Weather & Society Conference 2026

Whole of Society Approaches for Weather-Ready Communities

February 22–25, 2026

Online Event

View program

About the conference

Extreme hydrometeorological events affect society, economies and the environment as never before in human history. Government agencies, science and decision makers face an unprecedented extreme event management challenge to reduce risks to citizens.

The World Weather Research Programme and the SERA Working Group host the 3rd "Weather and Society" Conference. The event brings together leading researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to explore the critical intersection of meteorological science and societal applications.

550+

Global Participants

45+

Expert Speakers

Countries

Session 1 - Communication - February 22nd
What makes the communication of Early Warning Systems successful?
Conveners: Gilbert Siame (U. of Zambia), Filip Bukowksi (Trinity College Dublin), Isadora Jiménez (Lobelia Earth)
- Opening session
  The conference will open with a welcome address by Isadora Jiménez, Co-chair of the WWRP Working Group on Societal and Economic Research Applications (SERA). This will be followed by opening remarks from Dr Véronique Bouchet, Director of the Department of Science, Services and Capacity Development at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Dr Estelle de Coning, Chief of the Weather and Societal Impact Research Section, will then deliver a talk, setting the scene for the discussions ahead. The opening session will conclude with a keynote address by Irasema Alcántara-Ayala, Co-Chair of the WWRP PEOPLE Project.
  19:00 - 19:30 UTC
- Oral presentations
  The oral presentations will be announced upon completion of the abstract acceptance period.
  19:30 - 23:00 UTC
Session 2 - Transdiciplinarity - February 23rd
Transdisciplinary Science to Enhance Weather Services
Conveners: Conveners: Don Nelson (U. of Georgia), Julio Postigo (Indiana University), Katie Foster (U. of Georgia), Monika Giri (U. of Georgia).
- Invited talk
  To be confirmed
  19:00 - 19:30 UTC
- Oral presentations
  The oral presentations will be announced upon completion of the abstract acceptance period.
  19:30 - 23:00 UTC
Session 3 - Collecting User Insights - February 24th
How do surveys provide applicable insights to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services?
Conveners: Conveners: Carla Mooney (Bureau of Meteorology) and Machiel Lamers (Wageningen University & Research)
- Invited talk
  To be confirmed
  07:00 - 07:30 UTC
- Oral presentations
  The oral presentations will be announced upon completion of the abstract acceptance period.
  07:30 - 11:00 UTC
Session 4 - Inclusion - February 25th
Gender, youth, social inclusion
Conveners: Conveners: Everisto Mapedza (IWMI-South Africa and Valentina Rabanal (YESS Community)
- Invited talk
  To be confirmed
  07:00 - 07:30 UTC
- Oral presentations
  The oral presentations will be announced upon completion of the abstract acceptance period.
  07:30 - 11:00 UTC
Session 5 - Artificial Intelligence - February 25th
The roles of AI in forecast and warning services and in user responses
Conveners: Conveners: Jelmer Jeuring (MET Norway), Julie Demuth (NSF NCAR)
- Invited talk
  To be confirmed
  19:00 - 19:30 UTC
- Oral presentations
  The oral presentations will be announced upon completion of the abstract acceptance period.
  19:30 - 22:00 UTC
- Conference closing
  Discussion panel and conference closing.
  22:00 - 23:00 UTC