Every year on March 23 the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and meteorologists globally are recognised for their service and how they have helped in safeguarding the public.

Established in 1950, the WMO is an international organisation that collects information about the weather patterns globally and how it can affect our lives.

The purpose of World Meteorological Day is to raise awareness about the importance of meteorology and the work of the WMO in improving our understanding of weather and climate patterns, and how they impact our lives.

Each year, the day is organised around a specific theme related to meteorology and climate, with events and activities held around the world to promote public awareness and understanding of these issues. The theme for 2023 is ‘The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations’.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) is the organisation responsible for monitoring the weather conditions in Jamaica, providing daily updates on the island’s forecast.

During the 1940’s Jamaica developed a formalised meteorological service under the British Government’s Air Ministry, to conduct synoptic weather forecasting particularly for aviation and marine interests.

When the island gained independence, the Jamaican Government took over the sector and was now responsible for providing the staff and equipment as well as bearing the cost of the meteorological facilities established internally to serve its own interests.

Since then, through their use of technology, meteorologists have been able to predict and warn citizens about some of the most disastrous hurricanes that the island has ever seen, so that that they could prepare for the effects.

Some of the island’s most disastrous hurricanes include Hurricane Ivan, Ian, Gilbert and which either took the lives of many or left some homeless.

Most recently, with the help of the Met Service, it was announced that Jamaica is experiencing a meteorological drought and citizens were urged to conserve water until there is a sustained period of rainfall to end the dry period.

This revelation prompted the Government to provide island wide assistance to those most affected through the provision of water trucks and other means.

It is safe to say that without the help of the Met Service and meteorologist globally, natural disaster such as droughts and hurricanes would be a surprise for countries who would not have time to prepared for its possible effects.

Our Today would like to extend a big thank you to everyone at the Met Service who continues to ensure that the nation is up to date on the forecast and are given sufficient notice to plan for possible disasters.

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