Rivera, A. (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, Madrid, Spain)
The protection of lives and goods is a basic responsibility of any Meteorological Service. This task is critical and urgent in the mediterranean countries due to the violence of the severe weather that is frequently linked to small and short lived mesoscale systems. These particularities create serious problems to the operational forecasting activities. Although in a general frame, the forecast of the synoptical environment in which these phenomena could develop has clearly improved, it remains very difficult and sometimes impossible to establish with the precision that users require, when and where a certain adverse phenomenon is going to appear. On the other hand it is also not adequately resolved the appropriate transmission and understanding of these information to the affected people and to authorities. The solution of the problem is complex and should contemplate actions at least in the following aspects:
a) Improvement in the observation network of this geographical area and development of procedures for the coordinated and exhaustive use of the existent data.
b) Development of useful conceptual models for the operational forecasting and nowcasting techniques adapted to the mediterranean phenomena and very especially to the heavy precipitations.
c) Reinforcement of the modellization activities oriented to the problems related with these phenomena and development of interactive tools between forecasters and the operational models.
d) Increase and improvement of the training activities for operational forecasters and establishment of internal and external debate forums.
e) In-depth revision of the coordination and information systems with the Civil Protection authorities.
f) Better contact with the affected people by the adaptation of the forecasts and warnings formats and an adequate media diffusion. Also, people educational activities in order to achieve an appropriate understanding.
It appears interesting to think that the referred activities should develop in the frame of a wide cooperative action between all the affected mediterranean countries in order to reach a good synergy and a work rationality in the operational activities. In any case it is obvious that a scrupulous respect to the national responsibilities of each Meteorological Service must be contemplated.