Hydromet Gap Report 2024: Addressing Critical Shortfalls in Weather and Climate Observations

The report, based on Country Hydromet Diagnostics (CHD), identifies critical weaknesses in the hydrometeorological value chain that demand immediate attention from both governments and development partners.

The Hydromet Gap Report 2024 highlights the urgent need to strengthen hydrometeorological services in 20 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These regions face significant challenges due to increasing extreme weather events and climate-related issues. The report, based on Country Hydromet Diagnostics (CHD), identifies critical weaknesses in the hydrometeorological value chain that demand immediate attention from both governments and development partners.

The Country Hydromet Diagnostics (CHD) are part of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) initiative, supported by advanced national meteorological offices serving as peer advisors and funded by SOFF. The Alliance for Hydromet Development, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), issues the report.

Key Findings

Severe Challenges: Many LDCs and SIDS, including countries like Cabo Verde, face substantial difficulties in delivering effective hydrometeorological services, essential for climate adaptation and resilience.

Critical Gaps: The diagnostics reveal significant gaps in the operations and enabling environments of national hydrometeorological services. These gaps hinder the ability of countries to respond adequately to climate-related threats.

Importance of Hydromet Services

National hydrometeorological services are fundamental for:

Economic Prosperity: Reliable weather and climate data underpin economic activities, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

Resilient Development: Effective hydromet services are critical for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, helping communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

Statements from Leaders

H.E. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cabo Verde: Emphasizes the foundational role of hydromet services for economic and resilient development and highlights the substantial challenges faced by countries in delivering these services.

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO: Stresses the intersection of inequality and climate change as a crisis point. The Hydromet Gap Report 2024 identifies where assistance and political support are most needed and where efforts should be focused by the Alliance for Hydromet Development partners.

Innovative Solutions

Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF): An innovative financing mechanism supporting countries with the most severe shortfalls in basic weather and climate observations. SOFF aims to close the gaps identified in the report, enhancing the capacity of national hydrometeorological services to provide critical data and services.

Next Steps

The report was launched during the 8th SOFF Steering Committee meeting in Reykjavík, Iceland. Moving forward, the findings will guide targeted interventions and investments to improve hydrometeorological services in LDCs and SIDS, fostering greater resilience against climate-related challenges.