As climate extremes intensify globally, the capacity to observe and respond to hydrometeorological risks must grow. The vision for the future of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) by 2050 foresees a more integrated and innovative approach to Earth system observations from both space and surface sources. Central to this transformation is the infrastructure for hydrometeorological monitoring, which is evolving through technology, new partnerships, and novel data generation methods.
The surface-based observing infrastructure is shifting towards a tiered, adaptive network model, incorporating high-accuracy reference stations, comprehensive backbone networks, and emerging systems like low-cost sensors and community-contributed observations. This will create a more flexible system catering to diverse users and applications.
Technological advancements enable the deployment of advanced sensors in previously inaccessible environments, thanks to miniaturization and integration into drones, vehicles, and even wearable devices. Unmanned systems are providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly data collection. In the ocean, autonomous gliders and buoys are enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Automation and edge processing will make monitoring infrastructure more intelligent, reducing latency and bandwidth needs, especially in remote areas. Self-calibrating sensors powered by solar energy will improve network resilience and sustainability.
Integration between surface and space-based systems will optimize coverage and accuracy. Ground-based networks will calibrate satellite sensors, enhancing the value of both assets for high-resolution modeling and early warnings.
Non-traditional observations, such as those from the Internet of Things and citizen science, are becoming valuable, offering dense, hyper-local data. Integrating these into national and international systems will require common data standards and governance frameworks.
Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role, supporting quality control, anomaly detection, and data fusion, and enabling real-time weather insights. AI will help manage the increasing complexity of data.
A future goal is to ensure equitable access to observational data globally, prioritizing regions with low capacity. Public-private partnerships and new funding mechanisms will be key to closing coverage gaps and improving climate resilience.
As we approach 2050, hydrometeorological monitoring infrastructure must evolve to meet the planet’s changing needs, embracing innovation and collaboration to build a flexible and inclusive observing system.
