National early warnings services

Early warning is a major element of disaster risk reduction. It prevents loss of life and reduces the economic and material impact of disasters. Effective early warning systems need a people-centred approach tailored to local conditions and involving a wide range of stakeholders.

This is detailed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (paragraph 33b).

As the UK’s national weather service, we understand the importance of a national authoritative voice for DRR. Our experience in developing early warning services in the UK (including the development of the Natural Hazards Partnership & Flood Forecasting Centre) enables us to support other national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHSs) in developing early warning services which are trusted, listened to and acted upon. Read our datasheet for more information.

The following case studies also provide examples of our work with NMHSs to develop early warning services.

Improving resilience to severe weather and climate change in the Philippines

WISER Multi-hazard early warning service Tanzania