African meteorological community celebrates launch of new continental journal

The African meteorological community celebrated the launch of the Journal of the African Meteorological Society during the First Joint Conference of the African Meteorological Society (AfMS), the International Forum of Meteorological Societies (IFMS) and the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new journal will give African researchers a space to share their work on weather, climate, and the environment. The journal is led by Editor-in-Chief Gideon Chukuma Ufoegbune, with support from a team of well-known scientists from around the world.

The Director General of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute and a co-sponsor of the conference, Fetene Teshome, officially launched the journal. Fetene Teshome said the journal is "an important step to help Africa speak critically and convincingly in global discussions on weather and climate." The first edition of the journal includes studies on key issues affecting Africa, including drought during El Niño periods, thunderstorm patterns, rainfall prediction in different regions, air pollution, and groundwater quality.

The launch has also opened the door for stronger partnerships, better research networks, and a renewed focus on scientific excellence across Africa.