World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day History

World Meteorological Day aims to increase public awareness about the vital role of meteorology and hydrology in the world. With unique themes each year, the celebration focuses on contemporary climatic issues, urging nations and individuals everywhere to take informed action towards preserving our planet.

World Meteorological Day has its roots in the establishment of the WMO on 23 March 1950. For New Zealand, this day is of particular significance due to the nation's geographical location and diverse weather patterns. Apart from serving a crucial role in daily weather predictions for citizens, the discipline addresses broader issues related to climate change. New Zealand's commitment towards reducing greenhouse gas emission is widely influenced by scientific factors and data accurately foretold by meteorology.

In New Zealand, World Meteorological Day is a platform to highlight the importance of meteorology to the environmental wellbeing and sustainability efforts of the country. Kiwis are encouraged to learn about their unique climatic conditions and how weather and climate influence their daily lives. This day serves as an affirmative reminder that accurate and reliable weather forecasting plays an integral role in New Zealand's resilience to climatic extremes. World Meteorological Day is celebrated on 23 March each year.

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.
• New Zealand launched its first weather satellite, Awarua, on the occasion of World Meteorological Day in 2008. It was a significant development for local and global meteorology, contributing to the international exchange of weather data.
• The MetService also works in accordance with WMO’s Public Weather Services (PWS) programme. This programme aims to make meteorological information available and helpful to the public, assisting with the country's disaster risk reduction efforts.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Meteorological Day

Top things to do in NZ 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 the Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService): MetService is New Zealand's national weather authority, providing comprehensive weather information services.
• Read a book to learn about Meteorology in New Zealand:
  The Climate and Weather of New Zealand - by Andrew Sturman and Erick Brenstrum.
  Weather: A Guide to Phenomena and Forecasts - by Paul E. Lehr, R. Will Burnett, Herbert S. Zim.