March 23

World Meteorological Day

An awareness observance on March 23 commemorating the establishment of the WMO and promoting the role of meteorology, hydrology, and related sciences in protecting life through weather and climate services.

Yearly Date

March 23

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the power and wonder of weather on World Meteorological Day this March 23! This day was established by the United Nations in 1950 to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization and raise awareness about the impact of weather and climate on our daily lives. From forecasting storms to monitoring climate change, meteorology plays a crucial role in our world. So let's take a moment to appreciate all that it does and learn more about this fascinating field!

World Meteorological Day Timeline

1800s

Meteorology's Early Beginnings

During the 19th century, scientists began developing the basic principles of meteorology, studying weather patterns, and initiating some of the first weather forecasts.

1904

First Weather Forecasting Network

The United States creates its first weather forecasting network, marking a significant advance in meteorological prediction and data distribution.

1950

Birth of World Meteorological Organization

The United Nations establishes the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to promote international cooperation in the field of weather, climate, and water resources.

1963

First Weather Satellite Launched

The first meteorological satellite, TIROS-1, is launched by NASA, substantially enhancing meteorologists' ability to observe and predict weather patterns from space.

1979

First World Climate Conference

The WMO organizes the first World Climate Conference, acknowledging the increasing importance of climate issues on a global scale.

2001

IPCC Shares Nobel Peace Prize

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a body established by WMO and UNEP, shares the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore for their work to "build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change".

How to Celebrate World Meteorological Day

1 Watch a meteor shower

On World Meteorological Day, gather some friends or family and watch a meteor shower! You can research when and where the next meteor shower will occur and plan a fun viewing party.

2 Visit a planetarium

If you can't see a real meteor shower, head to your local planetarium and learn all about meteors, asteroids, and other celestial objects. It's a great way to celebrate World Meteorological Day and expand your knowledge.

3 Create a weather-themed art project

Get creative and make some weather-themed art to celebrate World Meteorological Day! You could make a collage of different types of clouds or paint a picture of a stormy sky. The possibilities are endless.

4 Attend a weather-related event

Look for events happening in your community that relate to weather, such as a meteorology conference or a weather-themed festival. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the science behind the weather and meet others who share your interest.

5 Donate to a weather-related charity

Show your support for the importance of meteorology by making a donation to a weather-related charity. This could be an organization that conducts research on severe weather or one that helps communities prepare for natural disasters.

Why World Meteorological Day is Important

Raises awareness about weather and climate

World Meteorological Day provides a platform to educate people about the importance of weather and climate in our daily lives. It's a reminder that the weather affects everyone, and understanding it can help us better prepare for natural disasters and adapt to changes in climate.

Promotes sustainable development

The theme for World Meteorological Day 2021 is "The Ocean, Our Climate and Weather". This highlights the important role of oceans in regulating our climate and the need for sustainable ocean management. By raising awareness, we can encourage individuals and governments to take action towards protecting our environment.

International collaboration and cooperation

World Meteorological Day brings together meteorological organizations from around the world to share research, exchange knowledge, and improve forecasting techniques. This promotes international cooperation and helps us better understand global weather patterns and their impact on different regions.