WMO Launches Training Workshop on Numerical Weather Prediction in West Africa
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has commenced a five-day training workshop on Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) data assimilation in Abuja.
The event, held at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Headquarters, began today, Monday, July 22, 2024, and brought together participants from twelve West African countries including Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
The workshop, aimed at enhancing weather prediction capabilities in the region, was inaugurated by Professor Charles Anosike, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the WMO.
In his opening address, Professor Anosike emphasised the importance of capacity building and professional development in advancing meteorological science.
“At NiMet, we are committed to advancing meteorological science and improving our weather prediction capabilities. We recognize that capacity building and continuous professional development are essential components of this mission. This workshop aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are delighted to host such a pivotal event,” said Professor Anosike.
He expressed gratitude to the WMO for their ongoing support in capacity development among National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in West Africa.
Reflecting on the progress made, Professor Anosike highlighted the successful implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in Nigeria, following training by Dr. Kyungjeen Park, a WMO expert in Numerical Weather Prediction, last year.
“Over the next few days, participants will be engaged in intensive training sessions, hands-on exercises, and collaborative discussions. I encourage you all to actively participate, learn from each other, and share experiences,” Professor Anosike concluded.
The workshop is set to conclude on Friday, July 26, 2024, after providing attendees with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in NWP data assimilation, aimed at bolstering weather forecasting accuracy and reliability across the region.
