The Weather Risk Management Industry's Climate Forecast and Data Needs: A Workshop Report

Abstract

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Risk Prediction Initiative, and the Weather Risk Management Association jointly sponsored a workshop that examined a variety of issues related to climate forecastand data products produced by NOAA. Workshop participants included individuals from a variety of private sector firms active in the weather risk market. The workshop provided an opportunity for a direct and technical exchange with NOAA service providers regarding climate data and forecast products and their scientific basis, interpretation, performance,planned improvements, access, and use. In addition, the workshop examined, in light of current NOAA services, the weather risk industry's requirements for climate data and forecasts. Discussions from the workshop are summarized, and alist of actions developed at the workshop that will enhance for all users the use, accessibility, and value of NOAA climate data and forecast products is provided.