The 19th ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee Attachment Training course was held at JMA Headquarters from 18 to 29 November 2019.

The RSMC Tokyo – Typhoon Center has organized ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee Attachment Training courses every year since 2001 with the support of the WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme and the Typhoon Committee in order to advance the tropical cyclone (TC) analysis and forecasting capacity of Committee Members. Forecasters from the Member countries of the Panel on Tropical Cyclones have also been invited since 2015. In 2019, the Center welcomed; Mr. Md. Bazlur Rashid from Bangladesh, Dr. Xinyan Lyu from China, Dr. Yin Lam Ng from Hong Kong, Ms. Sinthaly Chanthana from Lao P.D.R., Mr. Chan Wa Lok from Macao, Ms. Maziah Binti Mat from Malaysia, Ms. Ni Ni Khine from Myanmar, Ms. Premwadee Traitangwong from Thailand and Ms. Hien Thi Thu Vo from Viet Nam, as well as guest lecturer Dr. Balachandran Sethurathinam from the India Meteorological Department.

The training focused on practical knowledge and skills related to operational TC analysis and forecasting via lectures and exercises. The TC analysis course covered a range of subjects including interpretation of satellite imagery and Dvorak analysis techniques involving the use of the Satellite Analysis and Viewer Program (SATAID), and other analysis techniques based on microwave imagery, Doppler radar data and sea-surface Atmospheric Motion Vector data. TC forecasting subjects included techniques involving the use of various types of guidance and information sources along with storm surge and wave forecasting. Presentations and exercises were also provided on public weather services, including the setting of warning criteria based on disaster statistics, key roles of quantitative precipitation estimation and forecasting techniques, appropriate provision of disaster risk reduction (DRR) information, and forecast skill evaluation, to enhance capacity in the development and implementation of effective warning systems in collaboration with DRR operators. Dr. Balachandran Sethurathinam also gave a lecture on the South Asian Monsoon and TCs in the Indian Ocean area. All attendees gave presentations to help JMA staff understand the current status of their meteorological and hydrological services, including those relating to TCs and warnings.