Go With the Weather! Weather Mobile Applications Awarded.
Weather applications have made it possible to access and utilize weather information in daily activities, now more than ever. Mobile weather applications have become the most widespread way for the public to access and utilize weather information.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recognized and awarded the ever-improving mobile-based applications for weather and climate information during the WMO International Weather Apps Awards (WIWAA) on 15th December 2020 for the very first time as part of their 70th anniversary celebrations. The awards provided an opportunity to ensure continuous knowledge sharing and innovation while recognizing high standard best practices for weather apps to build the momentum and stimulate innovation in weather and climate service delivery.
The aim of these awards was to ensure that partnerships between the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, private sector, academia and other civil society organizations including weather enthusiasts was encouraged and maintained. This would ensure continuous improvement, accessibility and utilization of mobile weather applications and to accelerate technology that makes science understandable while providing a good user experience including the flexibility of customization and personalization of the apps.
Entries from developing countries were particularly applauded as they have resource constraints and less access to vital weather and climate information but were still able to put their best foot forward in the competition. More and more people, particularly those from developing countries now own a smart phone and are hence able to access and utilize the weather information presented to them in the mobile applications. Majority of farmers in developing countries still rely on rain-fed, open field agriculture, hence weather and climate information remains very paramount in their lives.
Weather apps can be vital decision-making tools in critical situations, hence app development is a crucial link in the weather and climate service delivery chain. The ease of use and accessibility to weather information in these apps determine how this information will be utilized by the end user to make vital decisions.