MUSCAT : This year’s theme, ‘Closing the early warning gap together’, focuses on mitigating the impacts of tropical cyclones, severe storms, and floods.

World Meteorological Day commemorates the entry into force of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Convention in 1950, which has since played a pivotal role in advancing weather forecasting and climate science worldwide. This year’s observance comes after the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, highlighting the urgent need to address the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the WMO, remarked on the significant contributions over the past 75 years, noting the billions of dollars saved by avoiding economic losses related to weather, climate, and water risks, along with the lives saved. She emphasized that the WMO is essential to global weather forecasting and climate resilience.

UN Secretary General António Guterres also emphasized the importance of early warning systems. He highlighted the ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative, which aims to protect communities through a global early warning system by 2027. Guterres called for intensified global efforts and investments to ensure that all nations have the tools to address the escalating threats of climate change.

The initiative’s next phase will focus on expanding the scope of early warning systems globally, enhancing regional collaborations, and fostering national ownership of disaster resilience programs. It aims to ensure that every country is equipped with the resources needed to protect communities and build resilience against extreme weather events.

Since joining the WMO in 1975, Oman has been an active participant in global meteorological cooperation. The Sultanate has worked continuously to improve its own forecasting capabilities, collaborating with international organizations and regional centres to enhance its meteorological infrastructure.

The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre was established in Oman in 2004 and officially launched in 2015 as the first national centre in the region to provide alerts for various natural hazards. These include tsunami waves from marine earthquakes, tropical storms, and flash floods. The centre is responsible for issuing and disseminating warnings through multiple channels, including media outlets and social media, to ensure that all segments of society are informed.

The centre’s primary mission is to provide early warning services for weather and climate-related hazards to communities and key stakeholders in Oman, including government, military, and private sectors. It also supports the aviation sector, ensuring air navigation safety by issuing weather alerts and tsunami warnings.

Utilising advanced technology, including 80 integrated meteorological stations, weather radar systems, satellites, and numerical models, the centre conducts round-the-clock monitoring of weather and natural hazards; it sends emergency warnings via text messages, smartphone apps, and media platforms, keeping citizens, residents, and decision-makers informed and prepared.

Collaboration with both local and international agencies, such as the National Emergency Management Committee and the World Meteorological Organization, ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing natural hazards in Oman.

The centre has played a vital role in reducing the impacts of extreme weather events. Its proactive measures, such as early warnings and continuous updates, were crucial during events like Cyclone Shaheen, which allowed for the timely evacuation of at-risk areas, minimizing both human and material losses.

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