The International Activities Office often is involved in sponsoring, coordinating, and participating in various international meetings and events. These include technical courses, workshops, and special international meetings that address emerging issues impacting National Meteorological and Hydrologic Services (NMHSs) throughout the world. Some of these events are in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization, governmental organizations from other countries, or national organizations such as the American Meteorological Society. Some representative upcoming or past meetings and events that IAO is involved in are shown below. Click on a link to see additional information and appropriate contacts when noted.
International Hydrometeorology Analysis and Forecasting Course 7-27 June 2008
Boulder, CO
BACKGROUND
In collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) COMET Program, during the period 9 - 27 June 2008, NOAA hosted an International Hydrometeorological Analysis and Forecasting Course in Boulder, Colorado. The course focused on hydrometeorological observation, analysis, modeling, forecasting, impacts, and communications. Instruction was provided by NOAA, UCAR, Juniata College, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Riverside Technology (RTi), Hydrological Research Center (HRC), the U.S. Geological Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District of Denver (UDFCD). The course also included a field trip to visit the Big Thompson Canyon (in which a massive flood killed 144 people in 1976), the Lawn Lake Dam (the 1982 site of a dam break in the Rocky Mountain National Park that resulted in a 25-foot flood wave that killed 3 people and caused $31 million in damages), and the City of Fort Collins to discuss urban flood control.
This course is offered only once per three or four years, and there were over 120 applicants for 20 full and partial fellowships that covered all travel costs associated with attending the course. A total of 27 students attended the course this year representing Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroun, Columbia, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ghana, Jamaica, Lao, Malawi, Mongolia, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
For more information about this course, please click here
CONTACT
Phone: 301-713-0645 ext. 138
MEETING / EVENT
The 60th World Meteorological Organization Session: The 16th Executive Council 18-27 June 2008
Geneva, Switzerland
BACKGROUND
The sixtieth session of the World Meteorological Organization Executive Council (EC-LX) met in Geneva, June 18-27, 2008. Significant issues addressed by EC-LX included strengthening the WMO Information System and Integration of WMO Observing Systems to improve meteorological service quality and business efficiency; defining the parameters of WMO's role in the UN response to climate change; giving greater focus to preparations for a World Climate Conference (WCC-3) to be held in 2009; clarifying qualifications for aeronautical meteorological forecasters; and allocation of the budget surplus in accordance with the guidance provided by the WMO Congress. EC-LX also adopted decisions on various transparency and management issues including the participation of representatives from WMO Member States and Territories as observers in Executive Council sessions and relevant working groups. Dr. John L. Hayes, the United States Permanent Representative with the WMO, led the United States delegation. Dr. Hayes was elected as an acting member of the Executive Council by correspondence in early 2008. In accordance with the WMO Convention, all WMO officers and Executive Council members serve in their personal capacities rather than as representatives of their national governments.
NWS International Session on Hydrometeorological Cooperation Held Annually since 1998
in conjunction with the AMS Annual Meeting
BACKGROUND
The Annual NWS International Session on Hydrometeorological Cooperation held in conjunction with the AMS Annual Meeting. This year's topic, 2009, was "The Socio-Economic Benefits of
National Hydro-Meteorological Services: Making a
Business Case for Support". Click below for additional information on this and past sessions.
International Workshop on Flash Flood Forecasting 13-17 March 2006
Hotel Herradura Resort & Conference Center • San José, Costa Rica
BACKGROUND
The International Workshop on Flash Flood Forecasting, coordinated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service and the World Meteorological Organization, provides information on the types of flash flood prediction capabilities available for application in flash flood prone regions in developing countries. A range of solutions are covered; from simple inexpensive tools and applications to more sophisticated centralized forecasting systems. Participants determine the "weak links" in establishing end-to-end operational flash flood warning systems and how to fill these gaps. Additionally, the Workshop identifies steps that can be taken to promote proven science and technology to developing countries.
Workshop sponsors include NOAA-NWS, WMO, UNDESA, and USAID OFDA to date.
CONTACT
Phone: 301-713-0645 ext. 126
MEETING / EVENT
Tunisian Workshop on Hydrometeorological Data Collection and Forecasting 11-15 April 2005
BACKGROUND
Representatives from the National Weather Service presented a workshop in Tunisia in collaboration with the Tunisian National Institute of Meteorology (NIM) focusing on hydrometeorological data collection and forecasting.
NWS River Forecast System (NWSRFS), International Users Workshop 21-23 October 2003 Kansas City, MO, USA
BACKGROUND
Fourth annual meeting discussing implementation and applications of the NWS River Forecast System (NWSRFS).
CONTACT
DOCUMENTATION, SCHEDULES, MATERIALS
Agenda
NWSRFS Manual
MEETING / EVENT
Hydrologic Forecasting Course, co-sponsored by NWS and WMO 13 October - 7 November 2003 Kansas City, MO, USA
BACKGROUND
The NWS and WMO are sponsoring this course to assist countries with strengthening hydrologic forecasting capabilities and improve water resources management and flood mitigation.
CONTACT
DOCUMENTATION, SCHEDULES, MATERIALS
Agenda
Class Picture
Class List
International Hydrology Course CD 1
International Hydrology Course CD 2
MEETING / EVENT
Second WMO Conference on Women in Meteorology and Hydrology 24-27 March 2003 Geneva, Switzerland
BACKGROUND
The Second WMO Conference on Women in Meteorology and Hydrology was held at the Headquarters of the WMO Secretariat in Geneva from 24 to 27 March 2003. The main objectives of the Conference were: to review the current situation as regards the participation of women in meteorology and hydrology; to review progress since the WMO Bangkok Meeting on the Participation of Women in Meteorology and Hydrology in 1997.
CONTACT
DOCUMENTATION, SCHEDULES, MATERIALS
Final Report,
Women's Conference
Final Report,
Women's Conference - in spanish
Report on the Participation of Women in Meteorology and Hydrology
U.S. Delegation
WMO Women's Conference
Conference Photos - Slide Show
MEETING / EVENT
Emerging Issues and New Technologies Impacting National Meteorological & Hydrological Services 7 February 2003
BACKGROUND
This meeting preceded the American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting and addressed emerging issues and new technologies that impact National Meteorological and Hydrologic Services.
weather.gov 
