A vision for improving global flood forecasting

Abstract

Global hydrological forecasts are now produced operationally on a daily basis. However, the lack of global river discharge observations precludes routine flood forecast evaluation, an essential step in providing more skilful and reliable forecasts. A vision is expounded for greater and more timely exchange of global river discharge observations, which would result in improved flood awareness and socioeconomic benefits in some of the World’s most vulnerable countries.

Keywords

• global flood forecasting
• WMO hydrological observing system
• river discharge observations