NOAA Weather Radio Reception

Factors Influencing NOAA Weather Radio Reception and How to Improve Reception

By nature and design, NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) coverage is limited to an area within about 40 miles of the transmitter site. The quality of what is heard will vary due to distance from the transmitter, local terrain, weather conditions, and the quality and location of the receiver. In general, if you are on flat terrain or at sea and are using a high quality receiver, you can expect reliable reception far beyond 40 miles. If you are living in a city surrounded by large buildings or are in a mountain valley or low area in hilly terrain, you may experience little or no reception considerably less than 40 miles. If possible, a NWR receiver should be tested in the location where it will be used prior to purchase.

Looking to improve Weather Radio reception? Check out this page on building an external antenna.