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SatMar 23

World Meteorological Day – March 23, 2024

With today’s technology, it’s hard to imagine a time when we didn’t know what the weather was going to be like. Instead of having a five-day forecast right on your weather app, you had to read wind patterns for weeks if you wanted to know whether you needed a rain jacket or a light sweater. That’s why, on March 23, we celebrate the World Meteorological Organization, an international organization that collects data from all over the world to help us better understand the weather and its impact on our lives.

World Meteorological Day timeline

1873
The First Weather Organization Formed

The International Meteorological association is formed to exchange information about weather across national borders.

March 23, 1950
WMO Gets Its Name

The International Meteorological Organization becomes the World Meteorological Organization, which it still is today.

March 23, 1961
The WMO Gains Recognition

The first World Meteorological Day is observed, on the anniversary of the organization’s creation.

2017
Not Just Fluffs

The theme for World Meteorological Day is 'Understanding Clouds.'

How to Observe World Meteorological Day

  1. Watch your local weather channel

    It’s always a good idea to know what the weather’s going to be like in your area. This World Meteorological Day, however, get to know the people who make these forecasts possible. Your local meteorologist is a vital part of your community.

  2. Download the WMO calendar

    Every year, the WMO holds a photo contest and features the winners in their annual calendars. Check for the calendar when it's released— the photos showcase just how stunning weather can be. Best of all, the calendar is available on the WMO website for free download.

  3. Help disaster relief organizations

    Early warnings save countless lives but, unfortunately, they are not always enough. Storms can do millions of dollars of damage in a few hours and sometimes recovery is slow. Get in touch with your local Red Cross to find out how you can help those in need by volunteering or donating.

Why World Meteorological Day is Important

  1. It helps us plan our whole days

    Without the data collected by the World Meteorological Organization, it would be impossible to get accurate daily weather forecasts. Most people plan their whole day — from how to dress to what to do — around what the weatherman says. A world with no weather forecasts is a world with a lot more ruined picnics.

  2. It tracks climate damage

    The World Meteorological Organization is about more than just weather. They detect and monitor changes in climate. This can range from changing sea levels, fluctuations in temperature, and rising levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This information is crucial to our understanding of the climate change crises.

  3. They warn us about natural disasters

    Natural disasters are, well, disastrous, but they would be much worse if we couldn’t track the storm for days before it strikes. Because of the WMO, we are able to predict huge storms with enough time for people to evacuate the area, or at least make the necessary storm preparations.

World Meteorological Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 23Saturday
2025March 23Sunday
2026March 23Monday
2027March 23Tuesday
2028March 23Thursday

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