Step 1: Identify the needs of the situation

Defining the needs of a situation is critical to getting desired results. You need to identify the questions to be answered and decisions to be made, and understand the parameters involved. This should precede any search for actual climate information.

If you receive a specific request for information, you will want to address the following questions:

• What is being requested? What information do you need to provide? Is the situation clear enough? Do you need further clarification?

• What climatological questions need to be addressed to handle the situation? What weather and climate information is needed? What information do you expect it to provide?

• Who is requesting the information (name and organization), how do they want to get the results, by when do they need the information, and who should you contact for additional information or clarification?

From this should come a description of what is being requested and the climate variables that appear to define the situation.

If you are assigned to a new location, you will need to learn enough about the area so you’re prepared to issue forecasts and handle specific requests for information.