World Meteorological Organization REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V (SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC) Seventeenth Session Nuku’alofa, Tonga, 15 to 17 October 2018 RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2) Submitted by: Secretary-General 14.X.2018 FINAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF RA V WORKING GROUPS AND TROPICAL CYCLONE COMMITTEE A final report of the RA V Working Groups and the RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean on the respective activities is attached herewith.
Transcript
World Meteorological OrganizationREGIONAL ASSOCIATION V (SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC)Seventeenth SessionNuku’alofa, Tonga, 15 to 17 October 2018
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2)Submitted by:
Secretary-General14.X.2018
FINAL REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF RA V WORKING GROUPS AND TROPICAL CYCLONE COMMITTEE
A final report of the RA V Working Groups and the RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean on the respective activities is attached herewith.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 2
TROPICAL CYCLONE COMMITTEE (TCC) FOR THE SOUTH PACIFIC AND SOUTH-EAST INDIAN OCEAN
MIKE BERGIN
BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY, AUSTRALIA
1. Introduction
The TCC was established in 1985 to ensure the provision of quality and well-integrated warning services for tropical cyclones across the RA V Region south of the equator, to ensure the safety of people and property both on land and across the oceans.
The TCC meets bi-annually and has met twice since the last session of RAV, most recently the 17th Session of the Committee was held in Noumea, New Caledonia from 23 -26 July 2018 and previously the 16th session was held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from 29 August – 2 September 2016.
2. Working Group Structure
The Working Group is composed of one chair, Task Team on Severe Weather Forecast and Disaster Risk Reduction including Data Processing and Forecasting System (TT-SWFD/DPFS); and Task Team on Coastal Inundation including Storm Surge (TT-CISS). Each TT consists of one leader and several experts.
3. MembershipTCC Name CountryChair Mr Mike BERGIN AustraliaTask Team on Severe Weather Forecast and Disaster Risk Reduction including Data Processing and Forecasting System (TT-SWFD/DPFS)
TT Leader Mr James LUNNY New ZealandExpert Mr Moleni TU’UHOLOAKI Tonga
Mr Tom EVANS USAMr A. Fachri RADJAB IndonesiaMisaeli Funaki Fiji
Task Team on Coastal Inundation including Storm Surge (TT-CISS)
TT Leader Dr Jamie RHOME USAExpert Mr Reginald HINGANO Tonga
Mr Agus Wahyu RAHARJO IndonesiaTerry Atalifo Fiji
4. Terms of Reference for the TCC
The terms of reference of the Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Oceans (TCC) are as follows:
a. To promote and coordinate the planning and implementation of measures for the improvement of cyclone warning systems and related meteorological services and the facilitation of efforts to minimize loss of life, human suffering and damage caused by tropical cyclones and related natural hazardous phenomena in the tropical part of Region V south of the equator;
b. To review regularly the status of tropical cyclone warning systems in the RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee area and recommend measures for the development or improvement of these systems;
c. To review regularly the Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean and recommend any amendments to the text of the Plan to the president of RA V for approval;
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 3
d. To coordinate its work with other activities carried out within the WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme, in particular, with the Regional Association I Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South-West Indian Ocean and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)/WMO Typhoon Committee;
e. To coordinate its activities with other RA V Working Groups;
f. To develop, update and facilitate the implementation of the Technical Plan of the RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee;
g. To seek, through RA V, financial and technical support for the programme activities;
h. To promote and coordinate the planning and implementation of measures for the establishment of the Storm Surge Watch Scheme in the Region in collaboration with the Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM); and
i. To establish task teams as it finds necessary to carry out the work of the Committee, noting the decisions of RA V with respect to the creation of the Task Team on Severe Weather Forecasting including Global Data-processing and Forecasting System and the Task Team on Coastal Inundation including Storm Surges.
5. Terms of Reference for the Task Team on Coastal Inundation including Storm Surge (TT-CISS)
The TCC proposed TORs for TT-CISS which were approved by RA-V:
The Task Team for Coastal Inundation and Storm Surge (TT-CISS) is responsible for:
1. Promoting the development of coastal inundation and storm surge activities in the RAV region, such as the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP) (currently the CIFDP is in Fiji and Indonesia);
2. Identifying the countries in the RAV region that have urgent need for early warnings of storm surge and coastal inundation;
3. Prioritizing activities to improve early warning for storm surge and coastal inundation in the identified countries;
4. Enabling the development of new operational capacity, specialized training, effective outreach and mitigation, by leveraging existing efforts under the WMO RAV working structure, such as the joint WMO Tropical Cyclone Division and Marine Meteorology and Oceanography Division Training Workshops, and output from the CIFPD capacity development activities;
5. Engaging with the broader TCC activities where relevant, to enable other severe weather and disaster risk reduction activities connected throughout the RAV region, and thereby creating a more complete implementation of disaster risk reduction activities.
6. Terms of Reference for the Task Team on Severe Weather Forecast and Disaster Risk Reduction, including Data-processing and Forecasting System (TT-SWFD/DPFS)
The TCC proposed TORs for TT-SWFD/DPFS which were approved by RA-V:
The Task Team for Severe Weather Forecasting, including Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (TT-SWFD/DPFS) is responsible for:
1. Promoting the development of severe weather forecasting activities in RA V, such as the WMO Severe Weather Forecasting Demonstration Project (SWFDP);
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 4
2. Encouraging the prioritization of activities to improve early warning for severe weather in LDCs and SIDS of RA V;
3. Engaging with the broader TCC activities and Working Groups of RA V, to enable other severe weather forecasting and disaster risk reduction activities to be connected throughout the region. This includes taking into account the results of discussions/recommendation from the meetings of the Regional Sub-project Management Team of the Severe Weather Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction Demonstration Project (RSMT-SWFDDP).
Note; In practice however, rather than a separate TT, the RSMT for the SWFDDP continues to be the focal point for arrangements for provision of outcomes.
7. Activities of the Working Group
Back-to-back meetings of the RSMT SWFDDP and the TCC were held from 27 August – 2 September 2016 and again from 27 to 28 July 2018. The SWFDDP continues to be the most active area of work of the committee, while the Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean remains the committee’s most significant responsibility. Regarding the SWFDDP, there have been some achievements against the criteria to transition the project to operational status but at present it remains in phase 3 (evaluation of demonstration).
The following sections summarise the SWFDDP, meetings of the RSMT and TCC along with key discussion points and recommendations, and training activities.
8. Severe Weather Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction Demonstration Project (SWFDDP)
8.1 SWFDDP Overview
Following decision by the World Meteorological Congress during its fifteenth session (Cg-XV) in 2007, the development planning of Severe Weather Forecasting and DRR Demonstration Project (SWFDDP) in RA V was initiated in 2009 with participation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in South Pacific focusing mainly on heavy rain, strong winds and damaging waves. For SWFDDP’s Cascading Forecasting Process, the contributing global and regional Centres are: Australian BoM, ECMWF and NCEP/NOAA, RSMC Wellington (lead regional Centre) and RSMC Nadi (for tropical cyclone forecast support).
SWFDDP-South Pacific is managed by a Regional Subproject Management Team (RSMT) which is mainly composed of designated representatives of NMHSs of participating SIDS and contributing global and regional centres. The first meeting of RSMT was held in Wellington in April, 2009 to develop the regional subproject implementation plan (RSIP). Later, a password-protected RSMC Wellington website and web portal was developed for making available the agreed NWP products and satellite information for the subproject. An in-country preparatory training programme was also stated in October 2009 for capacity development of NMHSs in NWP products interpretation and their usage in severe weather forecasting, and in improving delivery of services and warnings for hydrometeorological hazards. The pilot demonstration phase was started in November, 2009 with participation of four SIDS including Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa. Later, five more SIDS namely: Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Niue & Cook Islands also joined and full demonstration phase of the subproject was commenced in November, 2010 with participation of nine SIDS in the region. The subproject is in Phase-III (evaluation of demonstration) since October 2013.
The subproject has been developed and implemented with funding support from Canada.
As the lead RSMC for this project, Wellington continues to provide a platform (MetConnect Pacific at http://swfddp.metservice.com) for the SWFDDP products. This website also provides helpful background material and links to global centres, other RSMCs and the NMHSs. Twice daily the RSMC staff produces the RSMC Daily Severe Weather Forecasting Guidance Products, referred to as the “South Pacific Guidance (SPG)” charts. Users of the SWFDDP website,
MetConnect Pacific, view the SPG charts on the landing page. The SPG charts continue to be published uninterrupted on MetConnect Pacific (MCP) twice a day around 0300 UTC and 1500 UTC.
8.2 SWFDDP Project Evaluation Criteria
The following is recommendation 6.7 made at the meeting of the RSMT for the SWFDDP for the South Pacific, Nadi, Fiji, 26-29 August 2013:
“6.7 The RSMT agreed on a set of criteria must be followed before the SWFDDP can be considered in Phase IV (refer to section 4). These criteria are:
1. An appropriate nonTC warning system has been implemented in all participating countries and is operating smoothly.
2. All participating countries are verifying severe weather and wave forecasts & warnings using the tool provided during the incountry training or an equivalent tool.
3. All participating countries, in collaboration with their DMCPAs, produce at least one case study per year, using the SWFDDP template or an equivalent template (first one due by 30 June 2014).
4. Demonstrate on a continual basis that the relationships between NMHSs and other Disaster Management and Civil Protection Authorities (DMCPAs), the media and the public are strong and healthy, with regular communications before, during and after severe weather events.
5. All participating countries to complete all SWFDDP progress reports in full before the deadlines prescribed.”
9. RSMT SWFDDP Meeting, 25–27 August 2016
The Regional Sub-project Management Team (RSMT) of the Severe Weather Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction Demonstration Project (SWFDDP) met 25-27 August 2016 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, immediately before the TCC meeting. Key objectives were;
a) Review compliance with criteria established by the RSMT in 2013 (see section 8.2 above) to inform a decision to move the Project to the “operational phase (Phase 4).
b) Address the issue of sustainability of the project, in particular, to identify a regional entity that will be responsible for the Management of the SWFDDP
9.1 RSMT Meeting Conclusions and Recommendations
1. The meeting unanimously agreed that the SWFDDP is making a difference in the region and that the website MetConnect Pacific is an excellent tool for the forecasters in providing severe weather forecasts and warnings.
2. Recognizing the need for a better way to capture the on-going work of participating NMHSs, it was recommended that there be a more frequent exchange between the participating NMHSs and RSMC Wellington. The RSMT recommended trialing a monthly exchange (this may be in the form of tele/video-conference) and requested WMO/US NOAA NWS to facilitate its implementation. This would be supplementary to the current six-monthly reporting.
3. The meeting recommended that: SPREP be the regional entity responsible for the Management of the project and that the Secretary-General of WMO and SPREP explore funding a position within SPREP to assist with this Management responsibility.
4. The meeting recommended that WMO undertake a full and independent review of the SWFDDP in the South Pacific in order to truly evaluate the progress of the Project.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 6
5. The meeting decided that, pending the implementation of Recommendation 3 and 4 above, and for the participating NMHSs fulfilling the criteria set at the RSMT in Nadi, August 2013 (see section 8.2 above), the SWFDDP will maintain the status quo and continue with the Demonstration Phase (Phase 3).
6. The Regional Subproject Implementation Plan (RSIP) will be reviewed by the chair.
7. Recognizing the threat posed by storm surge and sea inundation to countries in the Region, the meeting recommended actions be taken to enhance storm surge forecasting capability and to address sea inundation issues through research and enhanced modelling (including swell, wave period, storm surge, tide and bathymetry across the region).
8. The meeting agreed that the next RSMT meeting should be run back-to-back with the TCC.
10. RSMT SWFDDP Meeting, 27–28 July 2018
The Regional Sub-project Management Team (RSMT) of the Severe Weather Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction Demonstration Project (SWFDDP) met 27-28 July 2018 in Noumea, New Caledonia, immediately after the TCC meeting
10.1 RSMT Meeting Conclusions and Recommendations
1. The meeting noted the ongoing excellent outcome being achieve through the delivery of the project through the South Pacific and thanked new Zealand for its ongoing commitment to the operational delivery of guidance material through MetConnect
2. The meeting recommended that a regional entity such as SPREP assume responsibility for the Management of the project and requested that the issue be discussed at the upcoming RA V Meeting in Tonga in October.
3. The meeting agreed that subject to the completion of an independent review of the SWFDDP that the project would continue in the demonstration phase
4. The number of silent upper-air stations in the Region was noted by the meeting as a cause of major concerns and needed to be addressed through a number of channels to discover additional funding sources.
11. TCC Meeting, 29 August–2 September 2016
The TCC met 29 August – 2 September 2016 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The session was attended by 35 participants, including 24 from the Committee’s member States and 11 participants from regional and international organizations, Mr David Goutx, the Chair of the RA I TCC as ex-officio member, and Mr John Fenwick, the Chair of the RA V WG on Hydrology. Important items the meeting addressed included; a review and update of the Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean and establishment of TORs for the two Task Teams under the TCC.
11.1 TCC Meeting: Key Issues Discussed and Recommendations
11.1.1 Intensity forecasting and Dvorak technique
Following the report of the Chair, the meeting noted that two Category 5 Cyclones made landfall in the preceding seasons (Pam and Winston). Given that these 2 systems were at the higher end of the Category and there are predictions that more intense cyclones could be experienced in the future, questions were raised by member countries whether it was necessary to revise the category system to include a Category 6 for TC intensity numbering. Noting the challenges in dealing with extra-ordinary strong tropical cyclones, the meeting requested for a comprehensive study on the various mechanisms involved in cyclogenesis and on high intensity tropical cyclones where Dvorak techniques are challenged to be carried out. It
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 7
was recommended that this would be best carried out by the research community with close collaboration with operational meteorologists in the region.
11.1.2 Storm Surge Forecasting
The meeting noted that experiences in Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have stressed the need for storm surge to be considered with tropical cyclone warnings. Recognizing the ongoing CIFDPF and SWFDDP efforts, the meeting recommended that given the urgency and need for a storm surge forecasting solution, options are explored such as that developed in RA I for SW Indian Ocean.
Further, the committee urged WMO and partner agencies on behalf of the countries to pursue opportunities to obtain higher resolution bathymetric data as a basis for delivery of storm surge waning services.
11.1.3 RSMC Nadi Issues and Actions Raised
Following RSMC Nadi’s report to the TCC, critical issues raised and requiring urgent actions include;
the need for NMSs in the Southwest Pacific to upgrade their own synoptic observations network to required standards to support regional routine and severe weather forecasting needs;
urgent training workshops for forecasters on media skills;
NMSs to engage in open dialogue as well as provide feedback to RSMC Nadi on operational matters during cyclone events;
Capacity development in SIDs through short attachments of personnel or formal exchange of skills/tools between SIDs and our developed counterparts,
WMO to develop competency standards for Tropical Cyclones and
also the need for active engagement in the area of Tropical Cyclone genesis and how it responds to its environment noting the well-established El-Niño season which occurred in the 2015/16 season.
11.1.4 RIMES Initiatives
PNG reported that Preliminary Assessment has been completed by RIMES for establishment of country’s multi-hazard early warning centre and the RIMES Sub Regional Hub for the Pacific in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This is consistent with RIMES overarching goal for delivery of RIMES programs, products, and services through its Sub Regional Mechanism, RIMES Sub-Regional Centre for the Pacific is being established in Papua New Guinea and shall cater for different needs and demands of RIMES Member States in the Pacific Region for provision of early warning services for enhanced disaster preparedness, response to, and mitigation of natural hazards.
11.1.5 Tropical Cyclone Forecaster Competencies
Recognising the importance of developing competencies for tropical cyclone forecasters, the committee agreed to establish a working group comprising Mr Joe Courtney (BoM) and representatives from Tonga, Fiji and USA to undertake further work on the draft competencies considered at previous meetings. The committee noted that the draft RAV competencies are being considered by other regions and agencies as part of a process to develop internationally agreed competencies for WMO. The committee noted the need for training to ensure optimal utilization of TC Module across the Region.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 8
The committee agreed that they suggest to RA V management Group that the TCC WG on cyclone competencies be upgraded to TT status to provide added profile and focus on achieving progress towards adoption.
11.1.6 Frequency of TCC Meetings
The committee discussed the frequency of the TCC meetings and felt that there would be considerable advantages in meeting annually as is the case with equivalent meetings in northern hemisphere basins. Whilst the Operational Plan would not require review annually workshop activities around impact forecasting for example as well as discussions of projects operating in the region, would be of great benefit to Members.
12. Significant Tropical Cyclones 2014/15 and 2015/16 Seasons
Reports from Members highlighted the following significant Tropical Cyclones;
Pam (category 5) was the most intense of the 2014/15 season, made landfall in Vanuatu, and caused some 15-16 fatalities and damage of $USD360 million (ref).
Marcia (category 5) also in the 2014/15 season made landfall in Queensland with damage in excess of $USD590 million (ref).
Raquel formed on 30 June 2015 and was the first TC to exist in July in the South Pacific on record, attributed to the 2014/15 season.
Winston (category 5) in the 2015/16 season was the most intense TC on record in the Southern Hemisphere. It made landfall in Fiji resulting in 44 fatalities (around two thirds of which were the result of storm surge) and damage of $USD1.4 billion (ref).
13. TCC Meeting, 23–26 July 2018
The TCC met in Noumea, New Caledonia from 23 -26 July and was attended by 21 representatives from Members across RA V, staff from the WMO Secretariat as well invited representatives from CBS, China, Japan, IFRC, UNESCAP and SPC.
During the meeting several updates were made to the Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South Pacific and the South-East Indian Ocean is available for download via the WMO TCP Operational Plans page (WMO-1181/TCP-24)
13.1 Issues discussed and Recommendations
13.1.1 Storm Surge Forecasting
JMA have installed a storm surge model in the RSMC Nadi and trials of the system were conducted during the 2017/18 cyclone season. The system is operating over a number of small domains encompassing all of the islands in the South Pacific and will be further tested during the 2018/19 season with a view to commencing an operational services in the following season. This investment by Japan through JMA will provide a significant improvement in the storm surge warning capability in the Region.
13.1.2 Himawari Request
A major enhancement in satellite data for members is the introduction of Himawari Request by JMA where in high impact weather and atmospheric events high resolution satellite data (both in time and space) can be requested from JMA for small targeted domains. This service is being co-ordinated in the Southern Hemisphere through the Australian Bureau of Meteorology
13.1.3 Tropical Cyclone Forecaster Competencies
Draft tropical cyclone forecaster competencies developed by the WG were agreed for implementation within NHMs across the Region and for the guidance of future training
initiatives. The Committee acknowledged that NHMSs would need assistance with the adoption and implementation of these competencies and called on WMO or other organisations to consider what assistance could be provided.
14. Significant Tropical Cyclones 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons
Tropical Cyclone Gita was the most significant cyclone to occur in the previous 2 seasons. Gita began as a tropical low to the east of Vanuatu and then took a most unusual winding track firstly eastwards to impact on Samoa and American Samoa and then recurring to head west and reach category 4 intensity before causing widespread damage on Tonga. Gita then tracked to the south of Fiji before recurving and undergoing extra-tropical transition before impacting on New Zealand. Tonga was the country most affected with hundreds of homes and many crops destroyed with damages totaling around TOP$700 million; but there were also significant damages on Samoa, American Samoa, southern Fiji Islands and New Zealand where a state of emergency was declared in the wake of the system.
Donna (category 5) was the strongest off-season TC in the Southern Hemisphere in May, which affected the Solomon Islands (where 2 fatalities were recorded), Vanuatu and New Caledonia (ref).
Debbie (category 4) made landfall in Queensland in March 2017 causing damage of $USD1.85 billion and resulting in 14 deaths making it the deadliest cyclone to hit Australia since Tracy in 1974 (ref).
Tropical cyclone Cempaka formed south of Java in late November 2017 and while the centre of the cyclone remained over water storm force winds, severe swells and heavy rainfall impacted much of Java killing 19 people
15. Training Activities
15.1 SWFDDP Training
SWFDDP in-country training took place in 2015, funded by the Government of Canada and administered through WMO. Rick Jones (WMO consultant) provided training in Samoa, while the Meteorological Service of New Zealand (MetService) provided meteorological trainers (Lisa Murray, Vive Biukoto and Leigh Matheson) to six Pacific islands (Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu). All the training courses were supported by a trainer from the UK Met Office. Niue and Cook Islands did not receive training due to logistical reasons.
15.2 Southern Hemisphere Training Course on Tropical Cyclones
The Southern Hemisphere Training Course on Tropical Cyclones and Workshop on Public Weather Services is held bi-annually. The 11th session of this course took place from 5-16 October 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, and the 12th session from 14-22 September 2017 was held in Nadi, Fiji, facilitated by Joe Courtney and David Grant, both from the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia.
15.3 International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones
The International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones (IWTC) is held every four years, and last took place from 2-10 December 2014 in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Whilst not specific to RA V, promotion and support of the event falls under the TCC Operating Plan. The next IWTC will take place in December 2018.
15.4 Training in Satellite Meteorology
The Melbourne “Centre of Excellence” has been running regular monthly Virtual Lab sessions this year, and in previous years. The sessions are called the “Regional Focus Group”, and cover many aspects of satellite meteorology. A recent focus has been on the new Himawari-8 RGB imagery.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WATER AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
NEW ZEALAND
1. INTRODUCTION
The previous Working Group completed little of its Work Plan due to key members retiring or having their employment direction changed. After some discussion and delay due to a small number of nominations for Task Teams, the Working Group was re-established during 2015. A meeting was held in late 2015 which was successful in setting a new Work Plan.
2. WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE
The Working Group is composed of one lead, two vice-leads, Task Team on Training and Capacity Building in Hydrology (TT-TCB-H); Task Team of Hydrology Database Management (TT-HDM); Task Team on Disaster Risk Reduction – Water-related Disasters (TT-DRR-W); and Task Team on Water and Climate (TT-WC). Each TT consists of one leader and several experts.
3. TERMS OF REFERENCE
The terms of reference of the Working Group on Hydrological Services (WG-HYS) are as follows:
(a) To monitor, promote and develop strategies and activities that will enhance the capabilities of RA V Members to improve the quality of hydrological services and to deliver and improve access to these services, with an emphasis on improved observation and monitoring systems, and on training and capacity building;
(b) To coordinate with relevant WMO bodies, particularly the Commission for Hydrology (CHy), and other groups to enable improved forecasting capabilities, including the provision of more accurate, timely and reliable forecasts and warnings and enhanced delivery of related information and services;
(c) To assist RA V Members to apply a quality management approach that will enable and support the sustainability of hydrological services;
(d) To provide hydrological advice and guidance to RA V Members regarding the development of the new WMO programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Member Island Territories;
(e) To establish and coordinate task teams, as required, complete specific activities related to the objectives, priority areas and planned deliverables of the Working Group;
(f) To report and provide advice to the RA V Management Group on the above issues.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 12
4. MEMBERSHIP
WG-HYS Name CountryLead Mr John FENWICK New Zealand
Vice-Leads Dr SUPRAPTO IndonesiaMr Roy A. BADILLA Philippines
Task Team on Training and Capacity Building in Hydrology(TT-TCB-H)
TT Leader Mr Petrus SYARIMAN Indonesia
ExpertMr PAAT Philippines
Mr Taaniela KULA TongaMr Lameko ASORA Samoa
Task Team of Hydrology Database Management (TT-HDM)
TT Leader Ms Margaret BAUTISTA Philippines
Expert
Mr Roddy HENDERSON New Zealand
Dr Eka NUGRAHA ABDI Indonesia
Mr Taaniela KULA Tonga
Mr Andre Siohane Niue
Task Team on Disaster Risk Reduction – Water- related Disasters(TT-DRR-W)
TT Leader Mr Jeff PERKINS Australia
Expert
Dr Christian ZAMMIT New ZealandDr William Marcus PUTUHENA Indonesia
Mr Taaniela KULA Tonga
Mr ‘Ofa FA’ANUNU Tonga
Task Team on Water and Climate (TT-WC)
TT Leader Dr Christian ZAMMIT New Zealand
Expert
Dr Fransisca MULYANTARI IndonesiaDr Erwin E. S. MAKMUR Indonesia
A meeting was held in Brisbane during 9-13 November 2015. It was attended by 10 members of the group, as well as by Dr Harry Lins, the President of the Commission for Hydrology, Mr Claudio Caponi from the Secretariat, Mr Peter Sinclair from SPC and in part, by several staff members of the host agency, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 13
Noting the main decisions of interest to RA V from CHy-14, Cg-17, EC-67, and RAV-16, the Group developed the terms of reference for its four Task Teams. It also took into account the priorities identified by the Regional Forum of Directors of NMHSs in RA in the area of hydrology were related to disaster risk reduction, development of QMSs and capacity building.
Noting also that the activities related to promoting a quality management approach in hydrology were of a cross-cutting nature and did not fit exactly under any of the Task Team titles, the Group agreed to modify the title and scope of the Task Team on Hydrology Database Management to give it the added responsibility of promoting the adoption of a Quality Management Framework - Hydrology in the Region.
The Group discussed and compiled the work plan 2016-2018 of the four Task Teams. The main points of the work plan, as established at the meeting, are:
Implementation of FFGS and/or other appropriate tools such as coupling Himawari-8 in Region V.
Provision of reports and web portal information on regional applications; IFAS, TopNet, IFFRM, Delft-FEWS etc.
Propose strengthened, or establishment of, early warning systems for floods in Members of RA V.
Promote development of hydrological products for inputs to end-to-end multi-disaster warning systems - Pac-HYCOS2, CIFDP.
Promote regular discussions between NMSs and NHSs through a community of practice web portal.
Strengthen or develop national joint programmes between NMSs, NHSs and NDMOs on public awareness and education on floods that is inclusive of women, girls, youth, children, disabled people, and vulnerable communities.
Develop and help implement water sector products (climate outlooks, EHP material, workshops, etc.,) as part of GFCS and IDMP.
Review and report on appropriate database systems for small countries/agencies.
Assist in development of seasonal prediction products for water management purposes.
Develop concept notes for Pac-HYCOS2, SEA-HYCOS and promote. Communicate via web portal and IWRM platforms.
Support staff from Pacific Island Countries NHSs to post-graduate degrees in hydrology and courses based on QMF and WMO No. 1003, and investigate distance learning options for capacity building.
The Group recommended that a follow-up meeting be held before the end of the intersessional period, in late 2017 or early 2018. Tonga expressed interest in hosting such a meeting. The Chair was tasked to address all RA V Members to promote the nomination of experts in the different Open Panels of CHy Experts (OPACHEs). The Group thanked the Queensland Regional Office of the BoM for their warm hospitality throughout the meeting.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 14
6. Progress on Work Plan tasks
An on-line forum (web portal) has been established with the assistance of the Secretariat. Information on several topics has been posted and it has been promoted to WG-HYS members by email. Further information for a “community of practice” and other information is in preparation by TT leaders.
A concept note for a Pacific-HYCOS Phase 2 was drafted (in conjunction with SPC) and sent in April 2016 to the Secretariat for appraisal. It was presented to Pacific Island Met Service directors at the TCC meeting in Honiara in August 2016. Feedback was positive and useful, and they looked forward to the securing of donor funding. Discussion with key Secretariat staff has continued and there was agreement that the concept of identifying the information products required by countries, and the associated actions required to provide them, was a key concept. The Secretariat commented that this was the way that they perceived the development of future HYCOS projects. The Secretariat (Development and Regional Activities section) is currently looking to incorporate it into larger programmes in the region.
A concept proposal for providing appropriate hydrological database software to NHSs in small and developing countries has been submitted to the Secretariat for comment, but it has been awaiting the commencement of activities of the Global Hydrometry Support Facility (GHSF).
An assessment of the currently used and freely available hydrometric database software products is underway.
A case study on ISO 9001 QMS from the region was compiled and provided to the C-Hy Task Team on QMS. [Fenwick, J., (2016). Case Study Development of a Quality Management System for the Hydrological Service of the National Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd. (New Zealand) (ISO certified)].
Assistance was provided to the CHy Task Team on QMS with review of QMS Checklist and Questionnaire reports.
Assistance was provided to the Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project by recruiting a new OPACHE member to serve as an expert representative for WMO on two proposed projects in the region (Fiji and Indonesia). Dr Graeme Smart has attended three project meetings, two as an alternate to the co-chair of the Project Steering Group. This group is also looking at flood forecasting tools that may be suitable for the region.
The WMO/IGRAC workshop “Advancing Groundwater Monitoring in Small Island Developing States in the Pacific” was held in Suva in the last week of August 2016.
A distance learning course, specifically designed for the training needs of Pacific Island hydrology field technicians, has been compiled jointly by COMET, the Secretariat and NIWA (New Zealand’s NHS). The 10-week course started on 22 May 2017 and was run from the COMET web site with student guidance and assessment provided by NIWA staff.
Contributions were made to a number of CHy Working Groups and Task Teams including HydroSOS, the CHy AWG, the CIFDP projects in the region, the Flood Forecasting Community of Practice Task Team and the HydroHub Innovation Committee.
7. WMO GLOBAL HYDROLOGICAL STATUS AND OUTLOOK (HYDROSOS) PROJECT
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 15
This is a joint project of WMO Hydrology and Water Resources Branch, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is still in the initial planning stages.
The project aims to fulfil the need for an operational global system capable of assessing the current status of surface water and groundwater systems and for predicting how they will change in the coming weeks and months. Every month, the worldwide operational system will report on:
the current global hydrological status including groundwater, river flow and soil moisture
an appraisal of where the current status is significantly different from ‘normal’, for example indicating drought and flood situations.
an assessment of whether this is likely to get better or worse over coming weeks and months.
Pilot projects are planned for RA I (Lake Victoria region) and RA II (Bangladesh)
It is relevant to all countries in RA V and should provide impetus to encourage countries to have near real time hydrological data available for input to the models in order to receive relevant and useful predictions and outlooks.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STRUCTURE OF THE WG-HYS
It is suggested that we simplify the Task Team structure into two Expert Groups, based on Measuring, Monitoring and Infosystems, and Hydrological Applications.
The above graphic and the idea follows that of RA II. The concept is also based on the proposed splitting on Technical Commissions into two similar divisions. While this proposed split is not necessarily ideal for Hydrology within WMO overall, I do think the division is appropriate for Working Groups in Hydro.
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RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 16
WORKING GROUP ON WEATHER SERVICES (WG-WXS)
RAYMOND TANABE
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONUNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1. Introduction
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) and the four priorities for action, including understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in disaster risk, and enhancing preparedness will clearly require continuing development of an emerging skillset. This skillset includes impact (as opposed to criteria or threshold) based forecasting and decision support, a deep understanding of community vulnerability and resiliency, quick adoption of new technology, and integration of social science.
Significant changes in aviation are on the horizon and the subsequent challenges for NMHS’s will be compliance with new WMO aviation qualification standards, cost recovery mechanisms for the provision of aviation services, and the need for long term strategic planning.
2. Working Group Structure
The Working Group is composed of one leader, two vice-leaders, Task Team on Cost Recovery (TT-CR), Task Team on Quality Management (TT-QM), Task Team on Training, Competencies and Qualifications (TT-TRG), and Task Team on Weather Services Implementation (TT-IMP). Each TT consists of one leader and expert(s) except TT-CR which does not have experts.
3. Terms of Reference
The terms of reference of the Working Group on Weather Services (WG-WXS) are as follows:
(a) To monitor, promote and develop strategies to enhance the capabilities of RA V Members to deliver and improve access to weather services, with an focus on sustainable aviation weather services;
(b) To coordinate with WMO, the International Civil Aviation Organization and other key organizations to assist with the implementation of an improved and sustainable weather and warning service;
(c) To identify and evaluate international best practices on the delivery of weather and warning services and communicate these to RA V Members;
(d) To establish and coordinate its Task Teams, as necessary, to complete specific tasks related to the objectives and priority areas of the Working Group; and
(e) To report and provide advice to the RA V Management Group on the above issues;
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 17
4. MembershipWG-WXS Name Country
Lead Mr Raymond TANABE USA
Vice-LeadDr Landrico Ureta DALIDA Jr. Philippines
Mr Grahame READER Australia
Task Team on Cost Recovery(TT-CR) TT Leader Mr ‘Ofa FA’ANUNU Tonga
Task Team on Quality Management (TT-QM)
TT Leader Ms Helen TSEROS Australia
Expert Mr Lim Ze HUI Malaysia
Task Team on Training, Competencies and Qualifications(TT-TRG)
TT Leader Ms Lih Mei LIM Singapore
ExpertDr Cynthia P. CELEBRE Philippines
Mr Amit Singh Fiji
Task Team on Weather Services Implementation (TT-IMP)
TT Leader Dr Mohd Hisham MOHD ANIP Malaysia
Expert Mr M. PRABOWO Indonesia
5. Activities of the Working Group
The WMO Guide to the Implementation of a Quality Management System for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (WMO No. 1100) was released in 2017 and made available through the WMO E-Library in early 2018. This update, undertaken by Bryan Boase and Helen Tseros of the Bureau of Meteorology, provides updated guidance to the development and implementation of a quality management system within a ISO 9001:2015 framework.
WG-WXS and the Pacific Islands Aviation Weather Services (PIAWS) Panel members at Pacific Meteorological Council Meetings noted new training and certification would be needed for QMS Lead Auditors in the RA-V region who were previously certified under the previous ISO 9001 standards. To date there are three RA-V members, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, have achieved certification of compliance to ISO 9001:2015. A proposal to conduct a training workshop for WMO Quality Management practitioners on the transition to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard has been made to PMC-4.
PAGASA Weather Division was awarded ISO 9001:2008 Certification in 2015 with yearly follow up audits in 2016 and 2017. Last June 1, 2018, PAGASA Weather Division started migrating to ISO 9001-2015 QMS and expanded its scope to include the WMO Regional Training Center (RTC) regular activities. The internal audit had been conducted and the Stage 2 Certification Audit is scheduled for October 10-11, 2018.
On March 6-7, 2018, Philippines, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan participated in a “Joint Meeting on Coordination Procedure for Collaborative SIGMET Issuance and Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)” in Tokyo, Japan. This meeting was facilitated and partly funded by JMA. A representative of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) Asia and Pacific Office was also present in the meeting. The Joint Meeting cum Signing Ceremony marks the culminating activity of the Collaborative SIGMET Issuance Demonstration Project which started in 2015. The purpose of the project was to develop a coordination procedure
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 18
incorporating a web platform for information sharing, coordination and verification of its effectiveness through several fixed-term demonstrations. Finally, this Director-General meeting composed a Joint Statement on the operationalization of the cooperation scheme on collaborative SIGMET Issuance which commenced on 09 April 2018 for harmonized and seamless en-route aviation weather services in the region.
Of recent significance is the completion of Feasibility study for a Pacific based WMO Regional Training Center report, authored by Dr. Geoff Love, Dr. Maria Mamaeva, and Mr. Jeff Wilson. This study was supported by UNDP through the Disaster Resilience in the Pacific Project (RESPAC). This first report from the study team uses results from visits to 13 of the 15 NMHSs and the survey completed by 14 of the countries during June 2018 to examine the feasibility of a Pacific based WMO Regional Training Centre. One of the conclusions was the believe there is enough potential capacity to support a BIP-MT certification program in the region and not enough potential students for a BIP-M program. The initial report has been distributed for comments and should be a topic of discussion at the upcoming WMO RA-V-17 and RECO being held in Tonga 12-17.
The US/NOAA supported Pacific International Training Desk (PITD) training is aligned with portions of the BIP-M standards however is not an accredited course. The PITD is currently developing a proposal to create a pathway from successful completion of PITD Levels 1 and 2, BIP-M bridge courses, and eventual BIP-M Pacific Certification. The final portion of the certification process would take advantage of existing training partner and academic institutions in the region using online and face to face coursework. Two versions of this proposal were presented at the recent Pacific Islands Education, Training, and Research Panel meeting in Fiji (August 2018) and will be presented at the RA-V-17.
Met Malaysia is providing assistance to Brunei in the implementation of their competency assessment for AMO and AMF. Met Malaysia first implemented their competency assessment for AMO and AMF in 2013.
More detailed activities in line with the Operating Plan 2016–2019 are available in the Annex.
6. Working Group Meeting
The WG-WXS met on August 11, 2017 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, preceding the Fourth Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-4) and Second Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology (PMMM-2). This meeting focused on strategic alignment of the WG-WXS and the PMC PIAWS Panel. One challenge to implementing a QMS is that auditors ae required to upgrade their knowledge and skills to be able to conduct effective audits against the new ISO 9001:2015 Standard.
WG-WXS also discussed organizing training in communications, impact based forecasting, and early warning in 2018 followed by training for media presentations in 2019. Both were highlighted in the WG-WXS work plan. No suitable dates were identified for the 2018 training and 2019 dates will be discussed during RA-V-17 for a consolidated training opportunity in 2019.
7. Conclusion
In similar fashion to other WGs, WG-WXS faces many challenges to develop momentum among the Task Teams. Establishing key partnerships with other bodies such as PMC and PIAWS will enable strategic alignment of goals. These alignments will reduce duplication and help to ensure the success of all involved.
The WMO RA V Regional Office conducted an online survey of Members to identify urgent challenges and priorities of Members. Responding Members (18 out of 23) were asked rate the most pressing challenges from a list of 16 pre-defined categories.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 19
The results of this survey, along with Forecast and EWS being rated as the highest weighted priority area…suggest more emphasis should be placed on these areas in the next WG-WXS Work Plan and shall be discussed during the upcoming RECO-7 and RA-V-17.
__________
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 20
ANNEX
1.1.1a Enhanced timely and accurate weather forecast / warning for aviation.
Regional events to raise awareness of and improve understanding of ICAO-WMO requirements among NMHSs and various agents of aviation sectors in the Pacific region on aviation meteorological services.
PMC PIAWS Panel Meetingso 25 November 2015 (Nadi, Fiji) – Developed ToRo 27 May 2016 (Nadi, Fiji) – Raise awareness of importance and requirements to
provide meteorological services for air navigationo 2 September 2016 (Honiara, Solomon Islands) – Identify priority actions
Regional training course on ISO 9001:2015 QMS and AMSo 16-27 May 2016 (Nadi, Fiji) – Funded by JICAo 17 Participants from 10 PICTs
Regional training course on basic instruction package for Meteorological Technicians (BIP-MT)
o 24 April – 29 June 2017 – Funded by JICAo 15 Participants from 8 PICTs
In-country training for Kiribati Meteorological Service staffo 16-24 May 2017 – Supported by Fiji Airways, JICA, Fiji Met Service, WMO, JICAo QMS and assistance in developing exposition document for CAR Part 174
In-country training and competency assessment for Kiribati Meteorological Service AMOso 13-27 March 2017 - Cassidy Airport, Kiritimati Islando Bonriki Airport, Tarawa
In-country training for Cook Islands Meteorological Service AMOso Supported by Fiji Met Service and JICAo AMO requirements
Pacific Meteorological Council Meetings ICAO MET SG/21
o 29 May to 01 June 2017 - Bangkok, Thailand ICAO 21st Meeting of Meteorology Subgroup (MET/21) of the Asia-Pacific Air Navigation
Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APANPIRG)o 29 May-1 June 2017 - Bangkok, Thailand
The Twenty-seventh Meeting of the Asia Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APANPIRG/27) was held in the ICAO APAC Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand, from 5-8 September 2016.
Assist to develop national and inter-agency formal agreements for aviation weather services among NMHSs, Fiji Meteorological Services / RSMC-Nadi and other NMHSs in the Pacific Islands.
Joint Meeting on Coordination Procedure for Collaborative SIGMET Issuance and Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation.
o 6-7 March 2018 – Tokyo, Japan
Support/promote projects for Installing equipment including hardware and software for verification of TAF in NMHSs of Pacific Islands (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu).
AWS installed in Niue funded by FINPAC Software available from BoM and USA. Will try to test software with a small group of
airports which have TAFs and reliable observations.Assist in resolving Asia/Pacific deficiencies as identified by ICAO in the area of SIGMET, especially in the Pacific Islands (Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon, Islands, and Tonga).
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 21
According to Ms Alicia Tuppack (Australia-BoM), Most Pacific countries have not had ICAO audit done since 2007-2008. Met Authority has to find resources for audit and not Met Service. PIMS requests an external audit for countries. CAA is responsible for finding auditor as stated by ICAO. If gaps are found in Met Service then ICAO can provide funding to the country.
As reported by Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, only CAA has access to database which shows corrective actions. CAA needs to provide data to Met Authority. CAA and Met Service audit on Annex 3 conducted two years ago.
CAAF in Fiji has already audited Fiji Met Service on Annex 3. Lack of available experts to conduct Annex 3 audits Compliance with Annex 3
o What services provided in each country and how they should be provided. CAA responsible for regulating Annexes. Last Annex 3 update was July 2016 and it was effective on November 2016 (Changes to QMS): countries demonstrated QMS and it should be audited.
PMC-4 noted the definition of and procedure for resolution of ICAO Asia/Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Work Group (APANIRG) air navigation deficiencies – especially in the field of aeronautical meteorology – and the importance of close coordination between PMC and ICAO in order to effectively facilitate the resolution of deficiencies in the PICTs.
Assist to harmonize or align legislations or equivalents of NMHSs and Civil Aviation Authorities or equivalents to meet ICAO-WMO requirements.
Example relating to CAR Part 174o NMHSs to liaise with their national CAA counterparts as part of process to allow for
compliance and recognise the QMS of NMHSso Director of NMHSs also to have a title Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or be designated
under the CAR Part 174o Director of NMHSs to appoint a Quality Manager or Quality assurance Manager who
will have responsibility and report on matters related to QMS including the CAR Part 174 and Aviation Meteorological Services
Chair of PIAWS Panel provided a presentation to the Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology on the importance of meteorology to Aviation Safety.
1.1.1b Implemented QMS for aviation meteorological service providers.
Encourage Members to use the QM resources and guidance tools already provided to develop and implement a QMS (WMO webpage & forum, WMO Step by Step Guide 1100 and other appropriate WMO/ICAO publications.
Countries in various stages of QMS. There is a BoM proposal for a training programme in ISO 9001:2015 and to assist WMO member countries on achieving certification. Agenda to include proposal to provide support to countries on ISO 9001:2015 training
Pacific Meteorological Desk and Partnership websiteEncourage Twinning' or mentoring Members on QMS processes and audits
Background – 2012 QM Internal Auditor Training Workshop in Vanuatu produced 21 qualified Internal QM Auditors from 10 SW Pacific NMHSs
Followed up with practical hands-on training performing internal audits at selected BoM Australia offices.
Final training and certification of Lead Auditors – Fiji 2014Promote and assist where possible Pacific Islands Meteorological Authorities, NMHS and Civil Aviation Authorities to enhance QMS for aviation meteorological services.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 22
2017 CAeM survey for WMO Region V indicated 14 of 21 WMO Members had achieved certification of compliance or were in conformity with ISO 9001
o Less than 50% certified by external third party certification 2017 PIAWS Panel survey indicated 4 of 12 Members who responded had achieved
certification of compliance or were in conformity with ISO 9001o 2 Members certified by external third party certification.o 1 Member achieved certification of compliance to ISO 9001:2015
Challenges of implementing QMSo Exacerbated by upgrade to new ISO 9001:2015o Auditors also required to upgrade their knowledge and skills
WMO 1100: Guide to the Implementation of Quality Management Systems for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and other relevant service providers within an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Framework-2017 Edition
o Released Sep 2017o Provides updated guidance to higher ISO 9001-2015 Standards
1.1.1c Implemented cost recovery for aviation meteorological service providers.
Conduct a survey on cost recovery for aviation meteorological services in RA V Members.
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatuo 25% of countries have cost recovery mechanism in place
WMO Global survey on QMS and competency assessmentDevelop and provide guidance on cost recovery for aviation meteorological services.
PIAWS Panel recommendation for PIAWs to work with ICAO and WMO to develop a uniform cost recovery mode for Pacific Island Countries
1.1.1d Implemented competency assessment for aviation meteorological service providers.
Conduct a survey to determine current status of the implementation of competency assessment for AMO and AMF in RA V Members.
PIAWS Survey 2017o 50% of countries have completed competency assessment
NMHSs personnel providing services for international air navigation are to comply with the WMO qualifications and training requirements of Aeronautical Meteorological Personnel (AMP)
NMHSs are to implement competency assessment methods to meet the ISO 9001: 2015 Standards
Develop and provide guidance to assist Members in RA V to implement competency assessment for AMO and AMF.
1.1.2 Improved coordination of weather services in the Region
Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy Pacific Roadmap for Strengthened Climate Services SPREP Strategic Plan 2017-2026
o Approved by SPREP Members at the 27th SPREP Meeting in 2016
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 23
o Since the SPREP Meeting will be held every 2 years SPREP is developing a Performance Implementation Plan and Results Framework for 2018-2019, approved at the 28th SPREP Meeting in September 2017
PMC-4o WMO briefed the Meeting on their future strategic planning process and how they
are working to support regional NMHSs. WMO invited the participation of member states in the member’s survey and the importance of their input into the new strategic plan (2020-2023), which will be adopted at the WMO Congress in 2019.
o WMO informed the Meeting that they are guided broadly by the Sendai Framework and the Paris Agreement, and have established a SIDS program within WMO. WMO noted that the PIMS provides WMO with guidance on its engagement in the region.
Organize session of RA V WG/WXS.
RA V WG-WXS Intersession meeting.o 11 August 2017 – Honiara Solomon Islands
2.1.1 Improved communities and other stakeholders safety
Engage with stakeholders to develop new products.
Completion of verification spread sheets by NHMSs and in-country progress reports for SWFDDP.
Discussions between NMHSs and local communities to help them to improve understanding of early warnings for disaster related to weather.
Develop weather related hazard/disaster response plans for local communities and economic sectors.
FINPAC Project outcomes at the PMC-4o successful activities carried out under the project in the various NMHSs and
communities in the regiono recommended NMHSs to support the national IFRC societies and other community
mobilizers to ensure strong collaboration developed under FINPAC can continueo recognised that the MoU signed between Solomon Island Red Cross and the Solomon
Island Meteorological Service is a great example of sustainability and collaboration to get information to the last mile
o recommended NMHSs and their regional partners engage national red cross societies or other NGO's early in program design processes to ensure public weather information can be easily understood and used to inform early actions at the community level
o encouraged NMHSs to work closely and strengthen relationships with their National Media (print and broadcasters) to provide wider access to public weather information
o recommended that donors and partners continue support to NMHSs and their partners to replicate the community early warning system activities piloted under the FINPAC to other communities.
6.3.2 Met the AMO and AMF requirements in all existing and new aviation weather observers.
Assist Pacific Island Countries NMHSs to conduct competency assessment for AMO and AMF.
2017 PIAWS Survey indicated 10 of 12 responding countries have either completed or started their competency assessments
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 24
Fiji Met Service has developed procedure outlining the process for assessing AMP based ib “know-tell-do” criteria and has shared this process with PMC countries.
Training and assessment carried out in Kiritimati Island and Tarawa, Kiribati7.2.3 Provided training by national / regional institutions and improved capacity of NMHSs in communicating weather information including warnings to the communities.
Fifth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Meeting.
o 22-26 May 2017 - Cancun, Mexico. National Multi-Hazards Early Warning System with Geospatial Applications for Disaster Risk
Reduction and Sustainable Development.o 10 July – 2 August 2017 – WMO RTC Citeko, Indonesia
WMO Southern Hemisphere Training Workshop on public weather services.
The Twelfth Southern Hemisphere Training Course on Tropical Cyclones and Workshop on Public Weather Service
o 12-22 September 2017 – Nadi, Fiji
Training in communication. 2019 TargetTraining in media presentations (interview and writing articles). 2019 TargetOther related regional meetings/programs.
ICG/PTWS-XXVII Session held in Tahiti, French Polynesia, from 28 – 31 March 2017 5th Meeting of the ICG/PTWS Regional Group for the PICTs working group that was held in
Honiara from 7-8 August 2017 Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) in Samoa and Tonga
o contributes to strengthening early warning and preparedness through the implementation of multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) platforms, procedures and systems in participating PICs to increase resilience to climate change and disasters; the regional approach that it has taken to implement its activities building on existing capacities of participating countries’ National Weather Services (NWS) and National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs); and
Pacific Hydrological Services Panel proposed within the PMS structureo Developed Interim Terms of Reference and requested that SPREP and WMO liaise
with SPC and others to finalise the ToR and facilitate progress on key tasks in consultation with panel membership. USP, IFRC, SPC, Samoa, NZ, PNG, New Caledonia (after consultation with water division), and Fiji are the initial members of the Panel and enrolment will be left open ended for further membership, noting the need for a balance of NMHS and Hydrology members.
Pacific Island Marine and Ocean Services (PIMOS) Panelo PMC to task the PIMOS Panel to draft an implementation plan, consistent with the
WMO RA V implementation plan and other relevant plans, to assist with the development of marine weather and oceans services capacity of the regions' NMHSs, to assist NMHSs meet their obligations under SOLAS and to achieve the goals of PIMS PKO-2 and WMO Marine Meteorology goals for PMC endorsement
o PMC to task the PIMOS Panel to develop a project proposal to assist with the development of marine weather and oceans services capacity of the regions' NMHSs, to assist NMHSs meet their obligations under SOLAS and to achieve the goals of PIMS PKO-2 for PMC endorsement. NMHSs interested in working with the PIMOS Panel to develop a marine and ocean services project proposal are requested
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 25
to express their willingness to participate in the proposed project(s). Tonga, Samoa, USA, and Vanuatu expressed their willingness.
__________
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 26
WORKING GROUP ON CLIMATE SERVICES (WG-CLS)
FLAVIANA HILARIO
PHILIPPINE ATMOSPHERIC GEOPHYSICAL AND ASTRONOMICAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (PAGASA)
1. INTRODUCTION
The WMO RA V Working Group on Climate Services (WG-CLS) was established to coordinate the implementation of regional activities of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in the field of climate services including matters relevant to implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) in the region. WG-CLS worked on the climate issues specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) in close cooperation with relevant WMO Technical Commissions including the Commission for Climatology (CCl) and Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM).
2. WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE
The Working Group on Climate Services is composed a Lead and two Vice-Lead and five task teams namely Task Team on Climate Services Information including Regional Climate Centres (RCCs) and Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF) (TT-CSIS), Task Team on Climate Data Management/Data Rescue (TT-CDM), Task Team on Climate Change (TT-CC), Task Team on Use of Improved Tools for Operational Agrometeorology including Coping with Impacts of Natural Disasters on Agriculture (TT-ITA) and Task Team on Agrometeorological Information for Enhancing Farmer Productivity (TT-AIF). Each TT is composed a TT Leader and Expert/s.
3. TERMS OF REFERENCE
WMO RA V Working Group on Climate Services (WG-CLS)
(a) To coordinate observational aspects of climate services including through liaison with the Global Framework for Climate Services, the Global Climate Observing System and the Global Ocean Observing System;
(b) To provide advice on methods to strengthen and improve climate system monitoring, analyses and indices;
(c) To keep abreast of the activities of the World Climate Services Programme, Commission for Climatology, the World Climate Research Programme and its core research projects, Global Framework for Climate Services, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other climate-related bodies, to report results of meetings and workshops, and to encourage strong regional involvement in these bodies;
(d) To provide advice on and assist in the implementation of various climate information and prediction services in RA V in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water, renewable energy, urban and building planning, disaster risk reduction, air quality and health;
(e) To examine, coordinate, report on and encourage the use of Geographical Information Systems in the provision of climate services;
(f) To provide advice on, assist in identifying and coordinate attendance at climate-related education and training courses/workshops, including information technology and management courses, based on a survey of the training requirements in the Region;
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 27
(g) To provide further advice and proposals on the role, structure and mechanism of the Regional Climate Centres in the region, and assist in seeking their WMO designation processes;
(h) To provide advice and proposals on other important climate-related issues as they develop and evolve;
Task Team on Climate Services Information System (TT-CSIS)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
To provide advice on and assist in the implementation of various climate information and prediction services in RA V, in the various climate-sensitive sectors, including through Regional and National Climate Outlook Forums and Regional Climate Centres;
To provide advice on, assist in identifying and coordinate attendance at climate-related education and training courses/workshops, including information technology and management, based upon a survey of the training requirements in the Region;
To provide further advice and proposals on the role, structure and mechanism of the Regional Climate Centres in the region including their designation process;
To review and provide advice/guidance on the use of statistical and dynamic climate modeling and downscaling to produce useable regional and national climate forecasts and products;
To provide advice and proposals on other important climate-related issues as they develop and evolve;
Encourage the collaboration of RA V countries to enhance technical capacities in seasonal prediction;
Provide advice to the WG-CLS on the above issues.
Within these Terms of Reference, the Task Team will seek to collaborate and align with regional meteorological communications work done in other relevant forums having a common objective.
Task Team on Climate Data Management / Data Rescue (TT-CDM)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
To provide advice on methods and mechanisms, including through the International Data Rescue Portal (I-DARE) and other means in the region to identify the needs in data rescue and related technologies for project design and implementation;
Ensure technological watch on the development of new climate data bases and provide advice on their management systems that can be made available to the NMHSs for their modern archiving of climate data and generating data products and services, based on WMO Climate Data Management specifications and guidelines;
Assess the existing methodologies for quality control and homogenization of climate data and provide advice on their suitability for their use in developing high quality climate datasets;
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 28
To investigate existing best practices and tools for generating climate monitoring products and provide recommendations on their implementation at national and regional level;
Assess the region needs in training on climate data management and related applications, such as for producing timely information on weather and climate extremes in support of climate watch and alert systems
Within these Terms of Reference, the Task Team will seek to collaborate and align with regional meteorological communications work done in other relevant forums having a common objective.
Task Team on Climate Change (TT-CC)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
To keep abreast of the activities of CCl, IPCC, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other climate-related bodies, report results of meetings and workshops, and encourage strong regional involvement in these bodies;
To provide advice on methods to strengthen and improve climate system monitoring, analyses and indices;
Provide advice to the WG-CLS on the above issues.
Within these Terms of Reference, the Task Team will seek to collaborate and align with regional meteorological communications work done in other relevant forums having a common objective.
Task Team on Use of Improved Tools for Operational Agrometeorology Including Coping with Impact of Natural Disaster on Agriculture (TT-ITA)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
To analyze and evaluate the use of crop simulation models in the NMHSs and institutions in RA V and suggest the procedures to implement them;
To review the studies on agro climatic and agro ecological zonation that make use of GIS and Agro meteorological Information Systems in RA V and determine the best procedures for their implementation throughout the Region;
To evaluate and propose appropriate methodologies for the application of remote sensing in agriculture in the Region.
To review and evaluate the operational use of seasonal to inter-annual climate forecasts sustainable agriculture in South West Pacific and make recommendations to improve the presentation of the forecasts for the users;
To review reports of climate change scenarios for RA V and catalogue the various agricultural impacts associated with such scenarios;
To investigate the drought indices that are commonly used in RA V to evaluate the relation between these indices and the spatial impacts in the agricultural activity;
To liaise with the relevant Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM) Expert Teams and Task Teams as appropriate.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 29
Within these Terms of Reference, the Task Team will seek to collaborate and align with regional meteorological communications work done in other relevant forums having a common objective.
Task Team on Agrometeorological Information for Enhancing Farming Productivity (TT-AIF)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
Enhancement of the communication channels for the improved dissemination of agricultural meteorological information;
Strengthening information and dissemination networks;
To evaluate the different ways of diffusion of agro meteorological information for the different users, obtain feedback from the users and to propose appropriate mechanisms to improve it;
To liaise with the relevant Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM) Expert Teams and Task Teams as appropriate.
Within these Terms of Reference, the Task Team will seek to collaborate and align with regional meteorological communications work done in other relevant forums having a common objective.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 30
4. MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORKING GROUP
The members of the WG-CLS are shown in the table below. The names listed are the present members. There has been changes in the membership since its creation during the RA V-16 Meeting.
WG-CLS Name Country
Lead Dr Flaviana D. HILARIO (Ms) Philippines
Vice-LeadDr Bertrand TIMBAL SingaporeDr Ardhasena SOPAHELUWAKAN Indonesia
Task Team on Climate Information and Prediction Services including Regional Climate Centres (RCCs) and Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF) (TT-CLIPS)
TT Leader Mr John MARRA USA
ExpertMr Raizan RAHMAT Singapore
Mr Simon McGREE Australia
Task Team on Climate Data Management/Data Rescue(TT-CDM)
TT Leader Ms Meaghan FLANNERY Australia
ExpertMrs Seluvaia FINAULAHI TongaMr Howard DIAMOND USA
Task Team on Climate Change (TT-CC)
TT Leader Dr Fariza YUNUS MalaysiaExpert Ms Thelma A. CINCO Philippines
Task Team on Use of Improved Tools for Operational Agro-meteorology including Coping with Impacts of Natural Disasters on Agriculture (TT-ITA)
TT Leader Dr Andrew TAIT New Zealand
Expert Mr Haris SYAHBUDDIN Indonesia
Task Team on Agro-meteorological Information(TT-AIF)
TT Leader Ms Edna L. JUANILLO Philippines
Expert Mrs Nelly Florida RIAMA Indonesia
5. RELEVANT ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS
Establishment of Regional Climate Center (RCC)
There are 2 RCCs in RA V, the Southeast Asia RCC (SEA RCC) Network and the Pacific RCC (PRCC) which are both in demonstration phase. The SEA RCC Network was first proposed during the WMO RA V 16th Session held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The SEARCC- Network roadmap is shown below.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 31
The SEA RCC has three nodes, BMKG lead for Data Services, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lead for Climate Monitoring and Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) lead for Long-range Forecast. As of now, it is on demonstration phase.
The Pacific Regional Climate Centre Network consists of five nodes. Each node is led or co-led by a lead institution(s) together with a consortium of support members (see table below). The RCC is support by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) New Zealand, Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Meteo-France, University of Hawaii, and Pacific Community (SPC). The PRCC is also on demonstration phase.
Node Title Lead Agency/Co-Lead Consortium Members
Node on Long-Range Forecasting NIWA & BoM Meteo-France, NOAA, University of
Hawaii, SPREP & SPCNode on Climate Monitoring
NOAA & University of Hawaii BoM, SPC, SPREP & NIWA
Node on Climate Change Projections
CSIRO USGCRP, BoM & SPREP
Node of Operational Data Services
BoM NOAA, University of Hawaii, SPC & NIWA
Training Function SPREP NOAA, University of PNG, BoM, NIWA, SPC & CSIRO
The conduct of the ASEANCOF is part of the activities under the WMO Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). The key output is the consensus climate outlook for ASEAN member countries. It provide platforms for climate experts as well as users of information to discuss the climate status, scientific developments and end-user requirements. There were nine ASEANCOF conducted since November 2013 which are coordinated by the host country and ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC): 1st, 3rd and 5th in Singapore, 4th in Jakarta, 2nd , 6th and 8th online (Skype, email), 7th in Manila and 9th in Vietnam.
Climate Change
MSS hosted a workshop entitled ‘Best Practices Workshop on Climate Change Projections and their Applications for Southeast Asia. It was held 20-23 March 2018 in Singapore. Its objectives are to compare and contrast the various studies for the region and to define guidelines for best practices in the generation of these scenarios. It was funded by WMO, Environment and Climate Change Canada and ASMC.
Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Prediction for Southeast Asia (S2S-SEA)
ASMC led and co-funded the S2S Prediction Project in ASEAN region. The capability building on S2S prediction for the ASEAN was first held March 2017 and the second August 2018.
Meeting of the RA V WG-CLS
The Meeting of the RA V Working Group on Climate Services was held in Singapore February 2-4, 2016. It was attended by the Chair, the 2 Vice-Chairs and the Leads of each Task Teams. The WMO was represented by Mr. Rupa Kumar Kolli, the Chief of the World Climate Applications and Services Division. The meeting agenda included the following: review of relevant decisions of RA V, updates on CCl, CAgM and WM Congress, status of GFCS and work programme of WG-CLS for the period 2016-2018(climate and agricultural meteorology). The table below reflects the list of actions agreed upon by the members of the WG-CLS during the Meeting.
List of actions (reflecting key work plan elements of the RA V WG-CLS)Action Facilitato
r Deadline Remarks1: Draft a concept paper on prospects of a Regional Climate Change Forum in RA V, based on the RCOF concept, with the goal of holding such forum in 2017
TT-CC(Mr Simon)
31 Oct 16
Include aspects of keeping RA V NMHSs informed of relevant CORDEX activities in their region;
Liaise with TT-CSIS (Mr Marra), Ms Cinco and Mr Aldrian
2: Survey on capacity building needs for climate services
TT-CSIS(Mr
Rahmat)
(next ASEAN COF)
Consider template/outcome of similar South Asian COF survey (Mr Kolli) and take into account outcomes of the PICS Panel gap analysis (Mr Tait); consider conducting the survey during an ASEAN COF event
3: Liaise with ET NCMP to address RA V specifics regarding NCMP implementation
TT-CDM(Mr
Diamond)
31 Aug 16
(ET NCMP contact point for RA V: Mr Karl Braganza, BoM); discuss NCMP generation for small Island countries and for complex terrain areas
Liaise with TT-CSIS (Mr Marra)4: Encourage and assist RA V Members in populating I-DARE
TT-CDM(Ms
Flannery)
30 June 17
5: Draft a concept note on a potential RA V Workshop on Climate Early Warning in 2017
Mr Tait 30 June 16
Consider existing capabilities and mechanisms in the Region, identify stakeholders, draft agenda elements, consider WMO Climate Watch concept and
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 33
related workshop series
Liaise with Messrs Plummer (BoM), Gordon, Marra and Hechler
6: Find out which RA V Members submit contributions to (i) WMO’s Annual Statement on the Status of the Global Climate and (ii) BAMS State of the Climate article
Mr Hechler 30 June 16
Encourage more RA V Members to contribute through a P/RA V letter to RA V Members in close liaison with the RA V WG-CLS
7: Draft a three to five years roadmap for the further evolution of RA V RCOFs
TT-CSIS(Mr Marra)
31 Oct 16
Include discussion of (i) challenges and opportunities, (ii) prospects of adding new variables to RCOF portfolios (e.g. sea level, wind at standard levels etc.), (iii) prospects of adding the sub-seasonal forecast scale to RCOF portfolios, (iv) Outlook uptake by users, (v) Outlook impacts on user decisions; (vi) aspects of NCOF liaison; (vii) how best to inform of ongoing projects in the region etc.
Liaise with Messrs Tait and Gordon; consider inviting Ms Riama and Mr Rahmat to one of the next PICOF face-to-face meetings
8: Facilitate RA V RCC implementation
TT-CSIS(Messrs Marra, Tait,
Gordon)
(Cf. column
Remarks)
Advice P/RA V on RCC-Network arrangements and implementation steps for Southeast Asian and Southwest Pacific sub-regions with the aim of starting demonstration phases:
8.1: Southwest Pacific RCC-Network: (i) Approach potential RCC Node organizations to seek informal agreement to serve the RCC-Network (15 Mar 16); (ii) seek PMC endorsement through PICS Panel (31 Mar 16); (iii) develop detailed RCC-Network proposal (including suggested start date of RCC demonstration phase) (31 Oct 16); (iv) conduct a face-to-face meeting of RCC Node/consortium candidate institutions to agree on organizational arrangements and technical details (Nov 16); (v) seek formal commitment from PRs of proposed Node hosts and potential consortium members; (vi) provide RCC-Network proposal to P/RA for endorsement to start the demonstration and for submission to WMO SG
8.2: Southeast Asian RCC-Network: (i) Arrange for a letter from P/RA V to Southeast Asian RA V Members to inquire interest/willingness/readiness to serve as RCC-Network provider (Node lead or consortium member) (29 Feb 16); (ii) develop detailed RCC-Network proposal (including suggested start date of RCC demonstration phase) (31 May 16); (iii) conduct a face-to-face meeting of RCC Node/consortium candidate institutions to agree on organizational arrangements and technical details (June/July 16); (iv) seek formal commitment from PRs of proposed Node hosts (and potential consortium Members); (v) provide RCC-Network
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 34
proposal to P/RA for endorsement to start the demonstration and for submission to WMO SG
9: Explore ways of publishing the outcomes of the PICS Panel gap analysis as a WMO technical report
TT-ITA(Mr Tait)
30 June 16
In addition, consider provision of an article for the WMO Bulletin
Liaise with Mr Stefanski (Secretariat)10: Draft a report on the operational use of S2S forecasts in agriculture
TT-ITA(Mr Tait)
31 Dec 16
Consider existing approaches in Southeast Asia and address relevant potential recommendations for the Southwest Pacific region
Liaise with Mr Stefanski (Secretariat)11: Draft a brief report on the use of remote sensing data and services for agricultural applications
TT-ITA,TT-CSIS (Messrs Tait and Marra)
31 Dec 17
(Report of a length of up to five pages)
12: Draft a paper on NCOF practices and experiences
TT-AIF(Ms
Juanillo)
30 June 17
(annotated paper out-line: 31 Oct
16)
Consider existing practices and experiences in countries such as Philippines and Indonesia with a special focus on agriculture (including Indonesian Climate Field Schools); provide general recommendations/guiding principles/ practices regarding NCOFs for WMO Members worldwide
Liaise with Ms Riama and Messrs Gordon and Aldrian and NN (Malaysia)
13: Facilitate an online meeting of the RA V WG-CLS
Ms Hilario, WMO RAP
Feb 17 Review status of actions and explore opportunities for additional actions, where appropriate
14: Identify RA V WG-CLS members who are not able to contribute to the activities of the WG
Ms Hilario Ongoing Consider quarterly checks (Mr Kolli to set up a Google group for the entire WG); complement ‘silent’ members by engaging additional experts as appropriate
15: Update RA V-related WMO DRA Webpages
WMO RAP 30 April 16
Update information on working groups, membership in working groups and teams; consider prospects of providing space for WG activities etc.
6. Comments/Suggestions
There task teams of the WG-CLS which might overlapping function. For example, Task Team on Use of Improved Tools for Operational Agrometeorology including Coping with Impacts of Natural Disasters on Agriculture (TT-ITA) and Task Team on Agrometeorological Information for Enhancing Farmer Productivity (TT-AIF) can be merge into one. It is recommended to revisit the current working structure of the Working Group.
__________
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 35
WORKING GROUP ON INFRASTRUCTURE (WG-INFR)
KARL MONNIK
BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY, AUSTRALIA
Introduction
The purpose of the Working Group Infrastructure in Region V is to contribute to the improvement of infrastructure (data and information services) for weather, climate and water in Region V through implementation of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and WMO Information System (WIS).
WG-INFR was re-established at RA V-16 in May 2014 (WMO No.-1135), Resolution 15.
From a meteorological observations perspective, WMO Region V is a highly challenging monitoring environment:
23 countries; Small land mass compared to ocean area; Significant weather challenges including cyclones/typhoons, thunderstorms, monsoonal
rain, drought, fires & smoke/smog; Lack of reliable data communications; Difficult access to power.
Fig. 1. WMO Region V, South West Pacific.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 36
Highlights of the 2015-2018 session
Promotion of WIGOS across the Region via face-to-face meeting and virtual WebEx meetings.
Steps made in many countries to improve station metadata in OSCAR/Surface. Expansion of AMDAR reporting to Air Nuigini and encouraging discussions with airlines
such as Garuda. The New Zealand AMDAR coverage was expanded to increase observations from the Pacific Islands.
The workshop developed an outline for a Pacific region observing network plan in support of the GCOS Implementation Plan and the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS IP)
The 4 countries who have expressed interest in contributing to a Regional WIGOS Centre.
The RA V TT-SU lead has been working with the leads of the RA-II WIGOS project to develop a questionnaire on satellite data usage in the two regions.
NZ has changed the region over which Air New Zealand report AMDAR. This change has meant that profiles are now collected from Nadi, Niue, Rarotonga, Port Vila
The implementation of the JMA developed a protocol, which enables the process by which RA-II and RA V Members can make requests for the Target Area Observation over selected areas provided by the operational satellites of Himawari-8 and -9.
Working Group Structure
The Working Group is composed of a Lead, a Vice-Lead, and five Task Teams; a Task Team on WIGOS; Task Team on Satellite Utilization; a Task Team on Regional Implementation and Operation of WIS (TT-WIS); a Task Team on Observations Quality Management and a Task Team on Aircraft Based Observations. Each TT consists of one leader and generally one to two experts.
Membership
WG-INFR Name CountryLead Mr. Karl MONNIK AustraliaVice Lead Mr. Edward TRIHADI IndonesiaTask Team on WIGOS(TT-WIGOS)
TT Leader Mr. Karl MONNIK Australia
Task Team on Satellite Utilization (TT-SU)
TT Leader Ms. Agnes LANE AustraliaExpert Mr. Vicente P. PALCON, JR Philippines
Task Team on Regional Implementation and Operation of WIS (TT-WIS)
TT Leader Mr. Huat Aik CHOO SingaporeExpert Mrs. Endang PUDJIASTUTI Indonesia
Task Team on Observations Quality Management (TT-OQM)
TT Leader Mr. Ab Llah CHE COB MalaysiaExpert Mr. Selusalema VITE Tonga
Task Team on Aircraft Based Observations (TT-ABO)
TT Leader Mr Zulkarnain(Initially Mr. Syamsul HUDA)
Indonesia
Expert Mr. Douglas BODY AustraliaKevin Alder(Initially Mr Wym van Dyk)
New Zealand
Terms of Reference for the WG-INFR
The terms of reference of the Working Group for Infrastructure, Region V South West Pacific are as follows:
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 37
(a) To monitor, promote and develop strategies for the Regional development and sustainable implementation of the WMO Information System (WIS), including the steps described in the WIS Implementation Plan for Regional Association V (South-West Pacific). A high priority remains overcoming the persistent shortcomings of the Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network for time-critical and operation critical data exchange. Avenues include Pacific-wide satellite communications, collaboration in the development and support of the RAdio and InterNET (RANET) communication system, reception of the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network, and improved access to Internet services;
(b) To monitor, promote and develop integrated strategies for the Regional development and sustainable implementation of the observing systems of WMO Programmes and co-sponsored Programmes, in particular through the WIGOS Implementation Plan for Regional Association V (South-West Pacific). Specific areas of focus are tabulated in that plan;
(c) To promote and facilitate the compliance of WIGOS and WIS Technical Regulations and Manuals;
(d) To review and propose updates for the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan;
(e) To identify means for strengthening liaison with bodies involved in the development and implementation of relevant observing and information systems;
(f) To identify education and training requirements for relevant information and communication techniques and observing systems and operations; RESOLUTIONS 149
(g) To provide input for WMO regulatory material related to observations and information systems, in particular ensuring National Focal Points effective participation in Fast Track procedures approved under Res 21 (Cg-17);
(h) To coordinate task teams to complete specific tasks and submit proposals to the RA V Management Group for winding up completed teams and starting new teams;
(i) To report to and advise the president and Management Group of the Association on the above issues;
Terms of Reference for the Task Team on WIGOS Interpretation and Opportunities (TT-WIGOS)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are to:
• Provide information and advice to Members and the RA V Management Group about the WIGOS concept, the implementation strategy, and the implications and requirements for actions at the Regional level;
• Identify opportunities and priorities for Regional action; • Consult widely in order to formulate proposal/s for WIGOS Demonstration Project/s, with
an emphasis on activities that are sustainable and may be generalized for adoption across the entire Region;
• Contribute to the development of WIGOS Regional Centres. • Facilitate the preparation of National WIGOS Implementation Plans (N-WIP) • Promote and facilitate the use of OSCAR/Surface by Members of the Region • Provide advice to WG-INFR on the above issues.
Terms of Reference for the Task Team on Pacific Observations Quality Management with Broader Scope (TT-OQM)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
• Identify quality management processes in RA V member countries; • Facilitate the sharing of expertise in quality management processes;
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 38
• Promote access to observations data quality reports to members; • Contribute to the regional implementation of the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring
System, in particular the Incident Management procedures for the observing networks of the Region
• Provide advice to WG-INFR on the above issues.
Terms of Reference for the Task Team on Aircraft Based Observations (TT-ABO)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
In collaboration with Regional members and the CBS ET-ABO, develop a regional implementation plan for aircraft-based observations and AMDAR as a component of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan.
• Collaborate with regional airlines and national ATMs on the establishment of programs to deliver aircraft-based observations on the WMO GTS.
• Assist designated regional centers in the process of developing and maintaining quality monitoring systems for ABO.
• Undertake and assist in technical training, workshops, promotion and outreach on ABO, targeting both regional Members and the ATI.
• Consult with data users and applications areas to determine and promote regional requirements for ABO.
• Provide advice to WG-INFR on the above issues.
Terms of Reference for the Task Team on Regional Implementation and Operation of WIS (TT-WIS)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are to:
• Establish a regional implementation strategy for WIS/DAR services; • Provide information and advice to Members about the WIS Implementation Plan and its
implications and application in the Region; • provide guidance documentation on how to implement the new functionality of WIS,
especially metadata; • provide advice on the designation process and promote the early action by NMHSs to
have their own centres designated; • Promote the establishment of GISC, DCPC and National Centres in the Region; • Seek early pilots to demonstrate the operation of GISC, DCPCs and NCs, including a
demonstration of WIS capability in a SIDS National Centre and a non-NMHS centre; • Liaise with the WIS Project Office and relevant Expert Teams of the CBS OPAG-ISS; • Provide advice to WG-INFR on the above issues
Terms of Reference for the Task Team on Satellite Utilisation (TT-SU)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Team are:
• To identify the priority needs of countries in RA V to obtain and exchange meteorological satellite data and related information;
• To include communications needs both within-country and regional/global needs; • To identify and examine existing communications solutions and their shortcomings; • To include communications needs both within-country and regional/global needs; • To investigate options and alternatives and make recommendations on effective and
achievable means to overcome the shortcomings; • To make recommendations on capacity building initiatives to enable sustained
operation and maintenance of satellite data receiving, processing and visualization systems, with particular regard to the new generation of meteorological satellites;
• To provide advice to WG-INFR on the above issues.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 39
Outreach Activities of WG-INFR
The Working Group engaged in a number of meetings to increase the knowledge concerning observations infrastructure issues and seek alignment between WMO plans and those of associated Regional organisations.
The Regional Forum for Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Regional Association V (South-West Pacific)
This meeting was held over 28-30 October 2015. This meeting provided an opportunity for the Directors to be informed on the progress with the WIGOS Metadata Standard; the requirement to update station metadata in OSCAR/Surface, the status of CLIMAT and GUAN Reports, Aircraft Based Observations and Satellite Utilisation.
Common issues include the lack of meteorological aviation infrastructure and appropriately qualified personnel to provide observations, particularly in remote areas, and difficulties with communication causing the delay or non-receipt of observational data from some countries.
The main outcome was to increase collaboration between the WMO RA V plans and the priorities in the Pacific Island countries.
Joint GCOS-WIGOS Workshop for the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Nadi, Fiji, 9-12 October 2017
During the meeting, the status of GCOS and RBSN elements of the network were present. On the positive side, Aircraft Based Observations were providing extremely valuable measurements over large swathes of ocean. However, there were several important climate stations that were not providing regular CLIMAT or GUAN reports.
Fig. 2. AMDAR Coverage in RA V September 1-3 2015. Data from NOAA ESRL/GSD. RA V boundaries approximate.
The meeting concluded making some important statements. In a general sense, systematic observation of the Earth’s climate is a global common good that supports the implementation
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 40
of the Paris Agreement, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty. Systematic upper air observations in the Pacific region, tend to have the highest measured impact, of all ground-based measurements, on the quality and accuracy of weather and climate analysis and prediction not only locally, but globally. The resulting products underpin weather and climate aspects of early warning systems as well as other climate-related services.
Both the spatial density and observing frequency of the upper air network over the South Pacific region currently fall short of GCOS and WMO requirements. Due to the unique geography of the region – vast swathes of ocean surface with relative little land mass distributed over some 20 small island states with modest-size populations and correspondingly modest GDPs – systematic observation is particularly challenging in this region. Thus, he upper air network over the South Pacific therefore needs sustained international support.
The workshop developed an outline for a Pacific region observing network plan in support of the GCOS Implementation Plan and the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS IP) to:
o Strengthen regional and national meteorological networks to support adaptation actions and avert loss and damage;
o Identify capacity building needs to ensure the sustainability of the networks;
o Be used to support requests for finance from the operating entities of the financial mechanism under the Convention, the GCOS Cooperation Mechanism and other relevant funding sources.
The full text is provided in the attachment 1.
Pacific Meteorological Council’s PICI (Pacific Island Communication and Infrastructure) Panel meeting
This meeting took place in Nadi, Fiji over 13 and 15 May 2017. The Pacific Island Communications Infrastructure (PICI) Panel was established by the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) to serve in the capacity of an advisory and coordination committee to PMC on matters concerning the infrastructure, communications and dissemination of national and regional hydro-meteorological and tsunami (seismic and sea level) observations, forecasts, and warnings in the Pacific region. It is one of five expert panels under the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC).
It was noted that under the review of the Pacific Islands Meteorology Strategy (PIMS), there are relevant parts where WIS and WIGOS stand out across several different Pacific Key Outcomes (PKOs). Improved understand of the training required by Pacific Island Meteorological Services to support the development and implementation of Regional WIGOS and WIS plans for the Pacific Islands was required. This would be achieved through more detailed discussion with member countries and at future virtual meetings of the SPREP PICI Panel.
RA V Working Group on Infrastructure
At the kind invitation of the government of Singapore, the RA V WG-INFR met at the Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) from 7 to 9 November 2017, in order to (i) review progress made in the implementation of WIGOS and WIS in Region V, (ii) discuss the possibility of establishing one or more Regional WIGOS Centers in the region, and (iii) to commence preparation of an updated Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan for Region V, to be submitted to the RA V-17 Session in 2018.
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 41
It was noted in the predecessor to this working group that there was reference to GDPFS. However, the in TOR of the current group, there is no reference to it, and it was therefore unclear whether any other entity within the RA V working structure or the WMO technical commission is responsible for regional aspects of the GDPFS.
The issue of siting of instruments needs to be addressed for urban environments. For example, in Singapore stations are located on roofs of buildings, which represent the many buildings in the vicinity. According to CIMO guide these are class 4 or 5. Is this a true reflection of the data? It was suggested that CIMO consider updating its guidelines to reflect the present-day reality where in many countries urbanized areas are becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Structure and resourcing of the future WGs for RA V was considered. In order to facilitate the implementation of key WMO priorities, more resources are required. Examples include training sessions for Focal Points and greater opportunity to meet both face-to-face and via WebEx to progress technical topics such as WIGOS Metadata, OSCAR/Surface, WIGOS Data Quality monitoring and WIS implementation. A meeting early in the formation of the team is important to identify priorities and capability of the team members.
An important focus of the meeting was the development of Region WIGOS Centre in RA V. Dr Riishojgaard presented the general concept of Regional WIGOS Centre and a brief overview of the current status of implementation in the various Regions.
Concerning the required staffing levels of a Regional WIGOS Centre, it was estimated that a minimal capability would need to involve the following functional roles:
Coordinator (20% FTE); OSCAR/Surface Metadata support; OSCAR training (50% FTE, level II); Observations quality management (data availability, data flow, data quality; 50% FTE);
A question to consider for the WMO Secretariat was whether a sub-regional RWC functionality might be built into the five-country proposal currently being developed by WMO for submission to the Green Climate Fund.
The representatives from Australia, Indonesia and Singapore (and Fiji separately) all expressed their interest in participating in the RWC development in the Region and all were planning to discuss the implications with their respective PR’s after the meeting.
Activities of WG-INFR Task Teams
Task Team on Satellite Utilisation (TT-SU)
The Task Team has focused on two outcomes. Firstly, a joint activity with RA-II on gathering satellite user requirements in RA V and RA-II.
The RA V TT-SU lead has been working with the leads of the RA-II WIGOS project to develop a questionnaire on satellite data usage in the two regions. The questionnaire will be released prior to AOMSUC-9, and will be discussed at the meeting, encouraging RA V and RA-II members to participate. The collaboration between RA V and RA-II on this topic has been very successful with regular WebEx sessions held to discuss and prioritise the structure and format of the questionnaire.
Secondly, to develop the protocol for Himawari-8/9 Request-driven Rapid Scan in WMO RA II and RA V. At the Joint RA II/RA V Workshop on WIGOS for Disaster Risk Reduction (October 2015), the Jakarta Declaration was adopted. In the Declaration it proposed that a protocol be developed under which the NMHS's can request event-driven rapid-scan satellite data covering their national area of interest for DRR.
JMA developed a protocol, which describes how RA-II and RA V Members can make requests for the Target Area Observation over selected areas provided by the operational satellites of
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 42
Himawari-8 and -9. The Bureau of Meteorology (Australia) acts as a broker for requests from RA V members. Since March this year, five RA V Members have registered for the Himawari Request service: Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, Met. Service of New Zealand, Malaysian Meteorological Department, Fiji Meteorological Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Satellite utilisation is supported by the Australian VLab Centre of Excellence. Representatives of many RA V countries have joined the VLab remote training sessions.
Task Team on Regional Implementation and Operation of WIS (TT-WIS)
There are a total of 44 WIS centres (1 GISC, 15 DCPCs and 28 NCs) in RA V, with eight new DCPCs were being established over the past 2-3 years.
Singapore has recently established a DCPC to disseminate weather and smoke haze products generated by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC). The ASMC WIS portal has successfully been audited by CBS for operation and is now pending endorsement by EC/Cg. The focus for the next session should be placed on the WIS 2.0 strategy and impacts of WIS implementation on RA V countries.
Task Team on Aircraft Based Observations (TT-ABO)
Formal AMDAR Programs Operated by:• Australia: 90 Aircraft/31000 Observations per day• New Zealand: 28 Aircraft/3000 Observations per day• USA: Routes to/from Hawaii
A WMO study (2013) identified Asia Pacific as one of six AMDAR 'data sparse' regions. Study identified a number of 'target' airlines which had substantial coverage of RA V. This list was shared with RA V members to encourage further expansion of AMDAR observations.
WMO has funded the provision of AMDAR data from 8 Air Niugini Aircraft. Data has been flowing to the GTS since 30th August (Fig. 3). The trial will continue for 6 months.
Fig 3. Coverage by the recent addition of 8 Air Niugini Aircraft (Aug/Sep 2018).
An AMDAR Benefits Workshop was held at BMKG [22-23 May 2017]. These included representatives from six national meteorological and hydrological services, representatives from the air transport industry and related organisations, e.g., civil aviation authority and airlines. Representatives from an Indonesian air navigation service provider, the air force, as
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 43
well as lecturers and students from the State College of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics also participated in the workshop.
Following on from this:-
- BMKG held further discussions with Garuda Indonesia Airline and Air Navigation Service Providers on the Provision of AMDAR [Nov 2017]
- Discussions between New Caledonian Met Service and Air Calin on the Provision of AMDAR, with assistance from Australia and NZ [2018, ongoing]
ABO Activities initiated by Members
NZ has changed the region over which Air New Zealand report AMDAR. This change has meant that profiles are now collected from Nadi, Niue, Rarotonga, Port Vila.
Australia has equipped 23 Qantas A330 aircraft with AMDAR software. This was the first implementation of EDR (Turbulence) on an Airbus and provides improved coverage on Australian Domestic and International Routes
Task Team on Pacific Observations Quality Management with Broader Scope (TT-OQM)
The current status of the development of the WDQMS provides a platform for the Region to monitor the status of key observations. It can be used as a tool to engage with focal points to investigate and address short-falls in data quality. A need for dedicated national focal points on WDQMS was identified, since this system is quite distinct from OSCAR/Surface and WIGOS in terms of required expertise and areas of responsibility.
WG-INFR informed the meeting that a questionnaire was planned to all RA V Members regarding the state of their national Quality Management framework (e.g. concerning possible ISO 9001 accreditation or plans therefore) and specific activities regarding observational data quality monitoring.
Task Team on WIGOS Interpretation and Opportunities (TT-WIGOS)
Opportunities were taken a several Regional meetings and RA V WebEx sessions to promote the understanding of WIGOS and the implementation of key components. These will be facilitated through the inception of a Regional WIGOS Centre in the Region.
It was highlighted that a Regional transition plans to the use of WIGOS Identifiers was required.
Recommendations for the future structure of WG-INFR
The following changes are proposed to improve the effective working of WG-INFR.
TT-ABO – should continue, it has made some good progress and there are issues to deal with. For example, the recent addition of Air Niugini to the AMDAR program, and discussions progressing with Garuda airlines. The Team will need to consider how to extend the initial 6 month trial and identify future funding for this.
TT-OQM – should cease and be incorporated into new team below.
TT-WIGOS – should cease and be incorporated into new team below
TT-WIS – the importance of WIS and the lack of national implementation within the region needs to be strengthened. The priority should be to increase the knowledge of WIS in the region and to accelerate its implementation at a national level. It is really important to be able to advise the GISCs supporting the region what is needed for them to do in capacity
RA V-17/INF. 2.1(2), p. 44
development and in ensuring Members' staff have the required competencies to operate effectively in WIS. GISCs should be encouraged to strive to address these needs. should continue but with a focus on transition from alphanumeric to BUFR, and supporting WIS centres.
TT-SU – should continue with a focus on question sat user requirements and Himawari Rapid scan process.
New TT- Regional WIGOS Centre• This should support the development of a new RWC and provide points of contact in
each of the countries to support this.• Focus on getting station metadata into OSCAR/Surface• Focus on monitoring data quality through the WDQMS; data availability• Supporting the transition from WMO numbers to WIGOS Identifiers• Encourage development of plans to implement WIGOS.
Finally, significant limitations to the function of the team are given as follows:
1. Task team leads and experts are often not well versed in developments in WMO globally, and hence are less effective in guiding implementation of WMO priorities. Experts are are members of other Expert Teams provide beneficial insight and understanding to RA V implementation.
2. Task teams are constrained by the lack of available experts. It would be good to have several experts per team, not just 1 or 2 as in the previous session. All Member countries need to propose at least 1 to 2 experts across the skills required for WG-INFR.
3. Task Team members should be nominated at RA V-MG-16 or shortly afterwards so the teams have best opportunity to understand and achieve their work plan.
4. Greater guidance needs to be given to Task Team leads on WMO processes, understanding of work plans and a face-to-face meeting soon after inception is key to the success of the team.
5. Communication challenges are a large impediment to the effective operation of teams. Regular WebEx sessions are extremely helpful, though limited by bandwidth in many countries.
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Attachment 1.
Key messages from the Joint GCOS-WIGOS Workshop for Pacific SIDS, Nadi, 9-12 October 2017 Systematic observation of the Earth’s climate is a global common good that
supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.
Many meteorological observations, made at high spatial and temporal density, support local forecasting and warning applications. These observations are a national responsibility contributing to national and regional needs with some additional global value.
However, systematic upper air observations, made routinely by radiosondes under the WMO World Weather Watch (WWW) Programme, including the GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN), support numerical weather prediction (NWP) leading to global benefits. These observations are used primarily for forecasting and climate applications at the international level, including climate reanalyses which form the basis of much of our understanding of climate and climate change; and
Systematic upper air observations in the Pacific region, tend to have the highest measured impact, of all ground-based measurements, on the quality and accuracy of weather and climate analysis and prediction not only locally, but globally. The resulting products underpin weather and climate aspects of early warning systems as well as other climate-related services.
Both the spatial density and observing frequency of the upper air network over the South Pacific region currently fall short of GCOS and WMO requirements. Due to the unique geography of the region – vast swathes of ocean surface with relative little land mass distributed over some 20 small island states with modest-size populations and correspondingly modest GDPs – systematic observation is particularly challenging in this region.
The upper air network over the South Pacific therefore needs sustained international support.
The workshop developed an outline for a Pacific region observing network plan in support of the GCOS Implementation Plan and the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS IP) to:
o Strengthen regional and national meteorological networks to support adaptation actions and avert loss and damage; o Identify capacity building needs to ensure the sustainability of the networks; o Be used to support requests for finance from the operating entities of the financial mechanism under the Convention, the GCOS Cooperation Mechanism and other relevant funding sources.
Support of the observing network in the region should be based on transparent processes and a commitment to free and open data sharing in accordance with WMO Resolutions 40 and 60 and the GCOS Monitoring Principles. The network should be designed to be, efficient, sustainable, it should meet agreed international standards as well as national requirements. Ensuring sustainability is of paramount importance, and the network plan must therefore also include the necessary elements of capacity development.
The draft plan will be developed by GCOS and WMO in collaboration with Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Islands Communication and Infrastructure Panel (PICI), and Pacific Meteorological Council, and submitted to COP 24.
