Real time observations and exchange of datasets are crucial for high quality hydro-met services. Gradual expansion of the observing system networks across the globe has been the driver of advancements in operational meteorological services under the umbrella of WMO. In the recent decade observing system network improvement has been driven by the increasing demands for higher-resolution data for numerical models, sector level applications, and the need to characterize long term climate at higher resolution. Such needs can be met by integrating standardized data generated by NMHSs and other supporting observations collected through non-conventional networks. If these efforts are synchronized and supported at a regional scale it can have more far-reaching benefits.

The OBN working group has the following objectives:

• Analyze the strengths, gaps and sustenance needs of the observing systems of each NMHS to identify ways to improve data acquisition and timely exchange between countries in order to ensure adequate data availability for monitoring, detection and early warning of severe weather particularly addressing transboundary extreme events, taking advantage of new technologies.
• Prioritize the regional needs and efforts that will complement and reinforce national activities leading toward more sustainable operation of hydrometeorological services throughout the region.
• Maintain updated inventories of the existing weather, climate, water and ocean observing system networks (core and augmented networks by user agencies), assess the coverage and evaluate the incoming data of the SAHF member countries.

📄 Observational Networks (OBN) Working Paper