WMO Manuals and Guides
WMO Manuals and Guides



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Aerodrome reports and forecasts (WMO-No. 782) : A Users’ Handbook to the Codes
This booklet is a simple guide to the aeronautical meteorological codes, METAR, SPECI and TAF, applicable on 4 November 2021, updated as a result of the alignment of the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), Volume II – Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation, Parts I and II, with Amendment 80 to Annex 3 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. It is aimed at a wide range of users such as pilots, flight dispatchers, air traffic control staff and meteorological observers at smaller aerodromes where sophisticated automated instruments are not available. Although the reade ...
Published by: WMO ; 2022 (2022 edition)
This booklet is a simple guide to the aeronautical meteorological codes, METAR, SPECI and TAF, applicable on 4 November 2021, updated as a result of the alignment of the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), Volume II – Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation, Parts I and II, with Amendment 80 to Annex 3 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. It is aimed at a wide range of users such as pilots, flight dispatchers, air traffic control staff and meteorological observers at smaller aerodromes where sophisticated automated instruments are not available. Although the readers of this handbook may not be professional meteorologists, it is assumed that they have some formal meteorological training.
Collection(s) and Series: WMO- No. 782
Language(s): English; Other Languages: French, Russian, Spanish
Format: Digital (Free)ISBN (or other code): 978-92-63-10782-4
Archives access: 2008-[...]Tags: Aeronautical meteorology ; Guidelines ; Aeronautical Meteorological Forecaster ; Aeronautical Meteorological Observer ; Technical Publications
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TCP, 23. Typhoon Committee Operational Manual (WMO/TD-No. 196), TCP-23 : Meteorological Component
The Operational Manual consists of the text and the appendices. Items included in the text relate to the Typhoon Committee agreement, in particular, basic information for executing meteorological operation, whilst the appendices contain national practices and procedures (it is felt that the Member concerned should have the right to be able to change without having to get prior formal agreement of the Typhoon Committee) together with detailed and technical information for meteorological operation. Information described in WMO official publications such as Manuals is only referred to and not i ...
Published by: WMO ; 2022 (2022 edition)
The Operational Manual consists of the text and the appendices. Items included in the text relate to the Typhoon Committee agreement, in particular, basic information for executing meteorological operation, whilst the appendices contain national practices and procedures (it is felt that the Member concerned should have the right to be able to change without having to get prior formal agreement of the Typhoon Committee) together with detailed and technical information for meteorological operation. Information described in WMO official publications such as Manuals is only referred to and not included in this Manual.
Collection(s) and Series: WMO/TD- No. 196; TCP- No. 23
Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Free) (ill., charts, maps)
Archives access: 1992-[...]Tags: Tropical cyclone ; Capacity development ; Natural hazards ; Weather forecasting ; Manual ; Tropical Cyclone Programme (TCP)
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Manual on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WMO-No. 1160) : Annex VIII to the WMO Technical Regulations
This is the first edition of the Manual on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WMO-No. 1160), developed following the decision of the Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress to proceed with the implementation of that System (WIGOS). It was approved by the Seventeenth World Meteorological Congress.
The Manual was developed by the Executive Council through its Inter-Commission Coordination Group on WIGOS, specifically its Task Team on WIGOS Regulatory Material. It is the result of a collaborative approach involving all interested technical commissions under the leadership of the C ...
Manual on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WMO-No. 1160): Annex VIII to the WMO Technical Regulations
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Published by: WMO ; 2021 (2021 edition)
This is the first edition of the Manual on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WMO-No. 1160), developed following the decision of the Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress to proceed with the implementation of that System (WIGOS). It was approved by the Seventeenth World Meteorological Congress.
The Manual was developed by the Executive Council through its Inter-Commission Coordination Group on WIGOS, specifically its Task Team on WIGOS Regulatory Material. It is the result of a collaborative approach involving all interested technical commissions under the leadership of the Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) and the Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation (CIMO).
The Manual is designed: (a) To specify the obligations of Members in the implementation and operation of WIGOS; (b) To facilitate cooperation in observations between Members; (c) To ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the practices and procedures employed in achieving (a) and (b) above.Collection(s) and Series: WMO- No. 1160
Language(s): English; Other Languages: French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese
Format: Digital (Free)ISBN (or other code): 978-92-63-11160-9
Tags: Observations ; Meteorological instrument ; Hydrometeorological instrument ; Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) ; Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS) ; WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) ; Manual ; OBS - Personnel installing and maintaining instrumentation ; OBS - Personnel managing observing programmes and networks ; OBS - Personnel performing instrument calibrations ; OBS - Personnel performing meteorological observations ; Technical Publications
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Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting
This publication is the outcome of the revision, expansion, and up-dating of the 1998 Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting. It is designed to enhance the provision of up-to-date information and guidance material on all aspects of the ocean-related activities of National Meteorological Services.
This 2018 (3rd edition) represents the latest updates, taking into account the dramatic improvements in wave modelling and observational capability over the last two decades. It also contains a web-based Dynamic part, describing operational wave models, also available on the WMO website ...
Published by: WMO ; 2020 (2018 edition)
This publication is the outcome of the revision, expansion, and up-dating of the 1998 Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting. It is designed to enhance the provision of up-to-date information and guidance material on all aspects of the ocean-related activities of National Meteorological Services.
This 2018 (3rd edition) represents the latest updates, taking into account the dramatic improvements in wave modelling and observational capability over the last two decades. It also contains a web-based Dynamic part, describing operational wave models, also available on the WMO website at https://community.wmo.int/activity-areas/Marine/Pubs/WMO702DynamicPart
The former JCOMM Expert Team on Waves and Coastal Hazards led the revision.Collection(s) and Series: WMO- No. 702
Language(s): English; Other Languages: French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese
Format: Digital (Free), Hard copy (ill., charts, maps)ISBN (or other code): 978-92-63-10702-2
Archives access: 1988-[...]Purchase at: http://www.wmo.int/e-catalog/detail_en.php?PUB_ID=240
Tags: Observations ; Wave ; Marine meteorology ; Measure ; Hydrometeorological instrument ; Guide
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Guide to WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1061)
In conjunction with the Manual on the WMO Information System (Manual on WIS) (WMO-No. 1060), the Guide to the WMO Information System (Guide to WIS) is designed to ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the data, information and communication practices, procedures and specifications employed among WMO Members in the operation of the WMO Information System (WIS) as it supports the mission of WMO. The Manual on WIS, Annex VII to the WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), contains standard and recommended practices, procedures and specifications. The Guide to WIS contains additional in ...
Published by: WMO ; 2019 (Updated in 2021)
In conjunction with the Manual on the WMO Information System (Manual on WIS) (WMO-No. 1060), the Guide to the WMO Information System (Guide to WIS) is designed to ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the data, information and communication practices, procedures and specifications employed among WMO Members in the operation of the WMO Information System (WIS) as it supports the mission of WMO. The Manual on WIS, Annex VII to the WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), contains standard and recommended practices, procedures and specifications. The Guide to WIS contains additional information concerning practices, procedures and specifications which Members are invited to follow or implement in establishing and conducting their arrangements in compliance with the WMO Technical Regulations and in developing meteorological and hydrological services.
Collection(s) and Series: WMO- No. 1061
Language(s): English; Other Languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish
Format: Digital (Free)ISBN (or other code): 978-92-63-11061-9
Archives access: 2013-[...]Tags: Information management ; Guide ; WMO Information System (WIS) ; CBS OPAG ISS
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Manual on Codes - International Codes, Volume I.2, Annex II to the WMO Technical Regulations : Part B – Binary Codes, Part C – Common Features to Binary and Alphanumeric Codes
Volume I contains WMO international codes for meteorological data and other geophysical data relating to meteorology. The relevant regulations are given for each code form.
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Manual on Codes - International Codes, Volume I.3 - Annex II to the WMO Technical Regulations : Part D – Representations derived from data models
Part D – Representations derived from data models consists of the specification of the list of standard representations derived from data models, including those using extensible markup language (XML), with their specifications and associated code tables. This is the first edition of Volume I.3 of the Manual on Codes and introduces the use of XML.
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Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (WMO-No. 485): Annex IV to the WMO Technical Regulations
This manual is designed to facilitate cooperation in data-processing and forecasting among Members; to specify obligations of Members in the implementation of the World Weather Watch (WWW) Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS); and to ensure adequate uniformity and standardization in the practices and procedures employed in achieving these.
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Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060) : Annex VII to the WMO Technical Regulations
The Manual on the WMO Information System (WMO-No. 1060) is designed to ensure adequate uniformity and standardization of data, information and communications practices, procedures and specifications employed among World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Members in the operation of the WMO Information System (WIS) as it supports the mission of the Organization.
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Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8)
The first edition of this guide was published in 1950.
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Guide to Climatological Practices
This publication is designed to provide Members of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) with guidance and assistance in developing national activities linked to climate information and services.
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Guide to marine meteorological services
Internationally agreed methods of providing services to the marine community around the world are described in the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558), Volume I. The purpose of this Guide is to complement the Manual by:
(a) Describing the requirements for the various types of service;
(b) Explaining the rationale for the agreed methods of providing services;
(c) Giving guidance on how to set up and maintain marine meteorological services.
It follows the same structure as the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services.
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Technical Guidelines for Regional WIGOS Centres on the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System
This publication is an Annex to Chapter 9 of the Guide to the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WMO, 2018). It provides detailed technical guidance for Regional WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) Centres (RWCs) to run the operational activities related to the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System (WDQMS), specifically for the surface stations of the Global Observing System (GOS) located on land (on the territories of WMO Regional Association (RA) Members). These guidelines describe the three main functions of WDQMS (monitoring, evaluation and incident management), as well as t ...
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Guide to the Direct Broadcast Network for Near-real-time Relay of Low Earth Orbit Satellite Data
The purpose of this Guide is to define the minimum technical specifications and procedures applicable to the Direct Broadcast Network for Near-real-time Relay of Low Earth Orbit Satellite Data (DBNet) and to provide guidance for implementing these specifications and procedures.
In the present Guide, the term “shall” is used when referring to the technical specifications and procedures that have to be applied for DBNet to work properly, and the term “should” when referring to those that would enhance the proper functioning of DBNet. The DBNet technical specifications are applica ...
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Guide to the Implementation of Quality Management Systems for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and Other Relevant Service Providers
The objective of this publication is to provide guidance to WMO Members on how to develop and implement a quality management system (QMS). The Guide details the steps required to obtain certification of compliance with the ISO standard ISO 9001:2015, Quality Management System – Requirements (ISO, 2015c)It also provides the steps for transition from ISO standard ISO 9001:2008 (ISO, 2008) to standard ISO 9001:2015 (ISO, 2015c). It is especially focused on WMO Member National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). However, it could be successfully utilized by other service providers, ...
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Guide to the Management and Operation of WMO Regional Training Centres and Other Training Institutions
This publication responds to the recommendations made in the review of the future roles and operation of RTCs, which was carried out by the Executive Council Panel of Experts on Education and Training from 2012 to 2014. The review and recommendations were approved by the WMO Executive Council at its sixty-sixth session in 2014. The review underlined the importance and usefulness of the RTCs to WMO Members. However, it also noted that, for Members to get even more value from such centres, the criteria for designation and reconfirmation of RTCs needed to be improved and that Directors of RTCs wo ...
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International Cloud Atlas: Manual on the Observation of Clouds and Other Meteors
This Atlas describes the classification system for clouds and meteorological phenomena used by all WMO Members. The classifications also describe meteorological meteors other than clouds – hydrometeors, lithometeors, photometeors, and electrometeors.
The Atlas provides a common language to communicate cloud observations, and ensures consistency in reporting by observers around the world. It serves as a training tool for meteorologists, as well as for those working in aeronautical and maritime environments, and it has become popular with weather enthusiasts and cloud spotters.
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Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) with global coverage
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); United States Agency for International Development (USAID); et al. - WMO, 2016Flash Flood Guidance System with global coverage (Res 21, Cg-XV) enhances early warning capabilities of the NMHSs, currently covers fifty two (52) countries and more than two billion people around the world saving lives and decreasing economic losses.
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Handbook of Drought Indicators and Indices
The purpose of this handbook is to cover some of the most commonly used drought indicators/indices that are being applied across drought-prone regions, with the goal of advancing monitoring, early warning and information delivery systems in support of risk-based drought management policies and preparedness plans. These concepts and indicators/indices are outlined below in what is considered to be a living document that will evolve and integrate new indicators and indices as they come to light and are applied in the future. The handbook is aimed at those who want to generate indicators and indi ...
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Flood Management Tool Series, Technical Document, 21. Effectiveness of flood management measures
It is not enough to assert—to an elected official, a regulator, a donor organization or the taxpayer—that one’s organization is doing an effective job of flood management. One also has to be able to provide a credible answer to the question: “How do you know?” 2 There is a multiplicity of flood management activities that can be pursued by a plethora of government jurisdictions, government agencies, NGOs, private and volunteer groups— independently, in cooperation, in competition. These activities may include: constructing flood prevention infrastructure; rebuilding houses, buildings and infras ...
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Guide to the Implementation of Education and Training Standards in Meteorology and Hydrology, volume I – Meteorology
The purpose of this publication is to facilitate a common understanding of the basic qualifications required of individuals who are to be recognized either as Meteorologists or as Meteorological Technicians, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), while assisting National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in establishing their respective personnel classification systems and training programmes to satisfactorily meet international standards.
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Guide to Participation in Radio-frequency Coordination
This Guide provides the general description of the main ITU processes related to radio-frequency coordination, regional structure and regulatory framework that govern the use of the radio-frequency spectrum globally2 and guide the national management of the radiofrequency spectrum as well as management of satellite orbits. More detailed information on which frequencies are important to meteorology and related activities is available in the joint WMO/ITU publication entitled Use of Radio Spectrum for Meteorology: Weather, Water and Climate Monitoring and Prediction
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