NOAANOAA’’s National Weather s National Weather ServiceService

In Green BayIn Green Bay

The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.

There are 122 NWS Weather Forecast Offices across the country, including offices in Puerto Rico and Guam.

The Office in Green BayThe Office in Green Bay

Forecasters are on duty 24 hours a day, monitoring the weather for northeast Wisconsin.

Inside the NWS - The StaffInside the NWS - The Staff

Our NWS Office has 22 people making sure that weather forecastsand severe weather warnings are issued to keep people safe in northeast Wisconsin.

Someone who studies the weather and makes forecasts is called a...

MeteorologistMeteorologist

Inside the NWS - The StaffInside the NWS - The Staff

Meteorologists are at the office 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. While you sleep, forecasters are watching the weather!

Inside the NWS - What We DoInside the NWS - What We Do

We collect weatherinformation to helpforecast the weather.

Inside the NWS - Our ToolsInside the NWS - Our Tools

Many computer systems help us find out what the weather is doing now, and forecast the weather for tomorrow.

Automated Weather Observation Automated Weather Observation SystemSystem

Observing the weather near the groundObserving the weather near the ground

Measures:

TemperatureWindHumidityPressureSky ConditionRainfallType of Weather

Upper Air ObservationsUpper Air ObservationsObserving the weather above the groundObserving the weather above the ground

Measures:

TemperatureWindHumidityPressure

All measured above the ground, using a weather balloon and a radiosonde.

SatelliteSatelliteObserving the weather from spaceObserving the weather from space

Satellites allow forecasters to follow clouds and detect large storms from above.

Doppler RadarDoppler RadarLooking inside the cloudsLooking inside the clouds

The National Weather Service’s Doppler Radar is the world’s most advanced and powerful radar.

The radome protects a 28 foot dish antenna which operates 24 hours a day!

Putting Together a ForecastPutting Together a Forecast

Weather forecasters analyze current weather conditions across Wisconsin, the U.S., and North America to gain an understanding of what is happening now.

The forecasters look at temperature, humidity, wind and air pressure readings across the entire region.

Putting Together a ForecastPutting Together a Forecast

Here is a “close-up” weather chart showing weather observations across Wisconsin and nearby states.

Putting Together a ForecastPutting Together a Forecast

Meteorologists then review weather maps and charts and begin formulating a seven-day forecast for the area.

These forecasts are then made available to everyone: TV and radio stations, newspapers, the public, and are available on the internet.

Weather forecasting is important, Weather forecasting is important, but the National Weather Service’s but the National Weather Service’s number one job is....number one job is....

Issuing Life-Saving WarningsIssuing Life-Saving WarningsThe National Weather Service’s most important jobThe National Weather Service’s most important job

Doppler radar and weather observations are the most important tools we use when it’s time to issue severe weather warnings.

Issuing Life-Saving WarningsIssuing Life-Saving WarningsThe National Weather Service’s most important jobThe National Weather Service’s most important job

During severe weather events, the forecasters continuously monitor the radar and weather reports.

The information assists the forecaster in deciding if a storm will become severe!

A Doppler Radar’s View of a A Doppler Radar’s View of a TornadoTornado

Doppler radar can also detect wind speed and direction inside a storm.

The radar detects where it is raining, and how heavy that rain is.

What You Might See!What You Might See!

Are You Ready for Severe Are You Ready for Severe Weather?Weather?

The NWS primary role is to protect life and property from severe weather, such as:

- Tornadoes- Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning- Hurricanes- Floods- Winter Storms and Blizzards

Are You Ready for Severe Are You Ready for Severe Weather?Weather?

You should know the weather terms the NWS uses.

A WATCHWATCH means conditions are favorable for bad weather, but the exact time or place is not yet known. Make sure you are ready, in case bad weather occurs.

A WARNINGWARNING means that bad weather is going to happen soon! Take action to protect yourself!

An ADVISORYADVISORY means that the weather will cause some problems, but it will not be severe.

Are You Ready for Severe Are You Ready for Severe Weather?Weather?

In the winter, the NWS issues Winter Storm Warnings. If a warning is issued for your area, heavy snow or ice is expected.

Are You Ready for Severe Are You Ready for Severe Weather?Weather?

In the spring and summer, the NWS issues Tornado Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. If a warning is for your area, it is time to take cover in a safe place!

Watching the Weather is Fun!Watching the Weather is Fun!

Keep looking up... You’ll never know what you might see!Keep looking up... You’ll never know what you might see!

Extra SlidesExtra Slides

Upper Air ObservationsUpper Air ObservationsObserving the weather above the groundObserving the weather above the ground