CONCEPT NOTE ACCOF 10

ACCOF 10 Programme

Background
The World Meteorological Organization has established a three-tiered approach for seasonal climate prediction with Global, Regional and National institutions supporting production and delivery of climate outlooks.  In Africa, continental, regional and national climate centres are operating leading to the need for harmonization, consistency in processes and products as well as coordination among stakeholders.

The African Centre for Meteorological Applications and Development (ACMAD) as a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for Africa in partnership with African Union Commission (AUC) and partners  organizes the Africa Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF) currently on a monthly basis as part of its Regional Climate Centre (RCC)’s coordination function for africa. This action seeks  to build capacity on latest climate forecasting science and technology, harmonize climate  outlook generation and delivery methods tools, products and ensure consistency in climate outlook statements delivered across the continent.

Objectives of the forum
The ACCOF aims at supporting quick application of latest advances in climate science and technology for tailored climate services delivery and improving coordination and contribution of African RCCs and NMHSs for sustainable development of Africa.
The specific objectives of the ACCOF are to:

• review and verify past seasonal climate outlooks,
• discuss drivers of climate variability during the recent past season and the target season during last year;
• discuss drivers of climate variability for the upcoming four-month period climate across the continent,
• discuss with Global Producing Centres on new products and related interpretation details;
• develop continental consensus climate forecast for upcoming four-month period;
• discuss options for User interface strengthening in Africa.