Data from daily observations all over
the world are required in real time to provide weather warnings and forecasts.
The World Weather Watch (WWW) is a unique worldwide weather observing system operated
by WMO since 1963. Its origin lies in the 1961 UN General Assembly Resolution
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which itself owed much to the address made
by American President J.F. Kennedy to the same session of the General Assembly.
It is designed to make available up-to-the-minute meteorological and related
information for the efficient use of all countries. A Remarkable example of
international cooperation, the WWW is composed of the Global Observing System
(GOS), the Global Telecommunication System (GTS), the Global Data-processing
system (GDPS) with supporting elements of Data Management Systems Support and
Operational Information, all together known as Basic Systems. In addition, the
WWW has supplementary programmes dealing with the Satellite Activities,
Instruments and Methods of Observation, Tropical Cyclones, and Emergency
Response Activities.
As the basic
infrastructure for all WMO's activities, the WWW is
the main source for global exchange of meteorological, oceanographic and related
observations. Nearly 10.000 land stations, ten geostationary and polar orbiting
satellites, approximately 7.300 Voluntary Observing Ships, 3.000 aircraft and
more than 800 drifting and 200 moored buoys at sea gather data to distribute
worldwide. High-speed links transmit daily over 20 million data characters and
2.000 weather charts through 3 World, 35 Regional and 185 National
Meteorological Centres cooperating with each other in preparing weather
warnings and forecasts. All observations including those taken outside of
national territories (from outer space, over ocean areas and
The effective worldwide collection, rapid processing
and exchange of meteorological observations and forecasts are the main
objectives of the WWW. It is aimed at providing weather warnings, forecasts and
other products for Member countries of WMO, for other WMO Programmes, and for
relevant Programmes of other international and environmental organisations.
Benefits have
centred on the safeguarding of life and property through observing,
forecasting, detecting and warning of severe weather phenomena such as local
storms, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones. A wide range of economic activities
such as farming, aviation, shipping, the construction industry, energy and
water resource management, health services, tourism and many more have
benefited greatly from weather observations, with subsequent analysis and
weather forecasts now extending up to 7-10 days, and seasonal forecasts.
Warnings of tropical cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and the prediction of other
natural hazards are now more accurate and timely as a result of the WWW
Programme. The WWW has also provided the key database for assessing changes in
climate. Despite differing levels of complexity of technology and techniques
used at the various WWW centres, the WWW Programme has made it possible for all
member countries to participate in a global scheme of activities that allows the
global exchange of meteorological data and information. Information transmitted
through the WWW is increasingly being used in cases of non-meteorological
events. Environmental emergency response systems for nuclear accidents,
volcanic ash clouds and large-scale fires have benefited from information made
possible through WMO's WWW Programme. Public weather
services which are provided using the WWW facilities have assisted individuals,
industry groups, government policymakers and international agencies in planning
decision making.
The WWW
Programme has conducted assessment of the impact of the Internet and is
currently developing a WMO Guide on the Use of the Internet for national
Meteorological and Hydrological Services. Capacity building in the area of upgrading
observational facilities, especially in developing nations, continues to be of
high priority. New telecommunications technology and procedures are being
introduced into the GTS that will enhance the speed and reliability of
communication links at WWW centres. The replacement of radio transmission by
satellite broadcasts is implemented to improve efficiency. Significant progress
is being made in the development of regional centres including the African
Centre for Meteorological Applications for Development (ADMAD), the Drought
Monitoring Centres (DMCs) in
The design and development of future systems of the
WWW will involve new technologies and more automation for observational instruments,
satellite-based telecommunications, use of the
potential of Internet and Intranet and higher performance computers. The WWW
will become more integrated in terms of surface and space-based observing,
research and operations. The WWW will continue to be the foundation of all
meteorological activities, be they operational services or those based on
research and development. WWW will also continue its support to other WMO
Programmes in the 21st century.
Stamp catalogue
German Democratic
Republic
last revised: