The South Asia Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) has just released a spatial forecast that reveals significant variations in rainfall patterns across India. This timely and crucial information comes as part of the annual services provided by SASCOF, which is conducted under the aegis of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and has been operational since 2010.
What is South Asia Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF)?
SASCOF is an assembly of meteorologists and hydrological experts from South Asian countries encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and Myanmar. These countries jointly work to issue regional forecasts. The team releases forecasts for the Southwest and Northeast monsoon seasons annually.
Traditionally, these experts engage in a collaborative meeting before they prepare the forecast. However, the 2020 meeting was cancelled following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even amid these challenging times, SASCOF continues its valuable work, providing necessary predictions relating to weather conditions and climate changes across the whole region of South Asia.
The Connection with World Meteorological Organization
SASCOF operates under the supervision and support of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO is an intergovernmental organization, and it is marked by its broad membership of 193 Member States and Territories. Among these global participants, India holds a prominent position as a member state. The WMO was established following the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23 March 1950.
Subsequently, the WMO rose to prominence as the specialized agency of the United Nations focusing on meteorology, which covers weather and climate, operational hydrology, as well as related geophysical sciences. Ever since its inception, the WMO has been contributing immensely to monitor and predict changes in the Earth’s weather and climate. The headquarters of this significant global organization is situated in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Importance of Predicting Monsoon Patterns
The predictions made by SASCOF and WMO hold immense economic and social importance for the countries in South Asia, especially India, where agriculture and therefore millions of livelihoods are dependent on monsoon rains. Any shift in the regular pattern of the monsoons can lead to either drought or floods – both of which have devastating effects on the economy and human lives.
These predications are not just limited to rainfall. They enable farmers to plan their cropping patterns efficiently, aid governments in managing water resources optimally and assist disaster management teams in their planning and preparedness activities. Therefore, initiatives like SASCOF and global organizations like WMO play a crucial role in leveraging meteorology for human safety, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Addressing Future Challenges
While SASCOF’s efforts in predicting seasonal variations are commendable, now more than ever, there is a need for improvements in technology and methods used for prediction. With climate change being a global concern, unpredictable changes in weather patterns are becoming more frequent.
Initiatives like SASCOF will need to work closely with member countries and global partners to incorporate more sophisticated prediction models that consider various factors contributing to climate change. This will ensure that the region is better prepared to face any adverse situation that may arise due to unexpected changes in weather and climate.
This facts-based article has shed light on the work of SASCOF and its relationship with WMO, emphasizing their efforts towards predicting and managing weather conditions and climate change for the greater benefit of the diverse South Asian region.