The 21st ESCAP/WMO^* Typhoon Committee Attachment Training course was held online from 11 to 13 January 2022.

The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) Tokyo – Typhoon Center has organized ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee Attachment Training courses annually since 2001 with the support of the WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme and the Typhoon Committee in order to advance the tropical cyclone (TC) analysis and forecasting capacity of the Typhoon Committee Members. Due to COVID-19, the 2022 course was held virtually (as in 2021) with 55 attendees from eight Typhoon Committee Members including China; Hong Kong, China; Macao, China, Malaysia; the Republic of Korea; Thailand; the United States of America; and Viet Nam.

At the opening session, Mr. Obayashi Masanori (Director-General of JMA's Atmosphere and Ocean Department) commented on the importance of understanding and using cutting-edge technology (such as meteorological satellites and numerical weather prediction), sharpening TC forecasting skills via the training course, and promoting the application of such abilities to reduce TC-related damage in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 2022 training course programme was enriched with hands-on training materials for self-study, and interactive exercises on satellite analysis techniques and Dvorak analysis. Prof. Fudeyasu Hironori, recognized expert of the fields from the Yokohama National University, provided comprehensive and up-to-date information on multiscale interactions in TC formation. Besides, RSMC-Tokyo highlighted the purposes of the course that it has been set out under Category 2 Unit of the Tropical Cyclone Forecast Competency given in the Typhoon Committee Region specifications in the Typhoon Committee Operational Manual (TOM).

The event aroused a wide variety of questions, comments, and active discussions among the attendees and lecturers. On the third day, nine Member attendees made wide-ranging presentations on tropical cyclone information, including case studies on TCs affecting their areas, providing a valuable platform for sharing of their experience and expertise in TC forecast and warning operations.

During the closing session, Mr. Wong Wai Kin - Chair of the Training and Research Coordinating Group (TRCG) of the Typhoon Committee appreciated the training course for sharing of knowledge and application of expertise in TC monitoring, analysis and forecasting. Mr. Wong also encouraged attendees to continue exchange of ideas and pursue further development of TC analysis and forecasting techniques for more effective disaster risk reduction to protect life and property from TC under the climate change. RSMC-Tokyo remains committed to its vital roles for capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region to mitigate the impacts of hazardous tropical cyclone conditions.

^* United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization