The 22nd ESCAP/WMO^* Typhoon Committee Attachment Training course was held online from 11 to 13 January 2023.

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. The course 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). Due to COVID-19, the course was held virtually (as in the previous two years) with 51 attendees from eight Typhoon Committee Members including China; Hong Kong, China; Macao, China; Malaysia; the Philippines; the Republic of Korea; Thailand; and the United States of America.

At the opening session, Mr. Nomura Ryoichi (Director-General of JMA’s Atmosphere and Ocean Department) spoke about 2022 typhoon season where several tropical cyclones posed multiple hazards affecting public activity. The importance of understanding and using cutting-edge technology (such as meteorological satellites and numerical weather prediction), sharpening TC forecasting skills, and promoting the application of such abilities obtained from the training course to reduce TC-related damage in the Asia-Pacific region, was reaffirmed.

The course was enriched with hands-on training materials for self-study and interactive exercises on satellite analysis techniques and Dvorak analysis. Associate Prof. Ito Kosuke from the University of the Ryukyus presented on recent progress in understanding tropical cyclone motion in his role as an expert in the field. The course contents were renewed from last year to further fit with recent needs. This year, to enhance understanding of coastal hazards associated with tropical cyclones, a lecture on storm surges and high waves was held by an expert of JMA. This lecture also contributes to the activity of the WMO Regional Association II (RA II) Expert Team on Marine Services (ET-MS) under the Working Group on Weather, Climate, Water and Related Environmental Services and Applications (WG Services).

The event generated productive discussions, with Member representatives making wide-ranging presentations on tropical cyclone information (including case studies on TCs affecting their areas and pubic weather services) on the third day.

The interaction provided valuable opportunities to share information on experiences and expertise in TC forecasting and warning operations, and their attempts to further enhance public awareness.

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