World Meteorological Day is one of those unassuming but crucial dates These events sometimes slip by unnoticed on the calendar, yet they influence our lives far more than we realize. Behind every weather report, every storm warning, or every rainfall figure lies a vast global network of people, instruments, and international agreements, a network whose significance is especially recognized every March 23rd.
We check the weather on our mobile phones like we're opening any other app.But for that everyday gesture to be possible, satellites, buoys, radars, automatic stations, and other tools are needed. instruments and technologies and international coordination led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This article traces the history of World Meteorological Day, its slogans, the work of the WMO and services like AEMET, and how all of this connects with serious challenges such as climate change and extreme weather events.
What is World Meteorological Day and why is it celebrated on March 23?
World Meteorological Day is commemorated every March 23rd to commemorate the entry into force, in 1950, of the Convention that gave rise to the World Meteorological Organization. Although the WMO was created then as a specialized agency within the United Nations system, the idea of dedicating a specific international day to meteorology was consolidated years later.
The date was officially set in 1960. Since 1961, World Meteorological Day has been celebrated with annual themes, always focused on issues related to weather, climate, and water. Through communication campaigns, outreach events, and collaborations with other entities in the field of sustainable development, the aim is for both the general public and decision-makers to better understand the crucial role meteorology and hydrology play in safety and well-being.
More than 180 Member States are currently part of the WMOAnd all of them participate in this celebration in one way or another. It's not just a symbolic day, but an opportunity to bring priority issues to the table: technological advances, climate change, early warning systems, water management, and environmental education, among others.
Through the media, conferences, and educational activitiesThe WMO and national institutions are working together to raise awareness. The goal is for society to understand that meteorological observations, climatology, and hydrology underpin decisions in areas as diverse as urban planning, agriculture, emergency management, aviation, and tourism.
The global observation network: what's behind the question "what's the weather going to be like?"
One of the most frequently asked questions anywhere in the world is "What's the weather going to be like?"We've become so accustomed to having instant answers that we almost forget the effort behind them. With a couple of taps on our mobile screens or by turning on the television, we get detailed forecasts, but each prediction is the result of millions of observations constantly collected across the globe.
The WMO coordinates a huge and largely invisible global network From the perspective of the average citizen: satellites orbiting the Earth, weather balloons rising into the atmosphere twice a day in many parts of the planet, buoys and ships moving through the oceans, automatic stations in remote areas, radars tracking storms, and countless sensors on land, sea, and air.
All this information is exchanged openly and free of charge among national meteorological services thanks to systems like WIS 2.0 (the WMO Information System). This philosophy of shared data is essential so that, wherever we live, we have access to consistent weather maps, warnings of severe weather events, and increasingly accurate forecasting models.
The global observation and prediction system functions like a true “central nervous system” for early warnings. When a tropical cyclone forms in the ocean or a cut-off low threatens Torrential rainsThe data collected and the numerical models allow for warnings to be issued well in advance, resulting in millions of lives saved and a significant reduction in economic damage.
Beyond emergencies, weather information is integrated into our routines.Deciding whether or not to irrigate a crop, scheduling a construction project, organizing an outdoor event, planning a flight, designing infrastructure, or assessing forest fire risks. For all these reasons, the 2026 motto, “Observe today, protect tomorrow,” perfectly aligns with the idea that measuring the present is the only sensible way to anticipate future risks.
World Meteorological Day 2026 theme: “Observe today, protect tomorrow”
The official theme for World Meteorological Day 2026 is “Observe today, protect tomorrow”Behind this phrase lies a clear message: without continuous, high-quality observations, any attempt to predict extreme events or adapt to climate change is incomplete.
The slogan emphasizes that meteorological observations are the basis of early warning systems.Improving the coverage of radars, satellites, weather stations, and oceanographic networks is a priority to ensure no country is left behind. There are still regions of the planet with very limited data, which hinders both local predictions and a global understanding of the climate system.
The 2026 campaign also focuses on faster and more open data sharingLeveraging technologies like WIS 2.0 and new digital platforms, the faster information circulates and the more accessible it is to all services, the better the models can be adjusted and the more effective civil protection decisions become.
This approach is closely linked to the increase in extreme weather events in recent decades.More powerful hurricanes, torrential rains, prolonged droughts, devastating wildfires, recurring floods, and dust storms are all linked to a massive climate change that has already led to the extinction of species, the degradation of large marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and the loss of millions of human lives.
The WMO insists that we may not be able to completely avoid extreme weather eventsBut we can reduce the impact on people and property. The key is to observe thoroughly and effectively, share data quickly, and transform that information into clear warnings that allow the public to react in time.
History of World Meteorological Day slogans: 1961-2026
Since 1961, each World Meteorological Day has had a theme that reflects the concerns of each era. and the evolution of the discourse on time, climate, and water. This list is not only a historical curiosity; it also shows how issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and water management have gained importance.
Initially, the slogans focused on cooperation, observation, and practical applications. From meteorology to key sectors. Relevant examples from the 1960s include references to the contribution of meteorology to agriculture, transport or the economy, as well as the creation of the World Weather Watch.
Between 1961 and the early seventies General topics were discussed and areas such as the following were highlighted:
- 1963 – Transport and Meteorologywith special attention to aviation.
- 1964 – Meteorology as a factor in economic development.
- 1965 – International cooperation in meteorology.
- 1966 – The World Weather Watch, one of the major cooperative programs.
- 1967 and 1977 – Time and Waterhighlighting the connection between atmosphere and hydrology.
- 1968 – Meteorology and Agriculture.
- 1969 – The economic value of meteorological services.
- 1970 – Meteorological teaching and training.
- 1971 – Meteorology and the human environment.
- 1972 – WMO International Conference on the Environment in Stockholm.
- 1973 – One hundred years of international cooperation in meteorology.
During the decade from 1974 to 1983, sectoral applications and the role of meteorology in research and energy were highlighted.:
- 1974 - Meteorology and tourism.
- 1975 - Meteorology and telecommunications.
- 1976 - Meteorology and food production.
- 1978 - Meteorology and research for the future.
- 1979 - Meteorology and energy.
- 1980 - Humans and climate variability.
- 1981 - Global Weather Watch as a tool for development.
- 1982 - Observing time from space, emphasizing the role of satellites.
- 1983 - The weather observerrecognizing the work of those who collect data.
From the mid-eighties to the late nineties, slogans increasingly focused on risk and social impact.:
- 1984 - Weather helps produce food.
- 1985 - Meteorology and public safety.
- 1986 - Climate variations, drought and desertification.
- 1987 - Meteorology as a model of international cooperation.
- 1988 - Meteorology and the media.
- 1989 - Meteorology in the service of aviation.
- 1990 - Reduction of natural disasters and the role of meteorological and hydrological services.
- 1991 - The atmosphere of the living planet Earth.
- 1992 - Meteorological and climate services for sustainable development.
- 1993 - Meteorology and technology transfer.
- 1994 - Weather and climate observation.
- 1995 - Weather services for the public.
- 1996 - Meteorology and sport.
- 1997 - Time and water in cities.
- 1998 - Time, the oceans, and human activity.
- 1999 - Time, climate and health.
- 2000 - The WMO: 50 years of service.
- 2001 - Volunteers for weather, climate and water.
- 2002 - Reduction of vulnerability to extreme events.
- 2003 - Our future climate.
- 2004 - Time, climate and water in the information age.
- 2005 - Time, climate, water and sustainable development.
- 2006 - Prevention of natural disasters and mitigation of their effects.
- 2007 - Polar meteorology: understanding the effects on a global scale.
- 2008 - Observe our planet for a better future.
- 2009 - Time, climate, and the air we breathe.
- 2010 - 60 years serving your safety and well-being.
- 2011 - The weather and you.
- 2012 - Time, climate and water, the driving forces of our future.
- 2013 - Monitor the weather to protect lives and property, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the World Weather Watch.
- 2014 - Engaging young people with time and climate.
- 2015 - From climate knowledge to climate action.
- 2016 - Warmer, drier, wetter. Let's face the future..
- 2017 - Understanding the clouds.
- 2018 - Weather Ready, Climate Smart (Prepared weather, smart weather).
- 2019 - The Sun, the Earth and time.
- 2020 - Climate and water.
- 2021 - The ocean, our climate and our time, within the framework of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
In recent years, the slogans have clearly revolved around climate action and early warnings.:
- 2022 - Early warning and early actionhighlighting the importance of meteorological, hydrological and climatic information to reduce the risk of disasters and protect lives and livelihoods.
- 2023 - The future of weather, climate, and water across generations, highlighting everything from 19th-century telegraphs to supercomputing, space technology, and artificial intelligence in improving predictions.
- 2024 - At the forefront of climate action, focusing on how meteorology contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, from zero hunger to health.
- 2025 - Closing the early warning gap together, aiming to ensure that all countries have effective warning systems for natural disasters.
- 2026 - Observe today, protect tomorrow, emphasizing observation as the central axis for anticipating risks and safeguarding future generations.
Meteorology as a science: phenomena, climate change and risks
Meteorology is the science that studies the phenomena that occur in the Earth's atmosphere.Winds, cloud cover, precipitation, storms, temperatures, fronts, low-pressure systems, high-pressure systems… and everything else that determines the weather each day. From systematic observation, climatological statistics and models are developed that allow us to describe climates, detect anomalies, and project future trends.
In recent decades there has been a very notable increase in extreme weather eventsMore intense hurricanes, violent Mediterranean storms, persistent heat waves, severe droughts, and widespread forest fires Flash floodsThese episodes, driven largely by global warming, become a direct threat to human life and ecosystems.
Climate change associated with the increase in greenhouse gases It is altering rainfall patterns, temperatures, and atmospheric circulation. As a consequence, entire ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, have been lost, species have been displaced, and cascading impacts have been generated on agriculture, health, food security, and water resources.
The WMO has noted that recent years have seen record global average temperaturesWith 2024 recorded as the warmest year on record, this warming context makes the role of meteorology, climatology, and hydrology even more crucial, both for mitigation (reducing emissions) and for adaptation (preparing for impacts that are already unavoidable).
Given this scenario, World Meteorological Day is also a reminder of collective responsibilityGovernments, businesses, and citizens are encouraged to adopt concrete measures: rational use of water, energy efficiency, ecosystem conservationReducing emissions and, in general, adopting a more environmentally conscious mindset are crucial. Each individual action won't solve the problem alone, but it contributes to a global effort that can still prevent more severe collapse scenarios.
The WMO has noted that recent years have seen record global average temperaturesWith 2024 recorded as the warmest year on record, this warming context makes the role of meteorology, climatology, and hydrology even more crucial, both for mitigation (reducing emissions) and for adaptation (preparing for impacts that are already unavoidable).
The WMO insists that we may not be able to completely avoid extreme weather eventsBut we can reduce the impact on people and property. The key is to observe thoroughly and effectively, share data quickly, and transform that information into clear warnings that allow the public to react in time.
How World Meteorological Day is celebrated: from the WMO to AEMET and museums
March 23rd is a day of great activity in national meteorological organizations and outreach centers.Talks, open days, workshops for schoolchildren, photography contests or exhibitions are some of the usual actions with which the aim is to bring meteorology closer to the general public.
In Spain, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) takes advantage of World Meteorological Day to give special recognition to the work of its volunteer collaborators in the observation network. Each year, national awards are given to three of these individuals, in addition to regional diplomas, as a token of appreciation for their discreet but essential task: measuring rainfall, temperature, or snow daily at hundreds of locations across the country.
The tradition of meteorological awards at AEMET dates back to 1985, when it was still called the National Meteorological Institute (INM). At that World Meteorological Day, held on March 22, the first awards were presented to recognize those who had contributed to the progress and activity of meteorology in Spain. The first three trophies went to His Majesty King Juan Carlos I, the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Communications Enrique Barón, and the Director of the National Weather Service of the United States, George Cressman.
In its early days, the prize consisted of a diploma and a cloud-shaped statuette.Designed by José María García Vega, a regular illustrator for INM publications in the 1970s and 80s and son of meteorologist Lorenzo García de Pedraza. More recently, the trophy has taken the form of a small reproduction of a meteorological shelter, a classic icon at any observation station.
In addition to recognizing collaborators, AEMET often takes advantage of the DMM The event organizes conferences with specialists on topics related to weather, climate, and water, and pays tribute to staff who retired during the previous year. In this way, the day combines outreach, internal recognition, and a celebration of the value of networking, both professional and volunteer.
Concrete example: celebration of World Meteorological Day 2026 at AEMET
On World Meteorological Day 2026, celebrated on March 23AEMET once again highlighted the contributions of its volunteer collaborators. Three individuals were recognized with national awards for their consistency and dedication to the observation network: Jesús Cañas Jiménez, Eduardo Luis Real Moñino, and Luis Sánchez Pérez.
Jesús Cañas Jiménez has been collaborating since 1991 at the thermopluviometric and phenological station of Terán de Cabuérniga (Cantabria)In addition to assisting with the maintenance of the Bárcena Mayor weather station, he has already received regional awards as a collaborator with the AEMET Territorial Delegation in Cantabria in 2001 and 2010. He works as a natural environment officer and is a veritable encyclopedia of fauna, flora, and bird migration, always keeping a watchful eye on the sky and animal behavior. He recently published an article in AEMET's 2026 Meteorological Calendar on the observed effects of climate change in the upper Saja River basin.
Eduardo Luis Real Moñino has been in charge of the thermopluviometric station in Calzadilla de los Barros (Badajoz) since 2002Taking over from his father, José Real Lozano, who started as a collaborator in 1972. At just five years old, Eduardo was already experiencing his father's passion for meteorology firsthand and over time he has become the local authority: his neighbors turn to him when they want to know what the weather is like in the village.
Luis Sánchez Pérez has kept the Aranzueque (Guadalajara) thermopluviometric station active since 1969A farmer, mountaineer, and passionate about the countryside, he enthusiastically embraced the task of meteorological observation, which has also served as a guide for his crops. At almost 84 years old, he continues with the same enthusiasm, supported by his wife, Pilar, who collaborates to ensure that data is collected every single day. Luis has also created an ethnographic museum with more than 2.000 antique objects, many of them related to rural life.
During the main event of DMM2026 at the AEMET headquarters in Madrid A tribute was also paid to staff who retired in the last year, with the presentation of commemorative plaques. And, true to tradition, a high-level conference was organized: the speaker was biologist Miguel Delibes de Castro, former director of the Doñana Biological Station and son of the writer Miguel Delibes, a great enthusiast of meteorology.
Miguel Delibes de Castro's talk, entitled "Wildlife in a Warming World"The presentation addressed how different animal species are responding to climate change, both in terms of behavior and in their distribution and survival. The conference served as a prelude to a final gathering that provided a space for interaction among staff, collaborators, and attendees, thus concluding a day heavily focused on nature observation and conservation.
Educational activities: workshops and museums related to World Meteorological Day
Beyond national meteorological services, museums and science centers are also joining in World Meteorological Day with specific proposals for all audiences. The aim is to translate technical concepts into practical experiences that spark curiosity, especially among younger people.
A recent example is offered by the National Museum of Science and Technology (MUNCYT) at its headquarters in Alcobendas., which organized a workshop in 2023 focused on meteorological parameters based on the instrumentation of a basic stationDuring the activity, participants were able to handle equipment, learn to measure temperature, pressure and humidity, and understand what that data means in everyday life.
The workshop was completed with a visit to the Atmosphere area of the Cabinet roomwhere pieces of scientific heritage related to meteorology are displayed. This combination of hands-on experimentation and historical context helps to understand how observational instruments have evolved and why current technology has multiplied the accuracy of predictions.
The MUNCYT sessions were scheduled for the weekend (Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, 2023), lasting approximately 60 minutes, with free admission and prior reservation by email or at the box office, aimed at the general public from six years of age. These initiatives are designed for families, small groups and people interested in understanding "what's behind" the weather forecast.
These types of activities show that World Meteorological Day is not just an institutional event.but a perfect opportunity to bring the science of weather and climate closer to the public, encourage scientific vocations and, incidentally, strengthen environmental awareness at a time when climate change is no longer a distant problem, but a palpable reality.
Why celebrating World Meteorological Day matters and how we can contribute
The central objective of World Meteorological Day is to remind us of the crucial role of climate and the environment for life on Earth.This is not a mere academic reminder, but a call to care for the atmosphere, the oceans, and fresh water, on which our food security, our health, and the very stability of societies depend.
The celebration also seeks to promote solutions to climate change and natural disasters related to time and water. Effective early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, responsible urban planning, agricultural insurance adapted to new risks, use of renewable energy, and forest conservation are some of the pieces of this global puzzle.
Although many countries still fail to show the full ambition that the climate crisis would demandThe WMO and other organizations emphasize the need for coordinated efforts and a shared vision. Every improvement in observation, every advancement in modeling, and every adaptation project in vulnerable communities helps prevent human and economic losses.
From an individual perspective, anyone can do their bit.: use energy more efficiently, reduce water waste, commit to sustainable mobility, support initiatives to protect the environmentDemanding more serious climate policies and, in general, adopting more environmentally friendly habits. Even something as simple as getting well-informed and sharing accurate content on social media helps combat misinformation.
Initiatives such as the use of the hashtag #WorldMeteorologicalDay Digital platforms serve to amplify the message, exchange educational resources, and showcase local activities. This global conversation, supported by the daily experiences of people around the world, complements the technical work of meteorological services and keeps alive the spirit of international cooperation that gave rise to the WMO.
Looking at the list of World Meteorological Day slogans from 1961 to today allows us to see how our relationship with weather, climate and water has changed.From concerns about aviation, agriculture, or energy, we have moved to talking about early warning, climate action, and protecting future generations. Behind every forecast, every contributor who records the rainfall daily, or every satellite that tirelessly transmits data, lies the same idea: rigorously observing the present is the best way to keep people and ecosystems safe on a planet that is warming and becoming more extreme.
