WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY

"Powering our future with weather, climate and water"

In 1960, it was decided by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) that 23 March should be celebrated as World Meteorological Day because, on this day in 1950, the World Meteorological Convention was held. The day is celebrated by focusing on an annual theme that is of current interest and is related to weather, climate and water issues. The purpose of the day is to bring attention to the important role that meteorology and meteorological services play in the general welfare of humankind. Climatological data can assist when planning for building constructions, agriculture, forestry and can forecast weather that may have devastating effects and cost the country millions of rand each year. People have altered atmospheric conditions through agricultural and industrial developments. The burning of wood and fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, increase carbon dioxide levels which contribute to global warming and hence enhance the greenhouse effect. The acidity of rain and river water is altered by sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides which pass through the atmosphere and cause changes in the soil chemistry. This, in turn, affects plant and animal life. We are reminded of our dependency on water, air and weather patterns and for the need to consider the environmental impact we have on these natural resources.