Activities that support climate information for water management

Water managers everywhere need tools that empower them to make operational decisions and plan for short and long-term changes to water supplies. The Tropical Andes project and the Colombian adaptation plan are just two of several collaborative projects that are aimed at gaining a better understanding of the role of climate in the hydrological cycle and using that information to manage water resources. A sampling of other recent and ongoing projects includes:

The World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) program of WMO support the hydrological observation networks necessary for water resources assessment - the first step in any water management effort. This system generates accurate, timely and accessible information for the sustainable development of freshwater resources and provides the forecasts that enable planning for water storage, agricultural activities and urban development, especially in developing countries.

The Beijing Climate Centre of the China Meteorological Administration has developed tools for drought monitoring in China. Data on rainfall and soil moisture come from a network of agricultural meteorological stations and satellites.

This information is then used in the preparation of drought bulletins, weekly broadcasts and daily maps.

In Thailand, rainfall data from a network of meteorological stations and a telemetering project, as well as a seasonal climate forecast from the National Climate Centre, are regularly disseminated to various organizations, such as the Royal Irrigation Department and Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. This information is useful for water monitoring, water storage and water supply measures to minimize the risks of flood and drought.

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service conducted a climate-based analysis of water resources to aid water management for Hrvatske vode (Croatian Waters), which performs integrated management of Croatian water resources.

The WMO Associated Program on Flood Management is helping countries in the development and implementation of Integrated Flood Management policies by providing tools and sharing the best practices for flood risk assessments, flood forecasting and flood preparedness.

WMO and its Members work to address risks posed by glacial lake outburst floods, which occur when bodies of glacial melt suddenly destabilize and flood a region. The risk of such outbursts is increasing as warmer global temperatures accelerate glacial melt in various regions. The Regional Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Risk Mitigation Project, which is focused on the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region, including Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

 Courtesy: World Meteorological Organization