The ability to have accurate long range forecasts for various climate parameters e.g. about whether rainfall or temperature will be above or below average, and by how much, would have enormous potential benefits. It is these forecasts that could provide the information needed for longer-term decisions and early warnings of potential hazards.

Generate and communicate impact-based early warnings, delivering risk information for hazardous hydrometeorological and climate events such as Drought, Flood and Veld Fire.

Regional climate data sets are developed by WMO Regional Climate Centres. These are Centres of Excellence that assist WMO Members in a given region to deliver quality controlled regional climate datasets as data collection and management, and to strengthen their capacity to meet national climate information needs.

Climate is a natural resource vital to our well-being, health and prosperity. The information gathered, managed and analysed under the coordination of WMO by the NMHSs, in collaboration with other regional and international organizations and programmes, helps decision-makers and users plan and adapt their activities and projects to expected conditions. In this way, decisions may be taken in planning which reduce risks and optimize socio-economic benefits.