On 8 October 2026, RIMES, in collaboration with the Agriculture Information and Training Centre (AITC), conducted a technical training on the Krishi Mausam Sallah Pranali (Agri-DSS) Decision Support System at Hotel Himalaya in Kathmandu, Nepal. Conducted under the Strengthening Last-Mile Communication (SLMC) Project, the training aimed to strengthen agricultural personnel’s capacity to access, interpret, and apply weather and climate information for agricultural planning, advisory services, and risk management.

Agri-DSS is a weather- and climate-informed agricultural decision-support platform that integrates meteorological forecasts, agricultural information, and crop and livestock information and  advisories. It helps agricultural institutions use weather and climate information to support agricultural management, identify potential risks, and improve the delivery of timely, relevant advisory services.

Integrating Weather and Climate Information into Agricultural Decision-Making

Agricultural production and livestock management are influenced by changing weather and climate conditions. Variations in rainfall and temperature, adverse weather events, and weather-related pest and disease risks can affect agricultural activities and livelihoods. Access to timely weather forecasts and relevant agricultural advisories can help agricultural institutions and extension personnel anticipate potential risks and make informed management decisions.

Agri-DSS supports this process by providing access to daily weather forecasts from the National Meteorological Department (NMD) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), as well as location-specific forecasts for temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and wind speed. The platform also includes weather alerts based on predefined thresholds, crop and variety management functions, pest and disease information, livestock temperature sensitivity alerts, and agricultural bulletin generation.

Building Practical Skills in Agri-DSS Operations

The training combined technical presentations, system demonstrations, and hands-on exercises to familiarize participants with the platform’s functions and practical applications.

Participants explored how to access and interpret weather forecasts, understand weather-based alerts, and manage crop and variety information, including sowing dates, cultivated areas, crop growth stages, and recommended management practices. The sessions also covered crop-stage-specific advisories and pest and disease information to support timely agricultural management.

In addition, participants were introduced to the Temperature Sensitivity Alert System (TEMPS), which provides temperature-related information and alerts relevant to livestock management. They also explored the generation of PDF-based agricultural bulletins incorporating observed weather information, forecasts, and agricultural advisories for dissemination through agricultural institutions and extension services.

Promoting Sustainable Institutional Use of Agri-DSS

Beyond technical familiarization, the training  included  discussion of the data, operational, institutional, and capacity requirements for effective use of Agri-DSS. Key considerations included maintaining relevant agricultural information, supporting regular data entry and updates, strengthening institutional coordination, and integrating system-generated information into agricultural planning and extension services.

The effective and sustained use of Agri-DSS can support  agricultural institutions translate weather and climate information into practical guidance for extension personnel and farming communities. Continued technical support, reliable data management, and institutional engagement will be important to strengthen the delivery of localized agricultural advisories and support climate-resilient agricultural practices and livelihoods in Nepal.

Through this initiative, RIMES continues to support the practical application of weather and climate information and decision-support technologies to strengthen agricultural advisory services and climate resilience.

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On 7 October 2026, RIMES, in collaboration with the Nepal Meteorological Department (NMD) and the Centre for Agriculture Communication and Human Resource Development (CACHRD), conducted the National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop for the Development of a National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) in Kathmandu, Nepal. The workshop was organized under the Strengthening Last Mile Communication (SLMC) Project, support from the U.S. Department of State  through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

The consultation aimed to strengthen stakeholder engagement and national coordination in developing an inclusive, sustainable, and user-oriented framework for climate services in Nepal.

Strengthening National Coordination and Climate Services

Nepal faces increasing climate-related risks, including floods, landslides, droughts, heatwaves, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which threaten communities, livelihoods, infrastructure, and development gains. Timely and reliable climate information is essential for informed planning, disaster preparedness, and climate-resilient development.

The workshop introduced the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) and its five interconnected pillars: User Interface Platform, Climate Services Information System, Observations and Monitoring, Research, Modelling and Prediction, and Capacity Development. Participants also explored the Regional Framework for Climate Services (RFCS), regional experiences and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between climate information providers and users.

Identifying Sectoral Needs and Institutional Priorities

Through technical presentations, stakeholder consultations, and interactive group discussions, participants assessed existing climate services and identified information needs across agriculture, water resources, disaster risk reduction, health, energy, infrastructure and other climate-sensitive sectors.

Discussions examined gaps in climate information products, data availability, dissemination, institutional coordination, and technical capacity. Participants also explored stakeholder mapping, institutional roles and responsibilities, governance arrangements, data-sharing mechanisms, and priority actions for developing Nepal’s NFCS.

These exchanges provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share perspectives and identify ways to make climate information more relevant, accessible responsive to  sectoral planning and decision-making needs.

Advancing a Nationally Owned Climate Services Framework

The consultation represents an important step toward developing a nationally coordinated and user-oriented NFCS for Nepal. Stakeholder inputs will help inform the framework’s development, including its strategic priorities, institutional arrangements, and coordination mechanisms across federal, provincial, and local levels.

Through the SLMC Project, RIMES continues to support efforts to strengthen climate services and promote the effective use of climate information for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and climate-resilient development in Nepal. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration among climate service providers, intermediaries, and users, helping ensure that climate information supports informed decisions to protect lives, livelihoods, and development gains.

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On 5 October 2026, RIMES joined the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD),  BBC Media Action and Save the Children International, at the Multi-Stakeholder Meet on Weather, Climate Information and Disaster Preparedness  in Dhaka, Bangladesh, ahead of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” It brought together government institutions, development partners and community-focused organisations to explore how weather information can support practical preparedness decisions.

Asadul Habib Dulu, MP, Honorable Minister, MInistry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR); Md. Ashraf Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD), and Razwanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) attended the event, emphasizing that inclusive, last-mile early warnings are vital for protecting lives and assets.

A central highlight was the launch and demonstration of BMD’s official weather mobile application, developed through the RIMES–BBC Media Action partnership under the NORAD-supported Building Climate Resilience through Strengthened Communication across the Weather and Climate Information System (BRIDGES) project. The application provides a direct digital channel for accessing BMD weather information. By connecting meteorological services with communication expertise, the partnership aims to make forecasts more accessible and useful to households and communities.

The meeting also featured the unveiling of Bangla translations of the COPE Disaster Champions books on floods and cyclones. This activity forms part of the GFFO-funded Child-Centred Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local Institutions initiative, implemented through a separate partnership involving RIMES, Save the Children International, YPSA, SKS Foundation and Jago Nari. The books help children understand disaster risks and discuss preparedness measures with their families.

YPSA shared experience from school-based  Met Club including lessons and challenges in helping children engage with weather information and preparedness. These activities complement the mobile application by linking access to information with learning in schools and action at home. BBC Media Action and Save the Children International also contributed perspectives on effective communication and child-centred preparedness. 

RIMES presented its approach to multi-hazard, multi-timescale climate information and early warning systems for a more resilient Bangladesh. The discussion reinforced the importance of accessible warnings, institutional coordination and sustained engagement with communities, including children and other groups who may face barriers to receiving or acting on information.

Together, the application, COPE books and Met Clubs illustrate how complementary partnerships can connect authoritative weather information with practical disaster preparedness. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen dialogue on information outreach, children’s learning and household resilience.

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Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 15–18 September 2026 — The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), in collaboration with Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) of Myanmar and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), conducted assessment mission under the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Accelerated Support Window Programme. The mission gathered and validated information to help identify priorities for strengthening national hydrometeorological and early warning services.

Myanmar, faces hazards, including floods, flash floods, cyclones, storm surges, heavy rainfall and, droughts. Effective forecasts and warning can support preparedness, reducing disaster risks, and strengthening climate resilience.

The four-day mission built on desk review and preliminary assessment using the WMO National Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT). Through detailed consultations with DMH management and technical personnel, the RIMES assessment team worked with DMH to validate information and review existing capacities across the hydrometeorological service delivery chain.

Validating capacities across the hydrometeorological value chain

The assessment covered the full range of NCAT thematic areas. Discussions examined institutional and governance arrangements, infrastructure, observations and data acquisition, meteorological and climate services, forecasting operations, hydrological and flood forecasting services, dissemination and communication, staff capabilities and training, and operational sustainability.

The mission also included visits to DMH’s operational facilities and technical divisions in Nay Pyi Taw. These visits allowed the assessment team to better understand existing systems, operational workflows, infrastructure, data management arrangements, and the processes supporting forecasting and warning services.

The in-country consultations provided an important opportunity to complement information gathered through the earlier desk review with direct inputs from DMH personnel and observations of operational arrangements. This validation is a key part of completing the NCAT and identifying existing strengths, priority gaps, and opportunities for future capacity development. The mission was specifically designed to validate the desk review and NCAT while reviewing operational forecasting, early warning, flood and flash-flood arrangements, data systems and stakeholder coordination.

Bringing user perspectives into the assessment

Representatives from eight national stakeholder agencies contributed perspectives from disaster management, emergency response, water resources, public administration, public information, media, and humanitarian response.

The consultation explored how different organizations currently engage with DMH, how weather, climate and hydrological information and warnings support their respective mandates, and how coordination and information-sharing take place during significant hydrometeorological events.

Stakeholders also discussed their future information and service needs, including the types of hydrometeorological information, geographic detail, lead time, communication channels, and additional information that could further support operational decision-making.

These perspectives will help ensure that the assessment considers not only the technical capacity to produce forecasts and warnings, but also how information reaches users and supports preparedness and action.

Supporting Early Warnings for All

RIMES and DMH also reviewed and discussed the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Pillar 2 Rapid Assessment Template, complementing the NCAT process and helping identify areas relevant to strengthening Myanmar’s detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting capacities.

The mission concluded with a discussions of preliminary observations, outstanding information needs, and the next steps for completing the assessment. The RIMES team also held an online discussion with WMO regarding the flash-flood component of the initiative.

From assessment to practical actions

Information gathered and validated during the mission will now be consolidated with the desk review and previous consultations to support completion of the Myanmar Hydrometeorological Capacity Assessment.

The findings will contribute to the preparation of an assessment report, roadmap, costed action plan, and Concept of Operations (ConOps). These outputs are intended to identify practical priorities and investment needs for strengthening Myanmar’s hydrometeorological and early warning services, with attention to operational usability, institutional sustainability, and the needs of end users.

RIMES expresses its appreciation to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar, particularly its management and technical divisions, for their close cooperation throughout the mission. RIMES also thanks WMO and the 8 participating stakeholder agencies for their valuable inputs and continued collaboration in advancing hydrometeorological and early warning services in Myanmar.

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Bangkok, Thailand — The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) brought together National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), sector partners, and regional and international organizations from across South Asia for the 3rd Regional Impact-Based Forecasting Workshop, held from 29 September to 1 October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The three-day Regional Heat Season Review and Cold Season Planning Workshop reviewed progress under the South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF) Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) Project since  2025. Participants shared lessons from the first round of national heat-season demonstrations and used these experiences to inform planning for the next season.

Through the project, RIMES supports South Asian NMHSs in developing impact-based, user-oriented early warning services. These services connect information on temperature forecasts with potential impacts on people, livelihoods and sectors, helping users make informed decisions and take early action to reduce risks.

From regional planning to country implementation

Since 2025, RIMES has supported participating countries in moving IBF from regional planning and capacity development to national demonstrations.

The first regional workshop, held in Bangkok in November 2025, focused on assessing available data, mapping institutional roles, sharing existing practices, and preparing preliminary demonstration plans. The second workshop, held in February 2026, strengthened forecaster and focal-point capacity and helped countries finalize their national demonstration plans. Together, these workshops established a common regional approach that countries adapt to their national needs. Reflecting on this progress, RIMES Director General, Mr. A.R. Subbiah emphasized the need to build on national demonstrations experience and integrate pilot initiatives into government programmes to ensure sustained services and continued support for affected communities.

“We are now at the pilot stage, but the challenge is to ensure that the pilot does not remain a pilot. It needs to become an integral part of government programmes so that continuous and sustained support can be provided to affected communities,” he said.

Building on the two regional workshops, participating NMHSs carried out their first heat-season IBF demonstrations from approximately March to August 2026. They tested impact-based thresholds, advisories and communication pathways for heat-related risks, strengthened engagement with health, agriculture and livestock sectors, and began using the INSTANT South Asia forecasting portal to access and visualize temperature guidance.

The third regional workshop brought countries together to review this experience, assess progress since 2025 and identify successful approaches, remaining gaps and priorities for further improvement.

Countries share progress and lessons from the heat season

A “Then and Now” review enable countries to reflect on change in their IBF capabilities and approaches between 2025 and 2026. Country representatives shared achievements, challenges and lessons from their national demonstrations.

Discussions focused on four areas: thresholds, data, impact analysis and locally relevant products; user engagement and demand-driven services; inclusive and last-mile communication for early action; and institutional arrangement for sustaining IBF services.

Country experiences highlighted the importance of connecting forecasting improvements with user needs and preparedness actions. Pakistan reported progress in localizing impact-based information for vulnerable mountain communities. Myanmar highlighted stronger collaboration with user sectors and links between heat guidance and preparedness actions in health and education. Bhutan shared advances in systematic heat monitoring, revised thresholds, and improved temperature information for users.  

Maldives advancing reported progress in apparent temperature-based heat information and stronger coordination with health and disaster-management agencies. Sri Lanka highlighted multi-sector collaboration to understand and address heat risks affecting livestock and labour.

These exchanges helped RIMES and participating countries to identify remaining gaps across the IBF value chain and priority for sustaining and scaling up national demonstrations.

From heat-season lessons to next-season planning

RIMES and participating countries used lessons from the first heat-season demonstrations to plan for the next season. Countries where cold-related hazards are significant examined risks from cold waves, frost, dense fog, wind chill and snow, including cold combined with wet or windy conditions. They reviewed existing monitoring forecasts and threshold, existing thresholds, identified populations and sectors at risk, and assessed gaps between available information and user needs.

Through dedicated planning tracks, countries developed drafted plans for cold-season demonstrations or El Niño preparedness and the next heat-season, as applicable. Peer countries and technical experts provided feedback to help refine these plan.

RIMES presented updated on the INSTANT South Asia forecasting portal, including the planned cold-season module, and gather country feedback to guide further development. A practical session with the Bangladesh Department of Livestock Services also the National Livestock Advisory System to illustrate how a sector-specific decision-support tool can be co-produced with users and developed toward operational use.

Building the foundation for sustainable IBF in South Asia

Impact-based forecasting must continue to evolve as countries gain experience, user needs change, and new evidence becomes available. The workshop identified priorities for strengthening national demonstrations and developing them into sustained services.

Further progress will require stronger impact and vulnerability data, validated and locally relevant thresholds, sustained partnerships between NMHSs and user sectors, inclusive last-mile communication and clear SOPs and institutional arrangements. Continued investment in technical and operational capacity will also be essential.

RIMES Director General, Mr. A.R. Subbiah reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting countries: “The South Asia Hydromet Forum is fundamentally country-driven, demand-driven and needs-based. RIMES and the UK Met Office will work to ensure that support responds to the needs, gaps and capacity requirements articulated by countries.”

Continued regional exchange, peer learning, and country-led implementation through SAHF will support the transition from pilots to sustained national services that connect forecasts with impacts, decisions and early action for communities across South Asia.

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About the SAHF IBF Project: Supported by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) Asia-Pacific Programme, a part of the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) initiative, the SAHF IBF Project aims to drive transformational change in South Asia’s capacity to deliver anticipatory, impact-based forecasting. By strengthening institutional systems and methodologies,  the project helps translate weather information into actionable insights that build true climate resilience.

For more information, visit: https://www.sahf.info/

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The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), is supporting the establishment of 53 new Agromet FARRM Schools across Rajshahi, Naogaon, Khulna, Satkhira, Cumilla, Feni, Jamalpur, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari, covering diverse agro-ecological settings including drought-prone, coastal saline, floodplain, char and hill areas.

The initiative is being implemented through the EnRICH project, funded by the UK Government; PROTISTHA and SURAKKHA, both funded by the European Union through EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO); and HeatShield, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.

The expansion builds on the successful completion of 52 Agromet FARRM Schools. An assessment found that every USD 1 invested generated more than USD 18 in benefits for farmers, providing strong evidence of the effectiveness and value of the approach.

The programme began with an Orientation Workshop on 16 August 2026 in Dhaka, bringing together 31 DAE officials from the participating districts. Dr. Md. Abdul Muyeed, Senior Agrometeorologist, RIMES, introduced the Agromet FARRM School approach, while experts from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) shared information on weather, climate risks, forecasting and flood forecast products. 

This was followed by a series of three-day residential Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops, with two batches held at Gazipur, and one at Rangamati. Across the three batches, 87 SAAOs completed the training.

The ToT programme brought together expertise from RIMES, DAE, BMD, FFWC, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Tuber Crops Research Centre, Gazipur, and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Sessions covered crop sensitivity to weather and climate, extreme event preparedness, Climate-Smart Agriculture, weather forecasting and its application to cropping decisions, pest and disease development, heatwaves and heat-related health impacts, flood forecasting, and the use of BAMIS and agrometeorological advisories.

Participatory exercises formed a key part of the training. SAAOs developed 12-month crop calendars and 24-session fortnightly plans, aligning weather and climate information, early warnings and agricultural advisories with specific crop stages and seasonal risks.

The Director General of DAE, along with Directors from key DAE wings, including Planning and Training, joined the programme. The Additional Director for the Chittagong and Rangamati Regions also joined the Rangamati training, reflecting strong institutional support for climate-informed agricultural extension.

Through the completed TOT programme, RIMES and DAE have strengthened the capacity of SAAOs to support the new Agromet FARRM Schools and help farmers turn weather and climate information into timely, practical decisions.

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From 18 to 21 August 2026, RIMES conducted two complementary capacity-building activities in Melamchi Municipality, Sindhupalchok, Nepal, in collaboration with Melamchi Municipality under the Strengthening Last-Mile Communication (SLMC) Project.  implemented through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). The activities strengthened local capacity to access and use early warning information, prepare for disasters, and respond effectively to emergencies.

Strengthening Municipal Use of Early Warning Information through INSTANT

On 18 August, RIMES organized an Orientation and Hands-on Training on the Integrated Forecast Dissemination Portal (INSTANT) at Hotel Melamchi Heritage Inn, Melamchi Municipality.

Developed and customized under the SLMC Project, the INSTANT Portal  is a web-based decision-support platform that integrates weather forecasts, multi-hazard alerts, locally developed risk information, and early-warning mechanisms for municipal disaster risk management.

Approximately 25 to 30 municipal officials and stakeholders participated, gaining practical skills in accessing forecast products, interpreting multi-hazard alerts (rainfall, wind, heatwave, cold wave, lightning, and landslide), reviewing ward-level hazard calendars and risk assessment information, and applying early warning information to preparedness and emergency response scenarios through demonstrations and hands-on exercises. As an important institutionalization measure, the INSTANT Portal has been integrated into the Melamchi Municipality website, enabling direct access through the Municipality’s own digital platform.

Building Practical Disaster Preparedness and Life-Saving Skills in Schools

19 to 21 August, RIMES supported Melamchi Municipality in conducting a three-day School-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Programme.

Schools play an important role in disaster preparedness. Teachers and school representatives are not only responsible for students’ safety during emergencies but can also help disseminate disaster preparedness knowledge and practical skills to households and the wider community.

The program therefore aimed to move beyond general disaster awareness by strengthening the practical preparedness and emergency response capacities of teachers and school representatives from selected schools in Melamchi Municipality.

The training was delivered by certified trainers from the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) and combined theoretical sessions with demonstrations, practical exercises, group work, role play, and emergency simulations.

The program introduced participants to disaster risk management, the disaster management cycle, community- and school-based disaster risk reduction, school emergency preparedness, evacuation arrangements, emergency communication, and basic search-and-rescue principles.

Participants subsequently received extensive practical training on fire safety and the use of fire extinguishers, first aid, patient assessment, bleeding and wound management, bandaging, choking and shock response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), improvised stretchers, and the appropriate use of first aid materials.

The program further addressed fractures, unconsciousness, mass-casualty management and triage, household and community preparedness, and school safety planning. A final practical simulation provided participants with an opportunity to apply multiple skills in an emergency scenario involving evacuation, first aid, casualty prioritization, communication, and response coordination.

The training encouraged participating schools to identify preparedness measures, clarify roles and responsibilities, assess available resources, and strengthen practical school preparedness and response arrangements. Importantly, the program was designed to create a multiplier effect, enabling trained teachers to share disaster preparedness knowledge and practical skills with students, fellow teachers, families, and communities.

Following completion of the program, participants also registered with Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) National Volunteer System. This creates an important link between the capacities developed through the training and Nepal’s formal disaster preparedness and volunteer mechanism.

Linking Early Warning Information with Preparedness and Action

Together, the two activities demonstrate the integrated approach promoted through the SLMC Project.

While the INSTANT Portal training strengthened the capacity of local authorities and stakeholders to access, interpret, and use forecast, hazard, and risk information, the School-Based DRR program strengthened the ability of local actors to prepare for emergencies and translate information into practical, life-saving action.

The activities also reinforced connections among the Municipality, schools, communities, technical institutions, and national disaster management mechanisms. Through municipal leadership, integration of the INSTANT Portal into the Municipality’s digital platform, practical capacity building, and linking trained participants to the national volunteer system, the initiative placed particular emphasis on institutional ownership and sustainability.

By combining improved access to early warning information with practical disaster preparedness and response capacities, the activities contribute to the broader SLMC objective of ensuring that warnings reach the last mile, are understood by those who receive them, and ultimately support timely action to protect lives, livelihoods, and communities.

The experience in Melamchi demonstrates how local government leadership, digital decision-support tools, school-based preparedness, and community capacity building can work together to strengthen people-centered multi-hazard early warning systems and build more disaster-resilient communities.

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The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), through the South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF),  formally operationalized its Marine Meteorology Sub-Working Group (MM-SWG) during a virtual inception meeting held on 20 August 2026. 

With support from the CREWS South Asia Programme, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the newly formed Sub-Working Group brings together country representatives from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, and Pakistan, along with regional technical partners, to strengthen marine meteorology and coastal forecasting services across South Asia.

Addressing Regional Vulnerabilities

South Asia’s coastlines are highly exposed to hydrometeorological hazards, including tropical cyclones, storm surges, high waves, and coastal inundation. These hazards pose significant risks to coastal communities, fisheries, maritime transport, ports, offshore installations, and local livelihoods.

During the roundtable discussion, member countries highlighted diverse operational capacities alongside shared challenges in marine observations, data assimilation, and localized forecasting. 

Bangladesh emphasized the need for standardized marine products, expanded observational data, and modeling tools to address non-cyclonic tidal inundation. India shared ongoing developments in port and storm surge warnings and proposed expanding sensors  across 50 coastal tide gauges to enhance wind and wave data assimilation. The Maldives highlighted the vulnerabilities of low-lying atollsand prioritized downscaled in-house wave modeling, customized Decision Support Systems, and satellite data utilization.  Myanmar and Pakistan emphasized the need to address data gaps through coastal observatories, ship-based validation, high-resolution wind and surge models, joint technical training, and standardized regional marine terminology.

Strategic Priorities for the Marine Meteorology Sub-Working Group

To address these challenges, the MM-SWG proposes a 2026–2027 Work Plan, structured across five core work streams: Establishment and Coordination, Baseline Assessment and Gap Analysis, Capacity Development, Marine Services Harmonization and Knowledge Exchange, and Monitoring and Evaluation. 

The group aims to focus on validating the regional baseline and mapping capacity needs in 2026, followed by operational strengthening, technical cooperation, and and enhanced regional forecasting  collaboration  in 2027.

Technical Support & Regional Capabilities

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), outlined theirmulti-hazard and ocean state forecast portfolios—supported by a network of buoys, drifters, gliders, and numerical models. INCOIS highlighted its readiness to support SAHF members through technical expertise, vessel advisories, cyclone wave bulletins, and Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisory training through its Category-2 Center.

WMO participants strongly supported the establishment of the SAHF MM-SWG as a key platform for strengthening South Asia’s coastal safety and technical capabilities. Experts recommended aligning the group’s work plan with International Maritime Organization (IMO) maritime safety audits and leveraging the upcoming WMO storm surge forecasting guide. 

To overcome critical observational and data gaps, WMO proposed utilizing the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) for ocean observations and adopting WIS 2.0 protocols for real-time regional data sharing, while anchoring training initiatives to existing WMO regional training centers and coastal inundation frameworks.

Moving Forward

RIMES recognized the valuable inputs provided by participating countries, which will directly inform the operationalization of the Sub-Working Group’s work plan. 

Immediate follow-up actions include formulating concept papers on tide gauge sensor expansion and satellite data utilization, advancing multi-channel data-sharing protocols through WIS 2.0, and engaging the NWP working group to develop synergized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for transboundary marine hazard coordination.

Through the MM-SWG, SAHF envisions to drive multi-model wave and storm surge forecasting, deliver targeted training for national forecasters, and strengthen institutional cooperation with regional centers of excellence. By harmonizing coastal hazard forecasting and standardizing operating procedures, the platform aims to deliver more timely, reliable, and actionable marine weather services to protect vulnerable coastal communities and economies across South Asia.

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The Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) South Asia Project supports the South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF) in strengthening regional cooperation and national capacities for effective, people-centered early warning systems. Implemented in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and World Bank, the project advances regional priorities through improved hydrometeorological data, forecasting, knowledge-sharing, and capacity development to support timely and actionable early warning services across South Asia. For more information, go to: https://www.sahf.info/crews

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RIMES convened the ESCAP Phase III Project Inception Meeting on 13-14 August 2026  in Pathum Thani, Thailand, bringing together ESCAP and national meteorological and hydrological services, agriculture and disaster risk reduction partners from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The meeting marked the commencement of Phase III of “Operationalizing Impact-Based Forecasting through the Localization of Decision Support Systems for the Agriculture and Disaster Risk Reduction Sectors,” implemented by RIMES under the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness.

Building on Phase II, which strengthened impact-based forecasting (IBF) capacities across nine countries and supported the customization of decision support systems for the agriculture sector, Phase III shifts the focus to localization, deployment, and pilot testing at the national and subnational levels. The aim is to translate forecasting capacity into actionable services that enable sectors and communities to better anticipate impacts and take timely, risk-informed action.

The meeting introduced the project’s rationale, objectives, expected outcomes and implementation approach, while highlighting the institutional arrangements required to move from capacity building to operational delivery.  A key lesson carried forward from Phase II is the importance of sustained coordination and data sharing between forecast producers and sectoral users for decision support systems to be effectively localized or sustained.

Country-led discussions translated this direction into practical implementation priorities. Supported by RIMES facilitators, delegations developed inception work plans covering priority sectors and hazards, proposed pilot locations, key risks and gaps, national focal points, Technical Working Group arrangements, pathways for data sharing, MOUs and Standard Operating Procedures, and immediate actions with responsibilities and indicative timelines. Presentation of the work plans to the plenary also provided an opportunity for South-South exchange across the Pacific and South Asia.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format to facilitate the participation of representatives from Papua New Guinea’s National Weather Service and National Disaster Center, as well as Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The meeting resulted in country-specific inception work plans, confirmed or nominated national focal points, and agreed Technical Working Group arrangements. Countries also identified the data-sharing arrangements, providing a clear basis for immediate follow-up actions, responsibilities, and timelines.

Participating countries will now further refine their work plans in consultation with national and subnational stakeholders, while RIMES will consolidate these into country roadmaps for the remainder of the project period. These roadmaps will guide the localization and pilot testing of decision support systems, strengthen multisectoral coordination and last-mile delivery, and contribute to the Early Warnings for All initiative and greater resilience to weather- and climate-related hazards across RIMES Member and Collaborating States.

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The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) actively participated in the ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum (ASEANCOF) Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting, held on 23–24 July 2026 at the Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS). The meeting brought together representatives from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), regional climate centres, and partner organizations to review ASEANCOF’s progress over the past five years and chart its future direction through the development of a regional science roadmap.

Since its establishment in 2013, ASEANCOF has served as a regional platform for NMHSs to jointly develop seasonal climate outlooks, exchange scientific knowledge, and strengthen regional collaboration in climate services. The first in-person TWG meeting provided an important opportunity for members to reflect on achievements, identify operational and technical challenges, and discuss priorities for the next phase of ASEANCOF.

As an implementing partner supporting ASEANCOF activities under the UK Met Office’s WISER Asia Pacific programme, RIMES contributed to the technical discussions by sharing operational experiences from previous ASEANCOF cycles and regional climate service initiatives. Throughout the two-day meeting, participants reviewed the evolution of ASEANCOF from its inception, discussed lessons learned from recent Forums, and identified opportunities to enhance the effectiveness, usability, and sustainability of regional climate outlook production. Discussions highlighted several priority areas, including improving the consistency of climate outlook products, strengthening communication of uncertainty and confidence, expanding user engagement, enhancing verification practices, and increasing collaboration among ASEAN NMHSs.

RIMES also contributed to discussions on the development of a draft ASEANCOF Science Roadmap, which outlines short-, medium-, and long-term actions to strengthen regional climate services. The roadmap emphasizes improving operational coordination among NMHSs, enhancing technical capacity through peer learning and training, expanding the use of emerging forecasting tools, and establishing sustainable mechanisms for knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration.

As part of the discussions, RIMES introduced updates on FOCUS-X, the latest version of its climate forecasting support tool. The enhanced system offers expanded capabilities for seasonal climate analysis, visualization, and forecast generation, providing additional tools that can support ASEAN NMHSs in preparing regional climate outlooks and strengthening climate service delivery.

RIMES also shared its experience in South Asia in supporting and facilitating the conduct of the South Asian Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF), in collaboration with RCC-Pune under the broader South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF) mechanism, as well as in developing and consolidating various weather and climate information tools and decision-support systems (DSSs) for a wide range of stakeholders in the region. These were offered as models of good practice, in the hope that relevant approaches and lessons may be adapted or replicated to suit the ASEAN regional context.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ASEANCOF as a collaborative regional mechanism while gradually strengthening country ownership and long-term sustainability. Participants agreed that future efforts should focus not only on advancing scientific methodologies but also on ensuring that climate information is translated into actionable services that support decision-making across climate-sensitive sectors.

RIMES remains committed to supporting ASEANCOF and its member NMHSs through technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative tools that strengthen climate services across Southeast Asia. The organization looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC), NMHSs, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UK Met Office, and other regional partners in advancing climate resilience and improving the accessibility and application of climate information throughout the region.

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