The WMO SDS-WAS Regional Center for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe

¹ Earth Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08034, Spain
² Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
³ State Meteorological Agency of Spain, AEMET, Barcelona, Spain
⁴ Izaña Research Atmospheric Center-State Meteorological Agency of Spain, CIAI-AEMET, Barcelona, Spain

^* Corresponding author: sara.basart@bsc.es

Abstract

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are an important threat to life, health, property, environment and economy in many countries, and play a significant role in different aspects of weather, climate and atmospheric chemistry. There is an increasing need for SDS accurate information and predictions to support early warning systems, and preparedness and mitigation plans. The present contribution introduces the current activities of the Regional Center for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe of the WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS). The Center has the mission is to enhance the ability of countries in the region to deliver timely and quality SDS forecasts, observations, information and knowledge to users through an international partnership of research and operational communities.