Seasonal-to-Interannual Climate Variability in the Context of Development and Delivery of Science-based Climate Prediction and Information Services Worldwide for the Benefit of Society

Examples of seasonal-to-interannual rainfall variability in Africa demonstrate how the society is under serious threat due to increasing natural disasters linked to climate variability and change. Recognition of the different elements of the climate system that greatly influence future seasonal climate has grown considerably in the last century through diagnostic, statistical, empirical and modelling studies that have continued to add to our knowledge and understanding of climate predictability at seasonal-to-interannual timescales. Recent concerted global efforts to improve climate predictions and the organization of Regional Climate Outlook Fora in different regions of the world are described. Technological advances that have improved strategies in the dissemination of climate information and prediction products to various user sectors and stakeholders are described with a few examples.