60 Facts About The National Weather Service

What is the National Weather Service?

The National Weather Service (NWS) is a vital part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It provides weather, water, and climate data, forecasts, and warnings to protect life and property. Here are some fascinating facts about this essential agency.

1. The NWS was established in 1870 by President Ulysses S. Grant.
2. It was initially part of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
3. The NWS operates 122 weather forecast offices across the United States.
4. Each office covers a specific area known as a County Warning Area (CWA).
5. The NWS employs over 4,000 people, including meteorologists, hydrologists, and support staff.
6. The agency's headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland.
7. The NWS issues more than 1.5 million forecasts and 50,000 warnings each year.
8. It provides weather data to the public through its website, social media, and mobile apps.
9. The NWS collaborates with other agencies, such as FEMA and the Red Cross, during emergencies.
10. It also works with international organizations to monitor global weather patterns.

Technology and Tools Used by the NWS

The NWS relies on advanced technology and tools to gather and analyze weather data. These tools help meteorologists make accurate forecasts and issue timely warnings.

11. Doppler radar is one of the primary tools used by the NWS.
12. The NWS operates 159 Doppler radar sites across the country.
13. Doppler radar can detect precipitation, wind speed, and storm rotation.
14. The NWS also uses weather satellites to monitor the atmosphere from space.
15. The GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) series is crucial for real-time weather monitoring.
16. Weather balloons, or radiosondes, are launched twice daily from 92 locations.
17. These balloons measure temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
18. The NWS uses supercomputers to process vast amounts of weather data.
19. The current supercomputer system is called the Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System (WCOSS).
20. WCOSS can perform 8.4 quadrillion calculations per second.

NWS Forecasts and Warnings

Accurate forecasts and timely warnings are the core functions of the NWS. These services help people prepare for and respond to various weather conditions.

21. The NWS issues seven-day forecasts for the entire country.
22. It also provides specialized forecasts for aviation, marine, and fire weather.
23. Severe weather warnings include tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings.
24. The NWS uses a system called the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) to monitor severe weather.
25. The SPC issues convective outlooks, which predict the potential for severe storms.
26. The NWS also operates the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida.
27. The NHC monitors tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans.
28. The NWS issues hurricane watches and warnings to help coastal communities prepare.
29. The NWS provides river and flood forecasts through its River Forecast Centers (RFCs).
30. There are 13 RFCs across the United States.

Educational and Outreach Programs

The NWS is committed to educating the public about weather safety and preparedness. It offers various programs and resources to help people understand and respond to weather hazards.

31. The NWS operates the Skywarn program, which trains volunteers to spot and report severe weather.
32. Skywarn volunteers provide valuable ground truth data to meteorologists.
33. The NWS also offers the StormReady program to help communities prepare for severe weather.
34. StormReady communities have emergency plans and communication systems in place.
35. The NWS provides educational resources for teachers and students through its JetStream website.
36. JetStream offers lessons and activities on weather, water, and climate topics.
37. The NWS participates in public outreach events, such as weather fairs and safety expos.
38. It also collaborates with media partners to disseminate weather information.
39. The NWS uses social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share updates and safety tips.
40. The NWS encourages people to have a NOAA Weather Radio for receiving alerts.

Historical Weather Events and the NWS

The NWS has played a crucial role in monitoring and responding to some of the most significant weather events in U.S. history. These events highlight the importance of accurate forecasts and timely warnings.

41. The NWS issued warnings during the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900.
42. This hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with an estimated 8,000 deaths.
43. The NWS provided critical forecasts during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
44. These forecasts helped farmers and communities cope with severe drought conditions.
45. The NWS played a key role in monitoring Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
46. Katrina caused widespread devastation along the Gulf Coast, particularly in New Orleans.
47. The NWS issued timely warnings during the Joplin tornado in 2011.
48. This EF5 tornado resulted in 158 fatalities and extensive damage in Joplin, Missouri.
49. The NWS provided forecasts and warnings during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
50. Sandy caused significant flooding and damage along the East Coast, especially in New York and New Jersey.

Future of the National Weather Service

The NWS continues to evolve and improve its services to meet the needs of a changing world. Advances in technology and research will enhance the agency's ability to protect lives and property.

51. The NWS is working on improving its numerical weather prediction models.
52. These models help meteorologists make more accurate forecasts.
53. The NWS is also developing new radar technologies, such as phased array radar.
54. Phased array radar can scan the atmosphere more quickly and provide better data.
55. The NWS is expanding its use of social media and mobile apps to reach more people.
56. The agency is also focusing on improving communication with vulnerable populations.
57. The NWS is collaborating with researchers to study the impacts of climate change on weather patterns.
58. This research will help the NWS develop better long-term forecasts.
59. The NWS is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
60. The agency is also working to strengthen partnerships with other organizations and communities.

Weather Service Wonders

The National Weather Service (NWS) plays a crucial role in keeping us safe and informed. From predicting hurricanes to issuing tornado warnings, the NWS is a vital part of our daily lives. Their advanced technology and dedicated meteorologists work tirelessly to provide accurate forecasts and weather alerts.

Understanding the NWS's history, tools, and mission helps us appreciate their efforts even more. Whether you're planning a picnic or preparing for a storm, the NWS has your back. Their commitment to public safety and scientific excellence ensures we stay ahead of the weather.

Next time you check the forecast, remember the hard work and expertise behind those predictions. The NWS isn't just about weather; it's about protecting lives and property. Stay informed, stay safe, and always keep an eye on the sky.