Video and webinar series: “The basics of forecasting for anticipatory action" - Part one: Introduction to forecasting
Date & Time
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 1:30 PM GMT+2 - 3:00 PM GMT+2Location
Teams webinar
Category
Webinar
Description
Part one of the webinar series the basics of forecasting for anticipatory action
In an increasingly unpredictable climate, the ability to interpret and apply forecasting information is critical for effective disaster preparedness. Many practitioners, particularly those new to anticipatory action, struggle to navigate the complexities of weather and climate forecasts. This webinar series is designed to bridge that knowledge gap by providing a foundational understanding of forecasting principles, impact-based forecasting approaches, and key considerations for decision-making. By equipping beginners with practical insights and real-world examples, this series aims to enhance their ability to use forecasts effectively, ask the right questions, and take timely anticipatory action to mitigate risks and save lives.
The series will start from 16 May and run through 18 June with two different formats:
- Forecasting Fridays: 16 May to 13 June, weekly release of one 7–10-minute forecasting video
- Webinars Wednesdays: 21 May to 18 June 2025, 1:30 – 3:00PM GMT+02:00
| No | Topic | Forecasting Friday video release | Webinar Wednesday 13:30 – 15:00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to forecasting | 16 May | 21 May |
| 2 | Flood | 23 May | 28 May |
| 3 | Cyclone / typhoon / hurricane / tropical storm | 30 May | 04 June |
| 4 | Cold wave and heat wave | 06 June | 11 June |
| 5 | Non-weather hazards & where potential for anticipatory action is being explored, plus local/indigenous forecasts | 13 Juni | 18 June |
Target audience
Any individuals who are new to forecasting concepts or who need a stronger foundation in using forecasts for decision-making.
What do we want to achieve?
For anticipatory action practitioners new to the topic, or new to forecasting for a specific hazard, to:
- have a basic understanding of the steps required to build a forecast for anticipatory action
- know how to ask the right questions to forecasters to be able to plan around uncertainty and lead times
- know where to find resources and technical support.
What do we want to share with you?
- Pre-recorded introductory videos
Five 7-10-minute videos focusing on different topics and hazards will be delivered on Fridays in May and June with references to accompanying learning materials on each topic including pre-learning on the basics of anticipatory action and other key resources such as the 2024 Anticipation Hub Drought Learning Series.
- Interactive webinar
The Wednesday of the following week, a 1-hour webinar will be held to further explore the topic of each video with an optional 30 minutes for discussion. Each week a country case study with a recent activation will showcase the work of practitioners and forecasters who will tell us about their experiences, what they wish they had known and top tips for newcomers.
Speakers:
Dr. Erin Coughlan de Perez, Senior Technical Advisor of Climate Centre, Research Director and Dignitas Professor at Tufts University, United States and a lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report.
Prof. Liz Stephens, Science Lead of Climate Centre, leading the scientific work in the Anticipatory Action space and a professor of climate risks and resilience at the University of Reading, United Kingdom
Dr. Kiswendsida Guigma, Technical Advisor of Climate Centre and is affiliated to University of Sussex, United Kingdom