of these events continue long after the headlines fade.   (RSS)