Hydrological Services
Scope
One of WMO’s key purposes is to promote activities in operational hydrology and to facilitate close cooperation between hydrologists and meteorologists to jointly produce accurate hydrological services relevant for society.
WMO’s activities to support hydrological services are guided by the WMO Vision and Strategy for Hydrology. This envisions that the growing challenges related to hydrological extremes, water availability, water quality, and food security are addressed by the global community by 2030 by advancing operational hydrology, enhancing science, building infrastructure, developing capacity and strengthening hydrological services. The WMO Vision and Strategy for Hydrology includes eight long-term ambitions, which represent aspirational goals in support of the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and benefit society by addressing flood forecasting and drought prediction, informational and scientific aspects of hydrological services, water resources assessment, water quality and food security components. WMO hydrological services-related activities span from providing platforms for the experts to coordinate and collaborate; developing technical guidelines and manuals for standardization of practices and recommendations; providing capacity development in operational hydrology to Members; providing support for water resources monitoring, assessment and management flood and drought forecasting and modelling. These activities are led by the Standing Committee on Hydrological Services (SC-HYD).
Objectives
- Respond to the needs in operational hydrology expressed by the international hydrological community primarily through WMO Members;
- Help mitigate socio-economic impact from water-related hazards such as floods and droughts by strengthening WMO Members forecasting and warnings capacities;
- Enhance Members’ capabilities for water resources management and seasonal to sub-seasonal forecasting.
Structure
The SC-HYD, as a subsidiary body of SERCOM, is leading operational hydrology activities for hydrological services. The SC-HYD consists of international experts in hydrology and is implementing its work plan with support of the Hydrology, Water Resources, and Cryosphere branch of the WMO Secretariat.