19/5/2011 Cg-XVI, Doc. 3.1(4) World Meteorological Organization Working together in weather, climate and water WWW Programme Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme Doc.3.1(4) WMO/OBSwww.wmo.int WMO Bertrand Calpini President of CIMO Cg-XVI ( Geneva, 2011)

19/5/2011 Cg-XVI, Doc. 3.1(4) Revised Terms of Reference for CIMO (Draft Res /2) Background: Cg-XV requested to carry out pilot projects (PP) to test the concept of WIGOS. One of them being: « Elaborating the underpinning/cross-cutting role and responsibilities of the Instrument and Methods of Observation Programme » Carrying out this PP, CIMO consulted with all other Technical Commissions and other Pilot Projects Resulted in: Improved collaboration with other groups, such as JCOMM and GRUAN Proposal for revised Terms of Reference for CIMO (see Annex to Draft Resolution 3.1.4/2), responding not only to WIGOS, but to the five priority areas of CIMO and clarifying collaboration with partner organizations WMO

19/5/2011 Cg-XVI, Doc. 3.1(4) CIMO priorities for next financial period Traceability of observations to International System of Units (SI), critical for climate monitoring –Support/guidance to RICs and NMHSs calibration laboratories –Collaboration with BIPM Instrument reliability, compatibility, data quality will be improved through new instrument standards within the WIGOS framework: –Metadata standard, maintenance & site classification standards, standardized instrument performance –User-friendly access to standards –Guidance on new technologies and remote sensing observing systems –Regular update of CIMO Guide, using new Editorial Board, need for a Trust Fund –Collaboration with international standardization organizations, such as ISO and BIPM on the development of standards WMO

19/5/2011 Cg-XVI, Doc. 3.1(4) CIMO priorities for next financial period Conduct priority instrument intercomparisons as required by Members, mainly: Solid precipitation & snow depth –Assessment of instrument performances in various climatic environment (will be conducted on a number of sites ) –Inhomogeneity introduced by automation –Filling one of major gaps in observing practices that is relevant to wide range of user and sectors (Weather, Climate, Hydrology, Cryosphere, …) Weather Radar algorithms –Assessment of weather radar data quality for the improved QPE –Compatibility of radar output products –Relevant to NWP, SWFW, climate studies, disaster risk mitigation, … WMO

19/5/2011 Cg-XVI, Doc. 3.1(4) CIMO priorities for next financial period Collaboration with CIMO Testbeds and Lead Centres to: –Develop guidance on quality of observations and interoperability of observing systems –Develop guidance on the use and implementation of ground-based remote sensing observing systems –Assess their outcomes and performance Capacity building through: –Guidance to Members and regular update of CIMO guide as the main source of information for network managers –Technical Conferences (usually participants) providing latest developments and expertise with instruments/observing systems and needed interaction with private instrument sector –Dedicated training workshops to fill gaps, especially tuned for developing and least-developed countries WMO

19/5/2011 Cg-XVI, Doc. 3.1(4) International Cloud Atlas (WMO-No. 407) New information of interest, not presently mentioned in document: Background: Available in hardcopy only Last updated in 1975 (Vol. I, Annex to WMO Tech. Regs.), and 1987 (Vol. II, Plates) Originally developed by the WMO Commission for Synoptic Meteorology (that was later replaced by CBS) At present, no Technical Commission/Expert Team is dealing with this document and no funds are available for its update CIMO-Management Group (April 2011) was of opinion that: Revised electronically available version of International Cloud Atlas would be very valuable to Members Willing to investigate work needed to revise this document, in collaboration with other interested groups Complete project likely to last over a number of years and to require significant resources (both human and financial) that would need to be identified WMO