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National Meteorological and Hydrological Services
Figure 3.1 Activities of a Typical National Meteorological Service
Analysis and data assimilation Numerical weather prediction models and other forecast tools
Observations
Customer and end users
Product generation and dissemination
Expert forecaster interpretation and quality control
Source: Gray 2012.
In addition, private sector commercial weather, climate, and water services exist in many parts of the world. They often focus on specific users and sometimes deliver public forecasts through print, broadcast, mobile, and other media. Tensions between the public and private sectors can arise if roles and responsibilities have no distinct separation, but their roles are typically complementary, which strengthens the overall global enterprise. This chapter explores this vast enterprise before focusing on the NMHSs and the enormous challenges they face in modernizing.
The Global Weather, Climate, and Water Enterprise Because weather, climate, and the water cycle know no national boundaries, international cooperation is essential for developing meteorology and operational hydrology, as well as for reaping the benefits from their application. The World Weather and Climate Resilience • http://dx.doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-0026-9