National Weather Service




The National Weather Service (NWS) is a federal agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, and its adjacent waters.

The NWS has a long and storied history, dating back to the establishment of the U.S. Weather Bureau in 1870. The Weather Bureau was tasked with collecting and disseminating weather data, and it quickly became an indispensable resource for farmers, mariners, and other industries.

In 1970, the Weather Bureau was renamed the National Weather Service. The NWS continued to grow and evolve over the years, and it now operates a vast network of weather stations, satellites, and other equipment. The NWS also has a team of highly trained meteorologists who provide forecasts and warnings to the public.

The NWS plays a vital role in protecting the public from weather-related hazards. The NWS issues a variety of forecasts and warnings, including:

  • Weather forecasts: The NWS provides forecasts for a variety of time periods, from short-term forecasts that cover the next few hours to long-term forecasts that cover the next few months.
  • Severe weather warnings: The NWS issues severe weather warnings when there is a risk of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, or other dangerous weather conditions.
  • Climate outlooks: The NWS provides climate outlooks that forecast the general weather patterns for the upcoming months or seasons.

The NWS also provides a variety of other services, including:

  • Climate monitoring: The NWS monitors the climate and provides data on climate conditions.
  • Research: The NWS conducts research on weather, water, and climate.
  • Education: The NWS provides educational materials on weather, water, and climate.

The NWS is a valuable resource for the public. The NWS provides forecasts and warnings that help people stay safe and prepared for weather events. The NWS also provides climate monitoring and research that helps us understand the climate and its impacts.

If you are interested in learning more about the NWS, I encourage you to visit their website at www.weather.gov.