National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

The National Weather Service (NWS) is an organization that relies heavily on science, partnerships, and ties to local communities to successfully provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. The NWS works with many partners, including those from national and local government, members of the weather enterprise, Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors, and Academia to help educate people in all communities on how to stay safe and ensure important weather information, such as warnings, reach the broadest possible audience.  

NWS Offices provide forecast information in a way that better supports how emergency managers, first responders, government officials, businesses, and the public are able to make fast, smart decisions to save lives, property, and enhance livelihoods. This helps mitigate the devastating impacts of extreme events like record breaking snowfall, violent tornadoes, destructive hurricanes, widespread flooding, and devastating drought. We are able to do this through our professional expertise, securing new data, and investigating technologies that will improve forecasts and ultimately increase weather-readiness. While we at NOAA’s National Weather Service are taking steps towards building a Weather-Ready Nation, we cannot do it alone! Please read further to learn more about how we work with our partners to build a Weather-Ready Nation.