The role of early warning systems, at all time scales, is to provide actionable, timely information through appropriate channels to mitigate the impacts of hazards. Inclusive, people-centred approaches lead to the design and implementation of effective early warning systems. In this session, we will explore different aspects of the communication, collaboration, cooperation and mutual understanding between the weather and climate services community and different user groups such as the public or the emergency management community (e.g., civil protection, emergency management, firefighting, road or air safety).

This session encourages the sharing of empirical examples from practice as well as theoretical or conceptual contributions around the following aspects of the broader topic:

• Policies, governance and socio-technical aspects that act as barriers or enablers for the dissemination of early warnings,

• Scientific work on social, psychological and organisational factors affecting the understanding and use of weather and climate forecasts and warnings,

• Research or practical examples on how to make information clear and usable regarding data, information and knowledge management in disseminating and communicating extreme weather and risks,

• The role of probabilistic and/or impact forecasting in communicating risk information and extreme weather,

• Engagement of weather services or other intermediaries with the broader emergency management community,

• Insights from best practices from recent events,

• The role of dissemination channels in ensuring reach to at-risk and vulnerable groups and communities.