World Meteorological Day – March 23

Weather and climate know no national borders. The transformation of the International Meteorological Organization into the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950 was therefore an essential response to the need for strengthening global cooperation in this scientific area.

WMO’s aim: to reduce the loss of life and property caused by disasters and other catastrophic events related to weather, climate and water, as well as to advance the universal goal of sustainable development and safeguard the environment and the climate for present and future generations.

In 1960, the Executive Council of WMO established World Meteorological Day to build public awareness of the services provided by National Meteorological Services and WMO. These services involve the observation, collection, processing and dissemination of meteorological, hydrological and other related data and products. Each year, on 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization, its 191 Members and the world wide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day around a chosen theme. This day commemorates the entry into force, on that date in 1950, of the WMO Convention creating the Organization. Subsequently, in 1951, WMO was designated a specialized agency of the United Nations System.

The 2013 World Meteorological Day theme is “Watching the weather to protect life and property,” with the subtitle “Celebrating 50 Years of the World Weather Watch”

http://www.wmo.int/worldmetday/