🛰️ The WMO-CGMS Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) is a global network of specialized training centres collaborating with satellite operators. Its mission is to support the protection of life and property, as well as economic development, by improving weather, climate, water, and environmental services.
This is achieved through coordinated education, training, and knowledge exchange across a global network of VLab Centres of Excellence (CoEs), satellite operators, and other partners.
In this edition, we share key updates from the VLab community (Q1 2026).
🌐 Highlights from the VLab Network
Australia CoE (BOM)
- Continued delivery of Regional Focus Group (RFG) sessions
- Migration of training resources to a new Moodle platform
- Integration of AI-based forecast evaluation into activities
- Collaboration with University of Wisconsin–Madison on lightning prediction tools
Barbados CoE (CIMH)
- Ongoing severe weather forecasting programme transitioning to operational testbed (June 2026)
- Development of VLab training modules on heatwaves and impact-based flooding
- Integration of satellite data across training programmes (entry-level to operational)
- Introduction of marine forecasting training with satellite applications
Brazil CoE (INPE)
- Planned virtual training (July 2026) on hotspot data processing and wildfire analysis
- Theoretical + hands-on components (Python, Google Earth Engine)
- Focus on satellite-based fire detection using multi-sensor data (GOES, JPSS, Aqua, Landsat, Sentinel)
China – Nanjing CoE (NUIST)
- Planned seminar on remote sensing technology (September 2026)
Indonesia CoE (BMKG)
- Continuation of bimonthly Regional Focus Group sessions (including AI applications)
- Planned online RGB satellite training (June 2026)
Morocco CoE (DGM)
- Delivery of maritime forecasting training (altimetry, scatterometry) and MTG-focused online courses
- Planned development of new training modules, including multilingual resources
Oman CoE (CAA)
- Delivery of Satellite Application Courses (online + face-to-face) and monthly forecasting forums
- Strong focus on case-based learning and practical tools (e.g. Google Earth)
- Planned training topics for MENA: dust forecasting, marine meteorology, tropical systems in the Arabian Sea, and satellite data services for Arabic-speaking forecasters
South Africa CoE (SAWS)
- Delivery of MTG-focused satellite training and postgraduate forecasting programme
- Integration of satellite imagery, lightning detection, and case-based learning
- Increasing participation in regional weather briefings
CIRA / NOAA
- Regular Regional Focus Group sessions with 60–80+ participants from 20+ countries
- Real-time weather discussions, case study analysis, and open exchange
COMET / UCAR
- Development of new online training modules: smoke detection (day/night), GeoColor imagery, and proxy visible imagery
- Launch of high-latitude satellite training course
- Continued expansion of global training resource repository
📅 Want to Know When These Training Events Are Happening?
The VLab Training Calendar is the central hub for discovering satellite meteorology training events from across the global VLab network.
Through the calendar, you can:
- explore upcoming courses, workshops, and webinars
- access training opportunities from multiple CoEs, satellite operators, and partners
- stay informed about both regional and global activities
🎥 Latest Regional Focus Group Recordings
Regional Focus Groups (RFGs) provide an informal, peer-to-peer learning environment where forecasters and trainers discuss real-time weather events and explore the use of satellite data in operations.
As active communities of practice, these sessions foster collaboration and practical learning through real operational examples.
- Americas & Caribbean (English & Spanish) Watch recordings
- Australian VLab CoE (English) Watch recordings
- Indonesia VLab CoE (English) Watch recordings
- Middle East and North Africa (Arabic) Watch recordings
- African Quarterly Weather Briefings (English) Watch recordings
🌍 VLab Mirror Meetings – Key Takeaways
The VLab Eastern and Western Group Mirror meetings (31 March & 1 April 2026) brought together Centres of Excellence, satellite operators, and partners to align on priorities for satellite meteorology capacity development.
While satellite data availability continues to grow rapidly, capacity development remains the central challenge — particularly user skills, awareness, and infrastructure.
Discussions highlighted the growing role of AI and machine learning. While its potential to change how data is interpreted and the role of forecasters is recognized, many questions remain.
Training must focus on interpreting AI outputs, understanding model limitations, and ensuring critical evaluation in operations.
🛰️ Alignment with CM-16 Priorities
Discussions confirmed strong alignment with the outcomes of the 16th Session of Consultative Meetings on High-Level Policy on Satellite Matters (CM-16), which emphasize:
- capacity development
- AI/ML integration
- modern, cloud-based data access
CoEs are already actively addressing these priorities through their training activities, while continuing to face challenges related to skills, infrastructure, and resource availability.
👉 This highlights the important role of VLab in bridging high-level policy priorities and operational training.
📢 Upcoming Training & Activities
13 April – 1 May 2026
Morocco & Niger CoEs – Online Course on MTG Satellite Imagery Interpretation
June 2026
Indonesia CoE – Online RGB training
Barbados CoE – Online severe weather operational testbed workshop
29 June – 1 July 2026
Morocco CoE – Face-to-face EUMETSAT data services and products for operational meteorological applications
July 2026
Brazil CoE – Online hotspot detection and wildfire analysis training
September 2026
China (Nanjing) CoE – Seminar on remote sensing technology
🔗 Useful Resources
- VLab Training Calendar: trainingevents.eumetsat.int/trui/
- WMO Global Campus: learningevents.wmo.int/
- CEOS Training Calendar: training.ceos.org/
- Places to Find Training: eotecdev.net/learn/places-to-find-training/
- Australia CoE Moodle Platform: learn.bom.gov.au/course/view.php?id=1395 NEW!
- Latest COMET MetEd Courses: comet.ucar.edu/our-latest-comet-meted-courses