CEGA-DIL Funded Air Pollution Monitors Among Winners of WMO Weather Apps Awards

The World Meteorological Organization has announced the winners of a new Weather Apps Awards competition and its annual Calendar competition at a ceremony highlighting the cutting edge of science and technology and the power and beauty of nature.

The Weather Apps Awards Competition recognizes excellence in ever-improving mobile-based applications, which have become the most widespread way for the public to access and use weather information.

Hundreds of weather apps are now available, with global, regional or local coverage. They are developed by both the private sector and public agencies like National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS). The majority of the apps are for general weather information, but there are also specialized ones for specific uses such as sports, agriculture, tourism etc.

“Weather apps do more than just tell users what is set to happen – they can be vital decision-making tools in critical situations. This means that app development is a crucial link in the weather and climate service delivery chain. However, the huge variety of functionality, quality and usefulness of these mobile apps presents challenges to both users and information providers,” said Gerald Fleming, chair of the WMO jury. “Public trust and public safety are at stake.”