National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Change Notice: New Area Forecast Discussion Format 

Beginning at noon on January 12, 2026, the National Weather Service offices - Charleston, SC, Wilmington, NC, Columbia, SC, and Greenville-Spartanburg, SC - will transition to a Key Message format for the Area Forecast Discussion (AFD).

This strategic change aligns the AFD with an impacts-first messaging philosophy, enabling our offices to streamline communication and reduce redundancy. This transition moves away from a strictly chronological layout to focus immediately on potential weather impacts and hazards. By prioritizing Key Messages, we aim to enhance clarity and eliminate duplication within the discussion.

Side-By-Side Comparison

  side by side comparsion of AFD formats