Weather intelligence – transforming economies

Abstract. Human endeavours are becoming ever more sensitive to the weather in a changing climate. Accurate and timely forecasts and warnings of weather and its impacts provide valuable intelligence to take actions and to avoid harm. Furthermore, weather intelligence increases economic productivity enabling businesses and other enterprises make more efficient decisions. The quality and richness of weather intelligence is increasing substantially because of scientific and technological advances in areas such as remote sensing, modelling and simulation, data science, behavioural science and artificial intelligence. These advances are happening alongside the digital transformation of economies and societies, presenting a unique opportunity to integrate weather intelligence with the digital transformation. Realising the full value of weather intelligence in this context needs diverse data resources to be brought together and it requires collaboration among private, public and academic sector actors in the global weather enterprise including National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). Here we examine how the opportunities arising from innovative science and technology and the digital transformation of economies can be exploited to enhance decision-making for societal benefit. Whilst these general considerations apply to many countries and regions, here we discuss their application within South Asia.