Sand and Dust Storm - Warning Advisory and Assessment System

Abstract

Given the important impacts of airborne dust on human health, the environment and diverse socio-economic sectors, in 2007, the World Meteorological Organization endorsed the launching of the Sand and Dust Storm - Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS) with the mission to enhance the ability of countries to deliver timely and high-quality sand and dust storm forecasts, observations, information and knowledge to users. This paper describes SDS-WAS' mission, organization and objectives, highlights its transition from R&D to operational forecast services and postulates the implementation of future dust early warning systems.