EMS2025 Communication events: A young scientist’s view
The communication in meteorology is essential – I doubt many would disagree with this statement – yet it still receives a smaller share of attention compared to other subdisciplines of weather science. No matter how advanced our models become, how deeply we understand atmospheric dynamics, or how accurately we predict weather across timescales, without effective dissemination of that information, the impact of our work remains limited.
During this year’s EMS Annual Meeting (2025) in Ljubljana, we had the opportunity to engage in broader discussions spanning meteorology, climate, wellbeing, society, and communication. Notably, three events stood out:
- Workshop on Communications for National Weather Services, co-organized by WMO, ECMWF, EUMETSAT, and the MetComms group.
- Weather and Well-Being: Communicating Biometeorological Knowledge for Public Health.
- Media and Communications Session.
Traditionally, I would interact with research papers from previous years that emphasized the need to transition toward more salient ways of communicating weather information to the public and stakeholders. This year, however, the discussion felt more mature. We explored not only how to improve practice but also its purpose, effectiveness, and the obstacles encountered along the way. Topics included the feasibility of impact-based forecasting, measuring success, and tailoring information for diverse audiences.
Mis-, mal-, and dis-information remain persistent challenges, affecting meteorology as they do other disciplines. Strengthening integrity, maintaining a single-voice approach, and ensuring transparency are daily priorities for communication practitioners. Our goal is to increase the impact and usefulness of our products and services, while considering how well they are understood by the public.
Visual communication and informational clarity continue to dominate scientific considerations. While many European services have established methods for presenting weather data, discussions around improvement are more relevant than ever. In a fast-paced world of social media, branding, trust, and the ability to stand out are essential for wide-reaching communication. Without actionable, engaging visuals and clear messaging, the public is unlikely to prepare or take necessary action.
The sessions I attended brought together experts from meteorological organizations, research institutions, and communication teams to examine both scientific advancements and the evolving role of communication. Morning presentations focused on technical progress and best practices, including approaches to climate data visualization, strategies for linking weather and climate narratives in media, and updates on satellite observation capabilities. Discussions also highlighted the role of meteorological societies in strengthening outreach and training, as well as progress toward global early warning coverage and the importance of last-mile communication.
The afternoon shifted toward communication-specific challenges. The launch of the Meteorological Communicators Network (MetComms) marked a significant step toward fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange on forecast uncertainty, warning strategies, and public engagement. Sessions addressed maintaining trust in warning systems, combating misinformation through evidence-based messaging and proactive strategies, and tailoring communication for diverse audiences. Participants expressed strong interest in developing shared resources, training programs, and communication assets to improve clarity and impact. These discussions reinforced the notion that effective communication is not ancillary but integral to the success of meteorological services.
A good example for this is the MeteoSwiss Beta App, through which the Swiss national meteorological service collaborates with engaged users to test new ways of providing weather information and warnings. It allowed for much more in depth feedback gathering and implementation that is aligned with the public needs, rather than top-down deployment. (find out more about the MeteoSwiss Plus Community here). Similarly, at the Met Institute Norway, there was a long-term process of feedback-driven development of the new Sub-seasonal forecast product and its communication to the farmers. With the use of focus group testing and serious games scenario, they were able to identify shortfalls in communication/understanding, and align the visualization to best suit the needs.
The Weather and Well-Being side event provided an important perspective on biometeorology and its implications for public health and communication. Discussions centered on heat stress, measurement methodologies, and human physiological responses, with additional attention to psychometeorological aspects. Presentations emphasized the need for clear communication and education on meteo-environmental challenges, including how historical climate records are compiled and interpreted. Initiatives such as Segnali dal Clima FVG illustrated how climate science can be disseminated through accessible platforms to reach broader audiences. The session also highlighted links between biometeorology and dermatological health, including skin cancer risks associated with environmental conditions.
A recurring theme was the complexity of ensuring user comprehension and motivating action. Jeremy Wilks’ contribution on climate messaging underscored the importance of crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining scientific integrity. The discussions reinforced that effective communication in this domain requires a dual approach: presenting expert-level information with precision while translating it into engaging, understandable formats for the public. This balance is critical for fostering awareness and behavioral change in response to environmental and health-related risks.
There is an obvious and steady evolution in how communication in meteorology is organized, managed, and understood by professionals. We can no longer afford to focus solely on scientific information or technical accounts of the weather—they do not resonate and do not elicit action. Meteo communicators understand this. Now the challenge lies in revolutionizing our technical platforms, convincing stakeholders and the public, and encouraging forecasters to invest in communication as a core component of their work.
To sustain this momentum, I encourage professionals and early-career scientists alike to actively engage in communication-focused initiatives throughout the year. Opportunities include participating in dedicated workshops, joining sessions at upcoming conferences, and becoming part of the Meteorological Communicators Network (MetComms). These platforms are designed to share best practices, foster collaboration, and co-create strategies that make our science more accessible and impactful. By contributing your expertise and perspectives, you help strengthen the collective voice of meteorology and ensure that our messages resonate where they matter most. I would also warmly invite you to join us at the EMS Annual Meeting 2026 and take part in the communication-focused sessions, as well as the online webinars organized by EMS throughout the year.
Information is only as good as the use people make of it.
For EMS, Filip Assumpção-Bukowski
(MetEireann, MetComms)
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