World Meteorological OrganizationREGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV (NORTH AMERICA, CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN)Seventeenth SessionSan José, Costa Rica, 27 to 31 March 2017

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1)Submitted by:

Secretary-General23.III.2017

CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY REPORTS ON THE ACTIVITIES OF RA IV SUBSIDIARY BODIES

Reference:

Sixteenth session of Regional Association IV (North America, Central America and the Caribbean) (WMO-No. 1117) http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_1117_en.pdf

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 2

RA IV Task Team on Aviation

Mr Michael Graf (USA) - Chairperson

1. Introduction

This report summarizes major activities in aviation during the period 2015-2016.

2. Task Team Structure

The Task Team is composed of several official members and a few members (non-official) that have background needed in helping the team move along.

3. Terms of Reference

The terms of reference of the Task Team on Aviation, are as follows:

(a) Study and remedy the challenges Members in the Region are facing in meeting the requirements of ICAO Annex 3/WMO-No. 49, Volume II, in particular amendment 76 (2013) with respect to QMS, and amendment 77 (2016) addressing Extensible Markup Language (XML), World Area Forecast (WAFS) hazard grids, and requirements concerning the qualifications and training of meteorological personnel in aeronautical meteorology given in the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), Volume I — General Meteorological Standards and Recommended Practices, Part VI — Education and Training of Meteorological Personnel;

(b) As applicable, establish regional projects in the areas of Quality Management System implementation and continuing professional development of aeronautical competencies to meet the requirements for aviation meteorologist qualification, as well as actions aimed at improving SIGMET issuance;

(c) Seek funding for these projects through the WMO Resource Mobilization Office, through direct contact with donor countries and through other avenues.

4. Membership

Task Team on Aviation Name Country

Chairperson(s) Michael Graf USA

Members

Claudio Amparo Dominican Republic

César George Guatemala

Ms Saide Shakeer Trinidad and Tobago

Kathy-Ann Caesar British Caribbean Territories

Werner Stolz Costa Rica

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 3

5. Highlights of EG-OF activities

(a) 2015- The Aviation Task Team organized and led the following workshop: WMO Seminar/Workshop for Aeronautical Competencies and SIGMETs NAM/CAR Regions Costa Rica, 25-27 August 2015. Attended by over 30 members from RA IV. The workshop programme and training can be found at: http://www.wmo.int/aemp/node/83

(b) 2015- Aviation task chairperson attended a 3-day workshop in Mexico City hosted by the North American ICAO regional office. The purpose of the meeting was threefold:

(i) Improving aviation communications and services provided by WMO Region IV Members by examining and checking how the NWSTG sends international collectives;

(ii) Making US METAR collectives provided by the NWSTG ICAO compliant;(iii) Review Members progress on Quality Management (ISO 9001) throughout the

Region.

(c) 2015- provided end-of-year report to include QMS status for all RA IV;

(d) 2016 provided Ra IV Aviation Task Team Strategic Plan for 2016-19.

6. General report and plans 2017-2019

(a) Support is needed for a QMS/Competency Workshop 2017-18, (30K) to allow for attendance and translation. RA IV is still lagging behind in implementing QMS competencies for some Members. Propose a QMS/Competency Workshop targeting specific countries still in need of help using RA IV trainers from Members which have been successful implementing QMS and Competencies;

(b) Aviation Virtual Calls: 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, (3K per year) to cover communication and translation. These quarterly meetings will discuss a broad range of topics to include QMS, competencies, BIP-M, SIGMET issuance and production, new techniques, rules of thumb for forecasting, observing, verification, climatology, ASBU and GANP etc., but needs feedback to be successful;

(c) Aviation newsletter: 2017, 2018, and 2019 (2K per year) for translation to Spanish. These newsletters will leverage off the virtual calls and the goal is to have four issues a year. Topics will cover QMS, competencies, BIP-M, SIGMET issuance and production, new techniques, rules of thumb for forecasting, observing, verification, climatology, ASBU and GANP. The articles will be mainly written by local RA IV experts. Editing and design provided by Aviation Task Team (NWS). Again, requires feedback to be successful.

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Annex: 1

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 4

ANNEX

Latest QMS/Competencies as of January 2016 for RA IV

Member Country

QMS Status

Competency Asses Status

Remarks

QMS

Remarks

Comp.Qual.

System

(p.2.2.2)

ISO 9001

(p.2.2.3)

Antigua and Barbuda Y N 5 (2014)

2016Training int. Audit,

Bahamas Y N 5 Nov 15

Barbados In progress N 4Help with int. auditing,

twinning

Belize In progress N 5 (2014)

No int. AuditQM staff is operational, recourses,

twinningBritish Caribbean Territories

3 terr. Y2 terr. N N 5

Training provided, but need of extra info

Cycle of assessment TBD

Canada Y 5

Colombia Y N 5 – AMO2 - AMF 2016 AMF – NEED

TRAINING

Costa Rica In progress N 42017COST Int audit

AMF – NEED TRAINING;Certification,qualifications

Cuba Y Y 5 Part of ANSCERTIFICATION IN PLACE, University involved

Curaçao and Sint Maarten Y N 5 (2014) 2016

Dominica In progress N 4Dominican Republic Y N 4 Consultancy

from CAA Training

El Salvador Y N 4 AMSP different

Further training needed for obs,Assistance needed

French Departments of Guadeloupe and Martinique

Y

Guatemala ! N 4 BeginningTraining in Costa Rica; need for training, Spain

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 5

Haiti N N

Forecasters trained in France; need for building technical capacity

Honduras N N 2

Training, forecasters are Class 3; assistance for training;Jan 2016

Jamaica N 4

Mexico Y Y 4 Verification

2016; training COMETMET service is in modernization

Netherlands Y

Nicaragua Y N 4Support from Cuba

2016Obs; training needed

Panama NSaint Lucia Y Y 4 Assistance

needed

Trinidad and Tobago Y N 5 (2012)

2016New QMS standard,

Sustainability,Calibration – regional solution

Second round in progress

United Kingdom YUnited States of America Y 5

Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of

Y *

N 2 or 3?

5 out of 9 offices,

Financial constraints

Military personnel;need to assess their degree; develop documentation

Notes:

1. Deadline for QMS implementation was 25 November 2012

2. Deadline for Competence Assessment and documentation was 1 December 2013. The numbering for CA implies:

(a) Implementation not started;

(b) Adapted WMO competency standards to national requirements and conditions;

(c) Developed assessment process and timeline;

(d) Commenced assessment;

(e) Completed assessment.

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RA IV Task Team on Regional WIS/WIGOS Implementation

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 6

Mr Glendell De Souza (British Caribbean Territories) - Co-chairperson

1. Introduction

This report summarizes major activities in RA IV during the period 2015-2016.

2. Task Team Structure

The Task Team is composed of personnel from Member States.

3. Terms of Reference

The terms of reference of the Task Team on Regional WIS/WIGOS Implementation, are as follows:

(a) Review the evolving WIS and WIGOS requirements and strategies and update the RA IV WIGOS Implementation Plan (WIP), including development of an Operations plan to manage future regionally coordinated observation requirements and operations;

(b) Develop a RA IV WIS Implementation Plan (WISP), including an Operations Plan, to manage future regionally coordinated information system requirements and operations;

(c) Participate in the larger WMO WIS and WIGOS development process to ensure RA IV needs are represented;

(d) Implement the dissemination of radar imagery as an initial project of WIS and WIGOS in RA IV;

(e) Ensure that observational data for automatic weather stations is transmitted on the GTS;

(f) Implement the activities of the RA IV WIP and the RA-IV WISP as an ongoing process;(g) Seek funding for projects through the WMO Resource Mobilization Office, through

direct contact with donor countries and through other avenues;(h) Develop regional WIGOS observing requirements for input to the CBS RRR process;(i) Develop a regional instrument calibration strategy.

4. Membership

Task Team on Regional WIS/WIGOS Implementation Name Country

Chairperson(s)Mr Fred Branski USA

Mr Glendell De Souza BCT

MembersMr Dionicio Cordero Dominican

RepublicMr Bryan Thomas Trinidad and

TobagoMr Hugo Saavedra Colombia

Mr Donald Simon Antigua and Barbuda

Ms María Esther Suárez Costa Rica5. Highlights of TT-WIS/WIGOS activities

(a) Focal Point and Meteorological Inventory;

(b) BUFR Migration;

(c) WIS Metadata Workshop;

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(d) Satellite Matters;

(e) Regional Radar Mosaic Implementation;

(f) WIGOS Metadata Workshop;

(g) WIS Implementation Plan

6. Report of the Task Team on Regional WIS/WIGOS Implementation

General report

Focal Point and Meteorological Inventory

Correspondence was disseminated by the president requesting that Permanent Representatives (PRs) designate a focal point for WIS/WIGOS and provide an inventory of national observing system. The PRs were given a deadline of 30 May for the designation of the focal point and 30 June 2014 for the inventory.

BUFR Migration

The Task Team assisted countries in their migration to BUFR for the encoding of synoptic observations. Although to date not all Meteorological Services have migrated, most of the Services have started the migration and it should be completed before the end of 2015.

Regional Radar Mosaic Implementation Project

The Task Team has been working to have radar scan shared within the Region through the GIFS server. Recently Meteorological Services hosting radars were asked to provide their scan schedule in order that imagery can be shared optimally. The radar data which is being shared is available on the GIFS sever at: https://ra4-gifs.weather.gov/data/RMTN/RADAR/ and the United States of America radar data is available at: ftp://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/SL.us008001/DF.of/DC.radar/

Satellite Matters

The Coordination Group of Satellite Data Requirements for RA III and RA IV had its first meeting in Greenbelt Maryland on 27-28 April 2015. The Group was created in response to a recommendation from the Commission for Basic Systems, which was endorsed by the Executive Council, for a Region-based approach to defining and maintaining requirements for satellite data access and exchange, in line with the Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service (IGDDS) included in the Manual on the WMO Information System (WIS).

There were teleconferences in August and October and a satellite data user survey was developed and disseminated to Members in RA III and RA IV for completion. The Group also drafted a plan which would provide Members with a road map to receive satellite imagery and data post installation of GOES-R in its final orbital position.

The Task Team was charged by the Coordination Group on Satellite Data Requirements for RA III and RA IV to draft a road map, which would assist Member States in RA III and RA IV to obtain satellite data and or imagery from the GOES-R series of satellites. After the road map was drafted the Task Team was then charged with drafting a report on what the Member States would need to provide in order to access the satellite data and or imagery from the various sources identified in the road map.

Both reports were presented at the Second Meeting of the WMO Coordination Group of Satellite Data Requirements for RA III and RA IV, which was held in Curaçao from 5-8 September 2016.

WIGOS Metadata Workshop

The WIGOS Project Office held a WIGOS Metadata Workshop in Curaçao from 1-3 December 2015, for the English-speaking Members of RA IV. It is hoped that funding permitting a similar workshop will be held for the Latin American Members of RA IV during

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 8

2016. Members were introduced to Observing System Capability Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR) with various exercises for the creation and reviewing of WIGOS metadata. The Members also provided a report on their National WIGOS Implementation Plan.

RA IV WIS Implementation Plan

The Task Team started working on the WIS Implementation Plan in January 2016 and they had requested Permanent Representatives of WMO Member States to provide the name of their WIS Focal Point and the size of the Internet bandwidth which they were using to connect with RTH Washington several times, through the president of RA IV and the WMO Office for North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The Implementation Plan was completed and it was submitted to the president for discussion by the Management Group in January 2017.

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RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 9

Task Team on Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS)

Mr Jamie Smith (Canada) – Chairperson

1. Introduction

This report summarizes major activities in GFCS during the period 2015-2016.

2. Task Team Structure

The Task Team is composed of nine members and one chairperson with one vacancy from Guatemala.

3. Terms of Reference

The terms of reference of the Task Team on Global Framework for Climate Services, are as follows:

(a) Development of Vision of an appropriate RA-IV Climate Service;

(b) Map and Develop a Trilingual electronic inventory of current activities within the Region;

(c) Identify RA IV needs as regards to climate services including formulating proposals for Regional Climate Centres and Regional Climate Outlook Forums;

(d) Development of a plan for Collaboration of various stakeholders in the Region to move towards the establishment of a User Interface Platform.

4. Membership

Task Team on Global Framework for Climate Services Name Country

Chairperson Jamie Smith Canada

Members

Martín Ibarra Ochoa Mexico

Lic. Juana SilléDominican Republic

TBD Guatemala

Kenneth KerrTrinidad and Tobago

David Farrell/ Adrian Trotman

British Caribbean Territories

José Franklyn Ruiz Colombia

Dale DestinAntigua and Barbuda

Shanna Pitter USA

Roberto Villalobos Costa Rica

5. Highlights of EG-OF activities

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 10

(a) An expert team developed a road map for Regional Climate Centres which was approved by the RA IV MG;

(b) The TT reviewed the workplan and developed proposals for actions which were presented to the MG during the last MG meeting;

(c) The TT continues to make progress on other themes.

6. Task Team on a road map for Regional Climate Centres

RAIV Management Group directed the GFCS TT to establish an Expert Team to prepare a roadmap for RCC implementation between 2015-2017, including the respective RCCs roles and responsibilities, and the mechanisms for implementation and coordination of actions in order to avoid duplication of effort and to prioritize gaps. The following activities were conducted:

(a) Mapping of existing RA IV capabilities to WMO mandatory and highly recommended functions;

(b) Agreed upon geographic regions for each RCC;

(c) Determined strategy to fill the gaps in mandatory other key functions;

(d) Finalized report with specific actions for implementation

RA IV MC Approved the RCC Expert Team Report in 2016 (Annex A).

Based upon the workplan and the finding of the Expert Team on RCC, the TT has developed three investment priorities for MC consideration in 2017:

(a) Workshop on Climate Extreme Indices for RCCs and Climate Services Centres (CSC) across the Region (recommended);

(b) Workshop on Data Management and Rescue in RA IV;

(c) Support for improved Climate Outlook Forums (COFs) capacity and coordination;

(d) MG to endorses an Open Data Policy to support the RCCs in accordance with WMO Resolution 60 for all RA IV countries.

Some progress on items such as theme 1 – Climate Services Capacity – has been made at CMIH who will share some information with the Task Team. There are two papers in the works from CIMH, one for which the analyses have been completed (NMHS/Climate providers capacity analysis), and a second where the analyses are being done. Both, in collaboration with the University of Arizona, are expected to result in peer review papers.

Annex A

Presented to the MG group on 23 January 2017. Developed by the Expert Group of the RA IV Task Team for the Global Framework for Climate Services – 7 June 2016.

About this document

The RA IV Management Group (16/02) decided in June 2015 to establish an Expert Group (EG) in charge of preparing a roadmap for implementation or WMO Regional Climate Centers and other regional climate efforts, including the respective roles and responsibilities, and the mechanism for implementation and coordination of actions in order to avoid duplications. The chairperson of the GFCS TT was designated as the leader of the Expert Group (EG) and was urged to take timely action. In addition, the current GFCS TT participants from USA, Costa Rica, British Caribbean Territories and Mexico completed the EG. This document represents the proposed roadmap for consideration by the RA IV MG for approval, with the purpose of providing guidance on RCC development for the Region.

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 11

Background on WMO Regional Climate Centers

Regional institutions and initiatives play a critical role in strengthening the capacity of WMO Members to deliver climate information and services at the national level. WMO oversees a global network of accredited RCCs that are centers of excellence that create regional products including long-range forecasts that support regional and national climate activities. These regional initiatives are highlighted in the Implementation Plan of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). Regional Climate Centers (RCCs) can take the form as one center, or a network of ‘nodes’. These RCCs serve the entire RA IV or sub-regions under the RA, and must meet specific criteria to achieve full accreditation:

(a) ‘Mandatory’ functions required of an RCC focus on climate forecasting, monitoring, data services, and training;

(b) ‘Highly Recommended’ functions expand into tailored products and services and research needs.

The Expert Group (EG) was provided some key guidance from WMO concerning overlapping RCCs. The EG concluded the following with regards to overlapping geographical and RCC products and services:

(a) WMO confirmed that overlapping domains of responsibilities are seen as providing multiple options to countries that can determine which RCC products work best for them. The EG also noted that that having redundancy would build resilience in the Region to deal with major events affecting capacity (e.g. natural disasters);

(b) WMO confirmed that for multi-functional RCC accreditation, the most important requirements are that the RCC should perform all the mandatory functions, and be part of an overarching RA implementation strategy endorsed by the RA IV Management Group;

(c) WMO confirmed that country-hosted RCCs are acceptable. For example, Japan and China are accredited RCCs for their Region, and India has just completed its demonstration phase. Confining to national boundaries is not acceptable even if the country is large. The RCC could cover and entire RA or even extend to another RA in which case all the concerned RAs should agree;

(d) A key consideration for RA IV is the languages that the RCC services will need to be provided in: Spanish, English, Dutch, and French are all spoken in RA IV.

Existing regional initiatives in Regional Association IV

The overall landscape is changing rapidly within RA IV and includes several sub-regional efforts:

(a) WMO accredited Regional Climate Centers

Caribbean Regional Climate Center . Based at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) in Barbados, the Caribbean RCC is completing the demonstration phase under the WMO accreditation process. Activities support the broader Caribbean as well as Guyana and Surinam in RA III and Belize in Central America, and have been endorsed by the RAs III and IV Management Groups. (http://rcc.cimh.edu.bb/);

Proposed Arctic Polar Regional Climate Center. A pan-Arctic RCC was proposed by WMO and a scoping workshop held in November 2015. The survey of existing capabilities in the Arctic has been conducted and is awaiting analysis, after the WMO Executive Council meeting in June 2016. This will be supported by the eight Arctic Nations across Regions II, IV, and VI. RA IV countries include Canada and the US;

US-based Regional Climate Center. This proposed RCC will cover all of RA IV and is expected to submit the application for RCC accreditation after this roadmap has been approved.

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 12

(b) Non-WMO accredited regional initiatives

Climate Services Center (CSC) for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean . Established in 2014, this network approach is still in the planning phase and does not intend to follow the WMO accreditation process at this time. Mexico and the Regional Committee for Hydraulic Resources (CRRH-SICA), on behalf of the Central American countries, are leading the planning. Cuba, Colombia and the Dominican Republic are the other countries participating (provided they are Spanish-speaking countries in RA IV);

North American Climate Services Partnership (NACSP ). A regional partnership of Canada, Mexico and the USA to strengthen the development and delivery of user-driven transboundary climate services.

Roles and responsibilities of different regional centers and initiatives: geographical coverage

The analysis of the geographical coverage for the Region indicated the following:

(a) The US-based RCC currently plans to make available all the mandatory functions for the entire Region;

(b) The Caribbean RCC currently provides the mandatory functions for all the Caribbean, including the Spanish–speaking countries (Cuba, Dominica Republic), and Belize in Central America, and Guyana and Surinam in RA III. The key driver in this case is language, as the Caribbean RCC provides products in English which is a challenge for RA III to meet the needs of its English-speaking Members;

(c) The Climate Services Center for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean would provide climate services in Central America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands, which overlaps with some areas served by the Caribbean RCC;

(d) The proposed Arctic PRCC would also overlap with a number of regions (RAs II, IV and VI) and will require coordination with their respective RA MGs. Language requirements have not yet been decided; however, with the primary language in the US being English, and English and French in Canada, there may be multi-language products issued by RA IV Members. This remains to be decided;

(e) The North America Climate Services Partnership would provide services at the Mexico-USA and Canada-USA borders, which overlaps with the CSC for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean for services in Mexico. This was not identified as problematic by the EG as it is managed at the national level, using products from each Center near the corresponding border area. Some of the transboundary services are currently being distributed in multiple languages;

(f) The EG agreed that overlaps in RCCs should focus on mechanisms for coordination/ collaboration for consistent messaging, where appropriate.

RCC Functions

The Expert Group focused on all four mandatory functions and a selection of the highly recommended functions that are priorities for the Region.

Long Range Forecasts (LRF) – LRF production, tailored products, and access for users

All RA IV RCCs and non-RCCs utilize long-range forecasts from global models including US models. The US-based RCC would continue to provide a number of products for the entire Region which are critical for the functions of other RCCs.

Although the Caribbean RCC is investigating developing their own modelling capacity, the majority of the other initiatives are highly dependent on the US global model and others for LRF

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 13

which they in turn use to tailor specific products for their area of responsibility. Nevertheless, some gaps with the current US products when mapped to all the mandated WMO LRF products were discussed.

EG recommended actions with respect to LRF:

(a) US-RCC will examine the potential to develop a RA IV data portal to ensure easy access to their products;

(b) US-RCC will explore opportunities to host teleconferences with the other RCCs and non-RCC initiatives to get consensus on monthly and seasonal forecasts.

Operational Data Services – climate datasets, archives

It was noted that there is a key gap in the availability of climate data within RA IV to support the development of RCC products which require knowledge of regionally specific user needs, and to support LRF modeling.

Currently the Caribbean RCC captures and archives all monitoring data and distributes this based upon some restrictions, and access has not been a large concern. They have a formal agreement for data release. The US provides access to all shared WMO station data, which is utilized for the model and archived. However, the data is relatively sparse for the US modelling and regional purposes. Progress is being made within the Mesoamerican region in terms of access and distribution; however, they lack infrastructure and formal agreements across the entirety of the Region to support data management.

Questions were raised in terms of how to deal with the range of data quality, and the need to have good metadata in order to be able to understand the “known” quality of the data. These ideas are being investigated in the demonstration phase of RCCs.

EG recommended actions with respect to Operational Data Services:

(a) RA IV MG endorses an Open Data Policy to support the RCCs in accordance with WMO Resolution 60 for all RA IV countries;

(b) The best practice for legal agreements on data release and data quality assessment and control from the Caribbean will be shared with the EG;

(c) There is a need for RCCs and CSC to develop proposals to WMO or others sources for data rescue (compliant with WIS/WIGOS standards);

(d) RCC and CSC to complete a full survey of the existing stations in the Region, including those not currently shared with WMO;

(e) Proposals for funding are required to support the development of archiving systems.

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 14

Climate Monitoring – Diagnostic, Climatologies, and Climate Watch

In terms of climate diagnostics and regional climatology, these are being addressed by the Caribbean RCC US-based RCCs, and the CSC for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. Although the mandatory functions for climate monitoring are largely being met for the Region, there is a gap in the development of Climate Watches. The Caribbean RCC has developed drought indices successfully, and a climate impacts database which is helpful for developing Climate Watches. Within the NACSP, drought indices have been operationalized successfully but in other areas there have been some operational problems with the use of current products in national policy and resource deployments such as the early arrival of climate impacts before official statements on climate variations are released. For example, the declaration of an El Niño by the US is used by nations in the deployment of resources to address its national impacts. However, with the caution displayed in 2014 with the declaration of the El Niño while its impacts were still being felt, there were no resources available to alleviate the drought’s impacts in Mexico. It was acknowledged that existing climate watches are not configured for national impacts, and that more tailored climate watches could be of use to the Region.

EG recommended actions with respect to Operational Data Services:

(a) Recommend that research into the development of new Climate Watch Indices is conducted based upon both physical and user thresholds (attribution studies, regional climate and risk assessment);

(b) Investigate the tailoring of RCC/CSC specific products for RA IV that are more sensitive to regional impacts;

(c) Share best practices on Climate Watch Indices; impacts database and communications strategies will be useful for other RCC and non-RCC activities in the Region;

(d) Do specific activities/opportunities to improve capacity issues to communicate Climate Watches, such as:

o Continue to invite RCC/CSC members to participate in each other’s events;o Reach out to existing WMO training programs for aid in developing a training

strategy for the Region;o Develop media training products and documentation on climate services and

products (starting with translation of Caribbean products; GFCS Caribbean funding opportunities; leveraging existing training such as the upcoming one in Cuba).

Training – Use of operational products and services

It was recognized that training needs to focus on both the NHMSs capacity development and users understanding for decision-making. NHMS training is moving towards training “impacts climatologists”, with emphasis on their communications with decision-makers rather than just on core technical competencies. The training can be guided by the development of the WMO Competencies for NHMS, and be broadened for user services training.

EG recommended actions with respect to training:

(a) Expand current Outlook Forums to provide training in climate services for users;

(b) Request the GFCS TT to develop a Training Strategy for RA IV for Climate Services to support RCC/CSCs and regional capacity development, and to consider the following:

o Encourage universities to develop curricula to support development of WMO climate services competencies for climate professionals and more general courses for users;

o Examine existing WMO, US NOAA and COMET training programmes for climate services to support regional capacity;

o Look at WebCast type training modules;

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 15

o Support students in addition to operational climatologists for full involvement in climate services areas.

Research and Development

The EG concentrated efforts to defining priorities for research and development to support RCCs by drawing upon the highly recommended function along with previously identified R&D priorities from the TT workplan.

EG recommended actions with respect to research and development:

(a) Request the GFCS TT leads on R&D to develop a climate research and development agenda and coordinate it with other relevant RCC and CSCs with specific focus on:

o Development of a toolbox to facilitate the production of climate services (analysis and generation of climate products, methodologies or tools used for RCOF, forecast interpretation , library of assessments and other documentation for historical analysis);

o Search/sharing of lessons learned on how climate information is incorporated in the decision-making processes (Climate Watch Indices);

o Develop indicators of climate extremes (Climate Watch Indices);o Stakeholder (include policymakers) evaluations to improve products and

services;o Improve and expand sub-seasonal forecasting , including basic research into

regional climate drivers (essential for RCC LRF).

Sustained Financial and Human Resource Support

Caribbean RCC has benefited from significant recent investments from regional development institutions (USAID, etc.); however, long-term support for maintaining high-profile activities such as the twice-yearly Climate Outlook Forums are a concern.

CSC for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean has neither human nor financial resources allocated directly. Although the NMHS Directors have are in agreement to support the CSC for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean implementation and there is strong interest in the Region for this regional entity, capacities in the form of sustained human or financial resources have not yet been identified for this purpose. All products and activities in this emerging CSC depend on spontaneous contributions from NMHSs (in terms of human resources, data and operational) meetings and training have been funded through International and Development Agencies (AMEXCID, USAID, UE, etc.). Therefore, technical assistance is urgent in terms of human resources and data management infrastructure investment. The US RCC and NACSP benefit from sustained support by the NMHSs of the US, Canada and Mexico respectively, so no additional resources need to be raised for their operation. The proposed Arctic PRCC would overlap with a number of Regions (RAs II, IV, and VI) and will require coordination with their respective RA MGs, and through the accreditation process capacity issues will have to be assessed. EG recommends that RCCs and NHMSs leverage existing funding mechanisms such as targeted GFCS funding and the CREWS initiative.

Coordination: Mechanism for implementation and coordination of actions

There is a recognized need for the development of a strategy for Region IV on how these various existing and proposed entities will fit together, how to build and coordinate regional and inter-regional partnerships. RA IV is fortunate to have an existing Task Team on the Global Framework for Climate Services that has representation from all of the existing and proposed regional entities. This existing body could continue to serve as the key mechanisms for interaction between the existing Caribbean RCC and Mesoamerica CSC, and also as the primary mechanism for interaction between the proposed US RCC and the existing regional entities.

Moving forward

To inform future efforts towards RAIV capacity for regional climate services, the EG has identified 16 specific recommended actions that describe the necessary steps to fill the gaps

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 16

and ensure good coordination within the Region. These 16 recommended actions are a synthesis of the EG recommendations described above. More details can be found in the Annex, which provides information on the proposed lead, priorities and timelines for each action.

In the near term, the EG recommends that the following actions are considered by the RA IV Management Group for immediate action in 2016:

(a) US to proceed with process towards RCC accreditation;

(b) US and Canada to continue to fill the gap in the provision of RCC services in Arctic Polar region (cross regional);

(c) The EG recommends that the RA IV MG endorses an Open Data Policy to support the RCCs in accordance with WMO Resolution 60 for all RA IV countries;

(d) The RCCs and non-RCCs to expand current Outlook Forums to provide training in climate services for users;

(e) Caribbean-RCC to share best practices for legal agreements on data release and data quality assessment and control within the Caribbean;

(f) GFCS TT to develop two key strategies:

o Develop a climate Research and Development agenda and coordinate it with other relevant RCCs and non-RCCs;

o Develop a Training Strategy for RA IV for Climate Services to support RCCs and non-RCCs for regional capacity development.

In the long-term, additional actions are provided in the Annex. These actions should be taken up and examined by the GFCS TT.

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Annex: 1

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 17

ANNEX

Timeline of Actions for RCC Road Map Implementation

Actions Priority Who When1 US and Canada to continue to fill

the gap in the provision of RCC services in Arctic Polar region (cross regional)

M US and Canada

2016

2 US-RCC will examine the potential to develop an RA IV data portal to ensure easy access to their products

H US-RCC Part of pilot phase

2017-18

3 US-RCC will explore opportunities to host teleconferences with RCCs and initiatives to get consensus on monthly forecasts

M US-RCC 2017

4 The EG recommends that the RA IV MG endorses an Open Data Policy to support the RCCs in accordance with WMO Resolution 60 for all RA IV countries

H EG to present to RA IV MG

June 2016

5 The best practice for legal agreements on data release and data quality assessment and control from the Caribbean will be shared with the EG

M Caribbean-RCC

June 2016

6 Need RCCs and CSC to develop proposals to WMO or others sources for data rescue (WIS/WIGOS standards)

H RCC and CSC leads to work with their partners

2016-17

7 RCC and CSC leads to examine the implications of WIGOS standards for their databases, and request training

H RCC and CSC leads to work with their partners

2016-17

8 RCC and CSC leads to complete a full survey of the existing stations

L RCC and CSC leads to work with their partners with support from RA IV office

2018 (depends on MG direction)

9 Proposals for funding are required to support the development of archiving systems

H Meso-American and Caribbean CSC

2017

10 Research is needed into the development of new Climate Watch Indices based upon both physical and User definitions (based upon attribution studies, impacts and risk based approach)

H GFCS TT leads on R&D

2016-17

11 The RCC/CSCs and the US will M RCC/CSCs 2017-18

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 18

investigate tailoring their specific products for RA IV to be more sensitive to regional impacts from LRF

12 Sharing best practices on Watch indices, impacts database and communications strategies will be useful for other RCC activities in the region

L Caribbean RCC and NASCP

2017-18

13 Specific activities/opportunities to improve capacity issues to communicate Climate Watches:(g)Continue to invite RCC/CSC

members to participate in each other’s events

(h)Need to reach out to existing WMO training programmes for communications

(i) Development of media training products and documentation on climate services and products (starting with Caribbean products needs to be translated; GFCS Caribbean funds; training in Cuba is upcoming)

M RCC/CSCs 2016-17

14 Develop a climate research and development agenda and coordinate it with other relevant RCC and CSCs

H – tool box in

particular

GFCS TT leads on R&D

2016-18

15 Expand current Outlook Forums to provide training in climate services for users

H RCC/CSC 2016-18 (ongoing)

16 Develop a Training Strategy for RA IV for Climate Services to support RCC/CSCs and regional capacity development

H GFCS TT2016

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RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 19

Task Team on Hydrology

Mr Eduardo Planos (Cuba) - Chairperson

1. Introduction

This report summarizes major activities in hydrology during the period 2015-2016.

2. Working Group structure

The Working Group Team is composed of seven official members: one chairperson, two members from North America, two from Central America and two from the Caribbean. In addition, a Virtual Hydrology Forum has been created as a platform where all the issues and challenges related to the operation of hydrological networks and services can be discussed among interested professionals and other stakeholders.

3. Terms of Reference

The terms of reference of the Working Group on Hydrology, are as follows:

(a) To assist the president of the regional association in ensuring that the hydrological contributions to the Region’s priority needs and activities are made and to provide guidance and advice accordingly;

(b) To undertake activities, as directed by the Management Group of RA IV, to address the hydrology- and water-related needs of the Region, and to ensure linkage with the relevant meteorological and climatological activities within the Region;

(c) To monitor the development, implementation and maintenance of best practices in the operational activities of the National Hydrological Services in the Region, acting as a mechanism for coordinating the exchange of scientific and technical expertise;

(d) In conjunction with the Regional Hydrology Forum (see Annex below), and under the guidance of the RA IV Management Group, to undertake activities that strengthen hydrological monitoring, service delivery and capacity-building, as well as the hydrological inputs on the priority issues of the Association;

(e) To ensure, in coordination with the Commission for Hydrology, that regional hydrological and related needs are represented in the Commission’s operating plan;

(f) To liaise and seek cooperation with appropriate scientific, technical and development organizations such as the International Hydrological Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Organization of American States, the Regional Committee for Hydraulic Resources, and the Water Resources Centre for Central America and the Caribbean;

(g) To appoint, in accordance with Regulation 32 of the WMO General Regulations, Dr Eduardo Planos (Cuba), Regional Hydrological Adviser, as chairperson of the working group.

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 20

4. Membership

Working Group on Hydrology Name Country

Chairperson Dr Eduardo Planos Cuba

MembersDr David Farrell British Caribbean

Territories

Dr Alain Pietroniro Canada

Ms Celina Mena El Salvador

Dr Alain Laraque France

M en I. Horacio Rubio Mexico

Mr Diego González Panama

5. Highlights of EG-OF activities

(a) The Working Group on Hydrology (WGH) met in 2015 to analyse and approve the priority themes for the regional work, create the respective task teams and approve the work plan for 2016-2019;

(b) A workshop on hydrological networks and data was held in 2015 to develop a regional assessment on the matter;

(c) Consolidation of the Virtual Hydrology Forum during the period 2015-2016, promoting regional discussion on the operation of hydrological networks and services;

(d) The WGH supported the 6th session of the Hydrological Forum of Mesoamerica and Hispanic Caribbean, and facilitated the interaction with the CHy Advisory Working Group aimed at enhancing the relevance and usability of RCOF products and services for supporting the development of capabilities of NHSs;

(e) An initial planning meeting was held for the development and implementation of the Haiti and Dominican Republic Flash Flood Guidance Project.

6. Working Group on Hydrology

General report

Other regional actions demanding financial resources to be continued or fully developed in 2017 according to the hydrology work plan 2016-2019 for RA IV are:

(a) Technical Workshop on Drought Risk Analysis, Management and Forecasting;

(b) Support to regular sessions of the Hydrological Forum of Mesoamerica and Hispanic Caribbean (in partnership with CRRH), especially aimed at enhancing the relevance and usability of RCOF products and services for to produce Seasonal Hydrological Predictions;

(c) Assessment and feasibility of regional projects (Carib-HYCOS II, others).

Some key regional activities to be continued through the Virtual Hydrology Forum:

(a) Building capacity: adaptation and development of training courses in Hydrology and Water Resources Assessment (2016-2019);

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 21

(b) Drought Risk Analysis, Management and Prediction: analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities, monitoring, prediction, modelling and communication of warnings (2016-2019);

(c) Assessment and Management of Hydrological Networks and Data (2016-2019);

(d) To compile experiences on the results of the application of the Flood Warning Systems and prepare a report of inter comparison of results (2016–2018).

The WGH was represented at the Annual High Level Forum (HLF) of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA). In addition to introducing WMO to the HLF as the authoritative voice of the UN system on operational hydrology, the valuable experience of the Hydrological Forum of Mesoamerica and Hispanic Caribbean was shared, and a joint CIMH/WMO collaboration was offered in the case that CWWA was interested in developing a similar initiative for the English-speaking Caribbean countries.

________

Annex: 1

RA IV-17/INF. 3(1), p. 22

ANNEX

Complete RA IV WGH-VHF Work Plan 2016-2019

Item No.

RKO Activity Perio

d Responsible Budget

1 5.2Share and adapt advances in science and software for Hydrological Prediction and Forecasting

2016–2017

Hydrology Forum

Virtual Hydrology Forum

2 3.3 3.4

Support regular sessions of the Central American Hydrological Forum (in partnership with CRRH)

2016-2019

Juan Carlos Fallas (support from CRRH)

40K (10K per year)

3 3.3Building capacity: adaptation and development of training courses in Hydrology and Water Resources Assessment

2016–2019

David Farrell (support from CIMH)

Virtual Hydrology Forum

4 3.3 3.4

Drought Risk Analysis, Management and Prediction: analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities, monitoring, prediction, modelling and communication of warnings

2016-2019

David FarrellHoracio Rubio(support from CIMH)

Virtual Hydrology Forum

5 3.3Meeting of the WGH (Monitoring and Evaluation) and Technical Workshop on Drought Risk Analysis, Management and Forecasting (first semester of 2017)

2017David Farrell(support from CIMH)

35K

6 3.3 Assessment and Management of Hydrological Networks and Data

2016–2019

Eduardo Planos

Virtual Hydrology Forum

7 4.1 4.2

Assessment and feasibility of regional projects(Carib-HYCOS II, others)

2016-2019

Alain LaraqueCelina MenaEduardo Planos

30K

8 5.4Development of guidance material for using regional climate model outputs in Water Resources Assessment and Management

2017Diego González(support from CIMH)

Virtual Hydrology Forum

9 3.3

Meeting of the WGH (Monitoring and Evaluation) and Technical Workshop on the usage of regional climate model outputs in Water Resources Assessment and Management (Nov 2018)

2018Diego González(support from CIMH)

25K

10 2.1To compile experiences on the results of the application of the Flood Warning Systems and prepare a report of intercomparison of results

2016–2018 Celina Mena

Virtual Hydrology Forum

11 2.1Flood Risk Analysis, Management and Forecasting: analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities, monitoring, forecasting, modelling and communication of warnings

2018–2019 Celina Mena

Virtual Hydrology Forum

12 2.1 Technical Workshop on Flood Risk Analysis, Management and Forecasting (November 2019) 2019 Celina Mena 25K

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