Call to strengthen early warning systems
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) marked World Meteorological Day on Sunday under the theme, Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.
World Meteorological Day is observed annually in March to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. In Pakistan, the PMD celebrated WMO Day 2025 with a ceremony and exhibition at the Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics (IMG) Met Complex, Karachi.
The event was inaugurated by former Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Tauseef Alam, who highlighted traditional and modern meteorological and seismological instruments, weather maps, and various aviation, astronomical, hydrological, and meteorological products on display. Dr. Muhammad Hassan Ali Baig, Director of IMG, welcomed the attendees and briefed them on the significance of the event's theme.
Addressing climate challenges with early warnings
The WMO plays a crucial role in saving lives, serving communities, and protecting the planet. The past decade has been the hottest on record, and 2024 is projected to be the first year where global temperatures temporarily exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, severe storms, and catastrophic flooding are becoming more frequent.
To combat these challenges, early warning systems must be strengthened to protect everyone, everywhere. The 2025 WMO Day theme, "Closing the Early Warning Gap Together," underscores the urgency of this initiative. Like other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), the PMD is committed to enhancing early warning systems and climate adaptation efforts.
For over 75 years, the PMD has been at the forefront of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating weather and climate data to support informed decision-making for disaster risk reduction. The department is actively contributing to the WMO's "Early Warnings for All" initiative, which aims to ensure that every individual in Pakistan has access to timely, reliable, and life-saving weather and climate hazard information by 2027.
Need for sustainable practices
Keynote speaker Muhammad Tauseef Alam discussed the challenges of climate change and its impact on Pakistan. He emphasized the need for tree plantation and water conservation to ensure a sustainable future.
Meanwhile, Karachi's Controlling Officer Ameer Haider highlighted the PMD's progress in weather forecasting, meteorological services, and early warning systems. He discussed initiatives such as, strengthening the early warning system, developing wind energy projects and establishing Pakistan's VLF/LF Lightning Detection Network.
Haider also briefed attendees on the role of social media, YouTube, and the PMD's mobile app in disseminating weather alerts to protect lives and property. He emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns in ensuring that people understand and respond effectively to warnings.
In his closing remarks, IMG Director Dr. Muhammad Hassan Ali Baig expressed gratitude to all participants, including media representatives, for their contributions to the event's success. The exhibition will remain open to students and the public on March 24 and 25, 2025.
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