“World Meteorological Day” takes place each year on 23rd March and remembers the coming into power on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention building up the World Meteorological Organization. This organization announces a slogan for “World Meteorology Day” every year, and this day is celebrated in all member countries. It is an annual event that is commemorated annually by nearly 191 members of the meteorological organization worldwide as well as the meteorological communities worldwide using a specific theme of the year chosen to commemorate the creation of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to keep a constant eye on the weather and environment for a better life and future.
The day also highlights the contribution to the protection and well-being of society rendered by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. It showcases the important contribution to the protection and well-being of society of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and is celebrated with events around the world. Topical weather, environment, or water-related issues represent the themes chosen for World Meteorological Day. On or about March 23, the United Nations (UN) World Meteorological Day is held annually to commemorate the founding of the World Meteorological Organization on that date in 1950. For this day, several different activities and events are planned.
On the occasion of a discussion at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva, a number of dignitaries, environmentalists and scientists took part and discussed the challenges of climate change. Award facilitation was also carried out on the day for individuals who contributed to public safety during natural calamities. Seminars, discussions, and talks were held that highlighted the value of meteorology and how it helped to predict natural disasters and save people’s lives around the world. On or similar to “World Meteorological Day,” several awards for meteorological research are given or announced. These prizes include:
- The International Meteorological Organization Prize.
- Professor Dr. Vilho Väisälä Award.
- The Norbert Gerbier-Mumm International Award.
It was first developed and originated in 1873 at the International Meteorological Congress in Vienna, Austria, by the International Meteorological Organization. To celebrate World Meteorological Day, several countries issue postage stamps or special postage stamp cancellation tags. These stamps often reflect the event’s theme or mark a country’s meteorology achievements. Whereas, in the year 1950, the World Meteorological Organization was first established on 23 March and became the United Nations’ specialist meteorological agency to operate the weather and climate from one place and to conduct operational hydrology, including all relevant geophysical sciences.
World Meteorological Day is not a public holiday, but a global observance. In contributing to people’s protection and health, the World Meteorological Organization plays a crucial role. In providing food protection, water supplies, and transport, their work is critical. Since 1961, World Meteorological Day has been observed each year on March 23. The World Meteorological Organization’s policies are decided by the meeting of the World Meteorological Congress every four years in the presence of every WMO member country. The progression of the framework is; Permanent Representative turns into a chief at National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Service, Executive Council to apply the strategies by Congress choices, 6 provincial relationships to address the local concerns, 8 specialized commissions to deal with specialized suggestions, Secretary-General to lead the secretariat and deal with the WMO exercises with the assistance of standard staffs.
World Meteorological Day’s recent themes have been:
- Climate and Water, 23rd March 2020
- The Sun, the Earth and the Weather, 23rd March 2019.
- Weather-ready, climate-smart, 23rd March 2018.
- Understanding clouds, 23rd March 2017.
- Hotter, drier, wetter – Face the future, 23rd March 2016.
- Climate knowledge for Climate Action, 23rd March 2015.
- Weather and Climate: Engaging youth, 23rd March 2014.
- Watching the weather to protect life and property: Celebrating 50 years of World Weather Watch, 23rd March 2013
- Powering our future with weather, climate, and water, 23rd March 2012.
- Climate for you, 23rd March 2011.
- 60 years of service for your safety and well-being (2010).
- Weather, climate, and the air we breathe (2009).
- Observing our planet for a better future (2008).
- Polar Meteorology: Understanding global impacts (2007).
- Preventing and mitigating natural disasters (2006).
- Weather, climate, water, and sustainable development (2005).
- Weather, climate, water in the information age (2004).
- Our future climate (2003).
For World Meteorological Day, a new theme is assigned to each individual year. On a dedicated website at the WMO, all previous themes are listed. WMO is active in hydrological, meteorological, climatological, and geophysical research and training programs to provide protection for individuals around the world from natural disasters and human-induced disasters (like a forest fire, chemical or nuclear accidents, volcanic ash, and etc). Its leading role in making an international effort through its numerous programs initiated to closely track and protect environmental disasters is truly impressive.
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