WILLEMSTAD – The head of the Operational Department of the Curaçao Meteorological Service has successfully completed four months of advanced postgraduate training at the International Desk of the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) in Washington, D.C., marking an important step in strengthening the island's weather forecasting and severe weather monitoring capabilities.
The training took place from early June through the end of September 2026 and was conducted under a program of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in cooperation with the United States National Weather Service (NWS).
Through this international initiative, national meteorological services from different countries can nominate employees to receive specialized training through scholarships designed to improve forecasting expertise and strengthen regional cooperation.
The program focuses on developing a deeper understanding of weather and climate processes across the Americas. Participants receive advanced instruction in meteorological models, forecasting techniques, and the analysis of short- and long-term weather patterns affecting different regions.
For Curaçao, the knowledge gained is particularly valuable in improving the monitoring, interpretation, and communication of potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The training provides additional expertise in understanding meteorological and climatological conditions that can contribute to severe weather events affecting Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Venezuela, and the wider Caribbean region.
Improved forecasting capabilities are essential for public safety, disaster preparedness, aviation operations, and the timely communication of weather warnings to residents and businesses.
An important benefit of the training is that the participating official can now share the knowledge and expertise acquired in Washington with other meteorologists at the Curaçao Meteorological Service.
This transfer of knowledge is expected to strengthen the institution's internal training capacity and contribute to the continued professional development of its personnel.
The Curaçao Meteorological Service emphasized that international cooperation remains essential to improving the quality and reliability of weather forecasting, particularly in a region exposed to tropical weather systems and other potentially hazardous meteorological conditions.
The organization intends to build on the experience gained through the program and further strengthen its collaboration with the WMO, the National Weather Service, the Weather Prediction Center, and other meteorological institutions throughout the Caribbean and internationally.
The successful participation also represents a milestone for Curaçao's presence within the international meteorological community.
For the first time, Curaçao's flag has been added to the list of participating countries displayed on the WPC International Desk website, recognizing the island's involvement in the international training initiative.
According to the Curaçao Meteorological Service, this achievement reflects its continued commitment to professional development, international cooperation, and improving weather services for Curaçao and the wider Caribbean.
The organization considers the training an important investment in strengthening national and regional capabilities to anticipate severe weather, support aviation safety, and provide communities with accurate and timely meteorological information.