World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day History

World Meteorological Day aims to elevate awareness about the role of meteorology in daily life. Sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the day's primary goal is to spotlight the crucial role of national meteorological and hydrological services in safety, security, well-being and socio-economic development. It's an opportunity to appreciate the work of meteorologists who monitor, analyse and predict the world’s weather and climate conditions, including natural disasters, to protect people, homes and livelihoods.

World Meteorological Day has established itself as a significant part of Canadian calendar since its inception in 1950, the year WMO’s establishment was announced. For Canadians, understanding and monitoring weather patterns is essential due to the nation's diverse and often extreme weather. Information provided by Canada's meteorological services influences decisions in various sectors including transporting goods, planning community initiatives, and maintaining utilities.

In Canada, World Meteorological Day is usually commemorated through educational programs, presentations about weather and climate and various public engagements aimed at raising awareness about the importance of meteorology. It provides an opportunity for meteorologists to connect with Canadians and share insights and updates about weather and climate. Schools and universities often host events where scientists share their knowledge with students and the public. Each year, World Meteorological Day is celebrated on 23rd March.

Facts about World Meteorological Day

• The theme for World Meteorological Day in 2025 was Closing the early warning gap together, in 2024 it was At the frontline of climate action, and in 2023 was The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations.
• According to the World Meteorological Organization, the global mean temperature in 2023 increased by 1.45 C compared to 1850-1900 average, it was the warmest year on record, and global sea level increased 4.3 in since 1993.
• According to UNICEF, about 700 million people around the world could be displaced due to intense water scarcity by 2030.
• The day also sheds light on Canada’s contributions to the technological advancements in meteorology. For instance, Canada has been consistently contributing in satellite meteorology, since the launch of its first earth observation satellite RADARSAT-1 in 1995.
• Canada is very active in the WMO, contributing to various programs and projects. This includes weather forecasting, climate studies, water management, environmental monitoring, and research into atmospheric phenomena.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Meteorological Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Meteorological Day

• Explore the online World Meteorological Organization Library. View reports and publications about the climate and what can be done to save it.
• Visit the Meteorological Service of Canada: The Meteorological Service of Canada is the primary provider of weather, water, and climate services in the country. On World Meteorological Day, they may hold open days, providing a chance for the public to learn about their work.
• Read a book to learn more about Meteorology in Canada:
  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weather - by Paul E. Lehr
  The AMS Weather Book: The Ultimate Guide to America's Weather - by Jack Williams.