The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.
It originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873. Established in 1950, WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations in 1951 for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
Weather, climate and the water cycle know no national boundaries. As the platform for international cooperation; and using various measurement sources: in-situ, space based and oceanic, WMO coordinates efforts to collect information on weather, climate, water and the atmosphere and to ensure that such information is of high quality and made widely and freely available. Such coordination encompasses the observation networks, data processing and analysis and exchange of information on weather, climate and water worldwide through the national meteorological and hydrological services of its 189 Member States and Territories. It promotes the standardization of such information and the uniform publication of weather and climate records and statistics. The progress made in observation and information exchange, Data analysis and modelling has underpinned the phenomenal improvement in the quality of forecasts.
WMO data provide the basis for better forewarning of severe weather and extreme climate events such as tropical cyclones, El Niño, floods, heat waves, cold waves, droughts and other natural hazards, contributing to saving both lives and property, and improving our understanding and monitoring of the climate system and environment. WMO has drawn attention to issues of major concern, such as ozone layer depletion, global warming, climate change and diminishing water resources.
WMO enhances the application of meteorological and hydrological information for the security and well-being of society. Such information is crucial for addressing major challenges such as food security, water resources management, reduction of pollution, decision-making related to the health sector, transport, tourism among others.
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Contact details:
World Meteorological Organization
Observing and Information System Department
WMO Information System Branch / Data Management Application Division
Avenue de la Paix, 7bis
Case Postale 2300
CH-1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 730 81 11
Fax: +41 22 730 81 81
Website:
www.wmo.int