World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day History

World Meteorological Day highlights the work of meteorologists and hydrologists, focusing on their contributions to protect lives, property and the environment. Celebrated worldwide, this day benefits from a different theme each year, with topics often focusing on climate change, meteorological science innovation, extreme weather events and the sustainable use of natural resources.

World Meteorological Day is particularly significant within the United Kingdom due to its unpredictable weather patterns and susceptibility to extreme weather events. The observance, started by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1961, honours the entry into force of the WMO Convention that established the Organization on the 23rd of March 1950. For those in the UK, the Met Office, which is a member of WMO, uses this day to draw attention to the importance of understanding weather patterns and forecasting. Through science and technology advancements, meteorologists today can better predict severe weather events, allowing societies to respond and prepare adequately.

In the UK, World Meteorological Day is typically observed with learning activities and awareness events that are often conducted by the Met Office. These may include webinars, workshops, displays and discussions aimed at the general public and meteorology communities. On this day, various stakeholders also come together to discuss the pressing climatic issues and global climate patterns. World Meteorological Day is celebrated on the 23rd of March each year, underlining our commitment to understand and predict the weather patterns to help safeguard our planet and its inhabitants.

Facts about World Meteorological Day

• The theme for World Meteorological Day in 2025 was Closing the early warning gap together, in 2024 it was At the frontline of climate action, and in 2023 was The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations.
• According to the World Meteorological Organization, the global mean temperature in 2023 increased by 1.45 C compared to 1850-1900 average, it was the warmest year on record, and global sea level increased 4.3 in since 1993.
• According to UNICEF, about 700 million people around the world could be displaced due to intense water scarcity by 2030.
• Over the years, the UK has been at the forefront of developing meteorological technology. On the occasion of World Meteorological Day in 1982, the UK Met Office was one of the first to establish an automated network of weather stations, providing more accurate and reliable data to support weather forecasts and climate studies.
• In 1950, on World Meteorological Day, British meteorologist Sir George Simpson drove a series of far-reaching reforms within the Met Office, leading to a more scientific approach to meteorology.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Meteorological Day

Top things to do in the UK for World Meteorological Day

• Explore the online World Meteorological Organization Library. View reports and publications about the climate and what can be done to save it.
• Visit Met Office in Exeter: As the UK’s national meteorological service, the Met Office is a fantastic place to visit. It provides critical weather services and climate change research.
• Read a book to learn more about Meteorology in United Kingdom:
  Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey - by John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs.
  The AMS Weather Book: The Ultimate Guide to America's Weather - by Jack Williams.