EUMETSAT activities in training forecasters for using satellite data and applications

<p>Recent surveys show that training in satellite meteorology in Europe is needed the most for: 1) better use of the existing and new products as well as being prepared for the future products from MTG and EPS-SG satellite data; 2)  forecasting and nowcasting of extreme and/or hazardous weather. These include the monitoring of convective environments and wider nowcasting applications and training on the operational use of integrated data sources, i.e. satellite data and other types of data and information. EUMETSAT, together with partners, is offering a wide range of training activities to answer these needs.  Target audience of the forecaster trainings are operational meteorologists (general, aviation and marine weather forecasters), trainers that train forecasters, users in different application areas, product and application developers, researchers, university teachers and students within EUMETSAT Member States, and even in wider Europe and Central Asia, as well as Africa, Middle East and Latin America.  </p> <p>In Europe, training takes place through regional networks: NOMEK, BALTIC+, SEEMET and DACH in coordination with EUMeTrain, including also partner organizations and consortia (e.g. NWC SAF). These trainings are focused on everyday challenges of the operational forecasters, with special emphasis on applications of satellite data and products. Severe Convective Storms Testbeds run by ESSL are hands-on courses where forecasters learn how to use satellite, radar and model data in real-time for forecasting convective development and associated threats. Testbeds for Aviation forecasters, run by FMI, cover the topics important for aviation, such as icing, turbulence etc., using satellite and other data in operational forecast environment. International Summer school of Remote Sensing is more focused on data processing and visualization, and it serves more experienced users with hands-on activities in satellite data discovery and utilization.</p> <p>In wider Europe as well as in Africa, Middle East and beyond the training takes place in cooperation with the VLab Centres of Excellence within the region, and is tailored to the regional needs. </p> <p>The paper will present the entire range of EUMETSAT training activities.</p>