Workshop on Objective Seasonal Forecast (OSF) production over MedCOF region

Following the WMO EC-72 Decision on Operationalization of objective seasonal forecasts and tailored products on sub-regional scales, a Guidance for Mediterranean Climate Outlook Forum (MedCOF) sub-region was developed by AEMET to enable operational production of objective seasonal forecasts (OSF) for MedCOF region, which encompasses two subregional COFs (SEECOF and PRESANORD) and cuts across three RAs – RAVI, RAI and RAII. The existing Regional Climate Centres in the region, RAVI RCC-Network and North Africa RCC-Network, agreed on their roles to contribute the implementation and operationalization of OSF approach in the region. Based on the recommendations of the guidance, AEMET conducted a training workshop in 2022 on relevant elements for OSF, using tools and prototype products produced under the MEDSCOPE project to operationalize the production of seasonal outlooks based on OSF approach. It is foreseen to continue the efforts in generating complete products and operationally run the OSF processes and provide a gridded forecast.   It is therefore proposed to organize a Workshop on objective seasonal forecasts (OSF) production over MedCOF region, which will bring together experts from RAVI RCC-Network and North Africa RCC-Network responsible of generation of forecasts and outlook products for MedCOF, from Global Producing Centres for Long-range Forecasts, as well as Subject Matter Experts with relevant skills and expertise. The Workshop co-organized and co-funded by WMO and AEMET will be held on 2-4 July 2024 at AEMET premises in Madrid, Spain.