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Abstract Over the past 20 years, the Hydrological Ensemble Prediction Experiment (HEPEX) international community of practice has advanced the science and practice of hydrological ensemble prediction and its application in impact- and risk-based decision-making, fostering innovations through cutting-edge techniques and data that enhance water-related sectors. Here, we present insights from those 20 years on the key priorities for (co)creating broadly applicable hydrological forecasting systems that add value across spatial scales and time horizons. We highlight the advancement of hydrological forecasting chains through rigorous data management that incorporates diverse, high-quality data sources, data assimilation techniques, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve predictive accuracy. HEPEX has played a critical role in enhancing the reliability of water resources and water-related risk management globally by standardizing ensemble forecasting. This effort complements HEPEX’s broader initiative to strengthen research to operations, making innovative forecasting solutions both practical and accessible. Additionally, efforts have been made toward supporting the United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative through developing robust and reliable early warning systems by means of global training, education and capacity development, and the sharing of technology. Finally, we note that the integration of advanced science, user-centric methods, and global collaboration can provide a solid framework for improving the prediction and management of hydrological extremes, aligning forecasting systems with the dynamic needs of water resource and risk management in a changing climate. To effectively meet future demands, it is crucial to accelerate the integration of innovative science within operational frameworks, fostering adaptable and resilient hydrological forecasting systems globally.
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Abstract Risk management has reduced vulnerability to floods and droughts globally 1,2 , yet their impacts are still increasing 3 . An improved understanding of the causes of changing impacts is therefore needed, but has been hampered by a lack of empirical data 4,5 . On the basis of a global dataset of 45 pairs of events that occurred within the same area, we show that risk management generally reduces the impacts of floods and droughts but faces difficulties in reducing the impacts of unprecedented events of a magnitude not previously experienced. If the second event was much more hazardous than the first, its impact was almost always higher. This is because management was not designed to deal with such extreme events: for example, they exceeded the design levels of levees and reservoirs. In two success stories, the impact of the second, more hazardous, event was lower, as a result of improved risk management governance and high investment in integrated management. The observed difficulty of managing unprecedented events is alarming, given that more extreme hydrological events are projected owing to climate change 3 .