Antigua and Barbuda is convening its most important annual gathering of climate experts, planners, and sector specialists today, as the nation's meteorological authority brings together stakeholders across critical industries to chart a more resilient path forward in the face of accelerating climate change.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, with funding from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, is hosting the Third National Climate Outlook Forum — NCOF-3 — on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Royalton Antigua Hotel, Five Islands Village, St. John's. The forum is being streamed live via the ABMS YouTube channel at @abmetservice.
From Observation to Action
Held under the theme "From Observation to Action: Climate Services for a Resilient Tomorrow," NCOF-3 brings together meteorologists, climatologists, researchers, agriculturalists, utility managers, disaster risk experts, planners, and key stakeholders from across climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture, energy, tourism, health, water resources management, and disaster risk reduction.
The goal is to strengthen collaboration and enhance the country's capacity to deliver timely, reliable, and actionable climate information and early warnings.
A Renaissance in Weather and Climate Services
ABMS Director Dale Destin outlined both the immediate purpose and broader ambition of the forum. "The National Climate Outlook Forum continues to be a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen national climate resilience and ensure early warning for all," Destin said. "This year's forum builds on the progress we have made and reinforces our commitment to delivering climate information that is timely, relevant, and actionable. By bringing together key stakeholders, we aim to deepen collaboration and enhance the country's capacity to respond to the growing challenges of climate variability and climate change."
Destin added that the forum also seeks to usher in "a renaissance in weather, climate, and tsunami services for Antigua and Barbuda — one that elevates national preparedness and strengthens our collective resilience."
A Platform for Seasonal Outlooks and Sectoral Planning
The NCOF serves as a national platform for presenting and discussing upcoming seasonal climate outlooks, assessing sectoral impacts, and co-developing targeted climate services that support decision-making, disaster risk reduction, and long-term climate resilience.
The initiative aligns with global efforts under the United Nations Early Warning for All Initiative and the World Meteorological Organization's Global Framework for Climate Services, reflecting Antigua and Barbuda's commitment to improving the accessibility, relevance, and effectiveness of climate services across all levels of society.
The Economic Case for Climate Services
The ABMS emphasised the considerable economic value of its work, noting that accurate, timely meteorological services have the potential to deliver up to 6% of GDP annually by avoiding disaster losses and improving efficiency — roughly XCD 200–400 million (USD 74–150 million) in avoided costs every year.
The forum comes at a critical juncture — with the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season now underway and the nation having already recorded nine Saharan dust events this year alone, the case for investing in climate intelligence has never been more compelling.
Members of the public wishing to follow the proceedings live can do so via the ABMS YouTube channel at @abmetservice.
