Space Weather refers to the change in environmental conditions between the Sun and the Earth, mostly due to the Sun's emissions. The Sun's activity changes over the 11 year solar cycle, with variations in sunspot number, radiation levels and eruptions. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are eruptions of energetic, electrically charged particles and magnetic field which can enhance the background stream of plasma heading towards the Earth's magnetosphere. Solar flares are emissions of electromagnetic radiation; X-rays and UltraViolet radiation can lead to increased density in the Ionosphere. Space weather can impact on space- and ground-based systems, power grids, communications and human health. As our lives become ever more dependent on technology, our understanding and forecasting of Space Weather, and the provision of data and services, becomes more important.

There is considerable scientific intertwining between meteorology, Space Weather and Space Climate. A clear example is the coupling between the lower and middle atmosphere (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere) and the thermosphere and ionosphere, which increasingly is being studied using weather and climate models which have been extended upwards into the thermosphere. Such models are useful in analysing Space Weather and solar variability impacts on seasonal forecasts and surface climate. Furthermore, Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) data assimilation methods are being applied to Space Weather problems. Such connections mean that meteorological research institutes and National Meteorological Centres (NMCs) are very well suited to applying their expertise to relevant Space Weather and Space Climate research programmes and to the delivery of operational Space Weather services. This is underlined by the fact that the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has been fostering the identification and integration of best practices from operational NWP systems to operational Space Weather systems.

The aim of this session is to provide a framework for reviewing these state-of-the-art topics, ranging from the underpinning science to delivery of operational Space Weather services and products.

Authors are invited to submit abstracts dealing with one or more of the following topics:
▪ Application of operational NWP infrastructures and methodologies to deliver operational Space Weather products.
▪ Coordination and/or organisation of Space Weather services together with weather infrastructures.
▪ Data assimilation methods and observational needs for Space Weather applications.
▪ Weather and climate models including the MLT region (Mesosphere - Lower Thermosphere).
▪ Direct and indirect impacts of Space Weather and solar variability on forecasts and surface climate.