Bridging Weather Service Gap: Investing in Advanced Meteorological Services for Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin America and the Caribbean rank as the second-most disaster-prone region globally, frequently facing natural hazards such as hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, landslides, and storm surges. According to the recent World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) "State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean 2023" report, sea levels are rising at a higher rate than the global average around much of the Atlantic region, further endangering coastal areas and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This escalating threat underscores the urgent need for enhanced National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to deliver accurate forecasts and life-saving early warnings.

The WMO report highlights that in Latin America and the Caribbean, 47% of WMO Members provide only "basic or essential" weather services, while a mere 6% offer “full or advanced” services necessary for informed decision-making in climate-sensitive sectors. Furthermore, the region suffers annual damages exceeding US$1.6 billion due to natural hazards, as reported by the World Bank. This significant shortfall in advanced meteorological capabilities leaves the region vulnerable and underprepared for changing weather patterns, demanding immediate attention and investment to enhance the region’s ability to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events and long-term climate changes.

Advancements in science and technology, such as high-resolution weather models, remote sensing technologies, and advanced forecasting techniques, have greatly improved hazard forecasting and warning dissemination. However, in Latin America and the Caribbean, countries with limited resources need enhanced collaboration between development agencies and local partners. This collaboration is essential due to funding challenges and the region's complex hazards, particularly rising sea levels that exacerbate flooding for coastal communities and SIDS.

Recognizing this challenge, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Bank Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), supports the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members. This financial mechanism works directly with Least Developed Countries (LDC) and SIDS to increase their access to early Warning Services (EWS).

The recently completed US$6.5 million CREWS Caribbean project addressed significant gaps in EWS identified during the devastating 2017 Caribbean hurricane season. The project worked at regional, national, and local levels to strengthen and streamline systems and capacities related to weather forecasting, hydrological services, multi-hazard impact-based warnings, and service delivery for enhanced decision-making.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the upcoming CREWS Caribbean 2.0 project will continue to bolster early warning systems across the region. The new project aims to strengthen Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) through improved disaster risk knowledge, better service provision by NMHSs and National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs), and enhanced warning dissemination capabilities. This initiative aligns with WMO’s broader Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative that aims to ensure that life-saving early warnings reach everyone on the planet by the end of 2027, further solidifying the region's preparedness for future hazards.

At WMO, we urge regional governments, international organizations, and the private sector to prioritize funding for such promising initiatives by strengthening regional cooperation and public-private partnerships. The WMO is committed to supporting such initiatives through technical assistance and capacity building to enhance members’ meteorological capabilities, ensuring that regions like Latin America and the Caribbean are better equipped to face the increasing threats posed by climate change.