TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Hydrologic Ensemble Prediction Experiment (HEPEX) is excited to announce its 20th Anniversary Workshop, taking place March 25-27, 2025, at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. This landmark event will bring together researchers, operational forecasters and practitioners from around the world to celebrate two decades of breakthroughs in hydrological forecasting.
Reflecting on Two Decades of Progress
Since its inception in 2004, HEPEX has been instrumental in uniting the global hydrological community to enhance ensemble prediction systems. Two decades ago, hydrological models offered limited insight into the uncertainties of water predictions, making it harder for decision-makers to manage floods, droughts and water resources. HEPEX changed that by introducing ensemble forecasting, enhancing risk assessment and preparedness for extreme weather.
HEPEX has also played a crucial role in fostering collaboration among researchers, practitioners and stakeholders, ensuring that hydrological forecasting continues to evolve to meet contemporary challenges. In 2025, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the HEPEX initiative with a landmark workshop that brings together researchers, operational forecasters, practitioners and users from around the globe.
“The ongoing presence of HEPEX for over 20 years is a clear indication of its significant impact,” says Swedish Meteorological & Hydrological Institute senior researcher and co-chair of the HEPEX scientific experiment Dr. Ilias G. Pechlivanidis. “Throughout these years, HEPEX has made its presence felt at major scientific gatherings like the AGU and EGU meetings and has been pivotal in shaping research-to-operations knowledge within the WMO activities.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hydrological Forecasting
As HEPEX enters its third decade, even greater advancements lie ahead. By integrating artificial intelligence, enhancing early warnings and refining community-driven models, HEPEX will push forecasting beyond current limitations and lead the charge in building global water resilience.
“AI and ML methods have been on the rise in hydrology, with tools like Google’s AI-driven global flood forecasting making waves,” says Ouranos hydrologist Louise Arnal. “At the same time, HEPEX and the broader global hydrology community have built a deep reservoir of knowledge on key processes that underpin hydrological forecasting and have led to the refinement of traditional hydrological forecasting methods. HEPEX is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge between these two worlds.”
Workshop Themes and Participation
The upcoming workshop will focus on the latest developments in hydrological forecasting and its applications across water-dependent sectors. Sessions will explore the future research agenda for the next decade, emphasizing sectoral needs and scientific opportunities. Key themes include:
- Forecasting Innovations: AI-enhanced hydrological forecasting, meteorological advancements and impact-based evaluations.
- Modeling and Prediction: Probabilistic modeling, uncertainty quantification and communication.
- Applications and Services: Early warnings, hydro-climate services and risk-based decision-making.
- Sectoral Integration: Reservoir operations and integrating forecast information across scales.
The workshop will feature panel discussions, oral presentations, poster sessions and ample opportunities for discussions and experience sharing. Early Career scientists from the EC-HEPEX group are especially encouraged to participate, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
CIROH’s Involvement
The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) is proud to be part of HEPEX’s 20th-anniversary celebration, reinforcing its commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world hydrological applications. CIROH’s involvement underscores the international scale of the event and its dedication to advancing hydrological forecasting.
For more information about the HEPEX workshop, visit this website.