World Meteorological Day2026 · Date · History · Messages · Quotes
WMO/EC-XII/Res.6
About World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day is observed on 23 March to commemorate the date in 1950 when the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization came into force.
The day highlights the work of national meteorological and hydrological services and the international observing and data-sharing systems that support weather forecasts, climate services, water information and early warnings.
Why World Meteorological Day matters
Weather and water information depends on coordinated observations from many countries and many kinds of instruments. The observance makes that shared infrastructure more visible and connects forecasting with public safety, transport, agriculture and everyday planning.
For the public, the day is an opportunity to learn where official forecasts and warnings come from and why local emergency instructions should take priority over generalized weather content.
History of World Meteorological Day
The Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization entered into force on 23 March 1950.
World Meteorological Day is held each 23 March to commemorate that institutional milestone and to highlight weather-, climate- and water-related issues.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
World Meteorological Organization Executive Committee
WMO Resolution 6 (EC-XII) — Annual World Meteorological Day
First documented observance
WMO historical material records the first annual World Meteorological Day on 23 March 1961.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
WMO maintains the annual World Meteorological Day programme around the anniversary of its Convention entering into force.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe World Meteorological Day
Identify the official meteorological service for your country and learn how it publishes forecasts and severe-weather warnings.
Explore how a local weather station, radar, satellite or river gauge contributes to observations.
Review a household or workplace emergency plan for weather hazards that are relevant in your area.
Compare a forecast with the observations that follow and discuss why forecasts express uncertainty.
Use WMO or national-service educational material for a classroom activity on clouds, rainfall, temperature, climate or water.
World Meteorological Day Facts
World Meteorological Day is observed on 23 March.
The date commemorates the WMO Convention entering into force on 23 March 1950.
WMO coordinates international cooperation in weather, climate and water services.
National Meteorological and Hydrological Services are central to forecasts and warnings used by communities and sectors.
The annual campaign theme can change; the date and institutional anniversary do not.
World Meteorological Day Messages
On World Meteorological Day, may appreciation for the natural world lead to informed stewardship and practical care for the places and species around us.
May World Meteorological Day inspire curiosity about the living world and thoughtful action to protect it.
Celebrate World Meteorological Day by learning from credible conservation sources and choosing one practical way to reduce harm or support protection.
Wishing everyone marking World Meteorological Day a day of discovery, respect for nature and care that continues beyond today.
World Meteorological Day Quotes
“Weather, climate and water know no national or political boundaries.”
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
World Meteorological Organization — Resolution 6 (EC-XII), Annual World Meteorological Day (opens in a new tab)
World Meteorological Organization — Resolutions registry, Resolution 6 (EC-XII) (opens in a new tab)
World Meteorological Organization — World Meteorological Day (opens in a new tab)
World Meteorological Organization — World Meteorological Day 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Dedicated Authoritative Page
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is World Meteorological Day?
23 March The documented recurrence rule is: 23 March.
Does World Meteorological Day fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is World Meteorological Day an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: WMO / United Nations / international observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes World Meteorological Day?
The reviewed sources identify World Meteorological Organization Executive Committee as the proclaiming or establishing body. Current facilitation or coordination is recorded as World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Is World Meteorological Day international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: WMO / United Nations / international observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-07.
When is World Meteorological Day?
It is observed every year on 23 March.
Why is it held on 23 March?
The date commemorates the entry into force of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization on 23 March 1950.
Is World Meteorological Day the same as a weather warning?
No. It is an international observance. For current hazards, use the official meteorological and emergency services for your location.
Other observances on March 23
These observances are also listed on March 23, 2027.
Cuddly Kitten Day
The Animal Medical Center repeatedly lists Cuddly Kitten Day on March 23 across annual pet-awareness calendars.
Diabetes Alert Day
Current American Diabetes Association material states that Diabetes Alert Day is a day set aside by the ADA, observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, and identifies March 24 for 20…
National Puppy Day
Founder Colleen Paige’s current holiday list places National Puppy Day on March 23; the U.S. Census Bureau also lists National Puppy Day on March 23 in public education resources.
Pakistan Day
Press Information Department, Government of Pakistan
Southern Africa Liberation Day
SADC says its 2018 Summit endorsed 23 March as Southern Africa Liberation Day and that SADC commemorates it every year on that date.