Agromet advisory services for managing extreme weather events in dryland regions

Abstract

Dryland regions, characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates, cover approximately 41% of the Earth's land surface and are home to more than two billion people. The vulnerable dryland regions are also exposed to extreme weather events, including droughts, heatwaves, and erratic rainfall, affecting agricultural productivity severely. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events due to climate change have underscored the need for robust systems that can assist farmers in adapting to these challenges. Agrometeorological (agromet) advisory services are critical in mitigating the effects of these weather extremes by providing farmers with timely, location-specific information and recommendations. This article explores the importance of agromet advisory services in managing extreme weather events in dryland areas, highlights the integration of climate data with farming practices, and discusses strategies to enhance resilience in agricultural systems. The article also highlights the need to develop agromet advisories based on nowcasting.