WMO Launches Regional Toolkit to Strengthen Climate and Weather Services in Europe

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has unveiled a major new capacity-building initiative aimed at transforming how weather, climate, and environmental services are delivered across Europe, with the release of the first edition of the Services & Applications Training and Resource Toolkit for Regional Association VI (RA VI).

Developed by the WMO RA VI Working Group for Services and Applications, the toolkit represents a comprehensive, user-focused platform designed to help National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and partners enhance their operational capabilities and deliver more impactful services to society.

A One-Stop Platform for Multi-Sector Climate Services

The newly launched toolkit consolidates a wide range of training materials, operational guidance, and knowledge resources across key sectors, reflecting the growing demand for integrated, cross-sectoral climate and weather services.

Among the core areas covered are:

• Early warning systems and impact-based forecasting

• Hydrology and flood risk management

• Climate services for public health

• Energy sector forecasting and planning

• Aviation and marine meteorological services

• Regional climate monitoring and support

By bringing these resources together in a single, accessible platform, the toolkit aims to streamline learning and improve service delivery across member countries.

Driving Impact Through Knowledge Sharing

At its core, the initiative is about strengthening capacity development—a critical priority as climate risks intensify and the need for accurate, timely information becomes more urgent.

The toolkit integrates:

• Case studies showcasing real-world applications

• Self-paced training modules for continuous learning

• Knowledge hubs and technical guidance

• Communities of practice to foster collaboration

This approach enables meteorological services to not only access information but also learn from peers, adapt best practices, and innovate in response to local challenges.

User-Friendly Design for Practical Application

Designed with usability in mind, the first edition emphasises intuitive navigation, allowing users to quickly locate relevant resources based on sector, function, or training need.

Whether supporting disaster preparedness, improving aviation safety, or enhancing climate resilience in energy systems, the toolkit is structured to provide practical, actionable guidance for professionals working on the front lines of environmental services.

Supporting Societal Impact and Resilience

WMO officials say the initiative reflects a broader shift toward impact-based services—where the focus is not just on forecasting weather, but on understanding and communicating its real-world consequences for people, infrastructure, and economies.

By equipping NMHSs with better tools and knowledge, the toolkit aims to:

• Improve early warning systems and disaster risk reduction

• Enhance decision-making across critical sectors

• Strengthen resilience to climate variability and extreme events

• Support sustainable development goals

Part of a Growing Capacity Development Strategy

The RA VI toolkit is part of WMO's wider efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and capacity development through targeted training and resource-sharing initiatives.

Members are encouraged to regularly consult the Education and Training Calendars and Resources page for updates, ensuring they remain aligned with the latest developments and opportunities.

Future editions of the toolkit are expected to expand further, with enhanced data resources and additional sector-specific content already in the pipeline.

A Step Forward for Europe's Climate Services

As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the need for robust, coordinated meteorological services has never been greater.

The launch of the RA VI Services & Applications Toolkit marks a significant step forward—providing a scalable, collaborative framework to help countries across Europe deliver more reliable, timely, and impactful environmental services.