National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Active Pattern for the Center of the Nation

Severe thunderstorms, excessive rainfall, critical fire weather are all in the outlook today and into this last weekend of April. Very large hail, severe wind gusts, and a couple strong tornadoes will all be possible across the central and southern Plains today. Flash flooding also possible for portions of the Plains and Mississippi Valley. Critical fire weather conditions for Southern High Plains Read More >

Joseph A. Pica


Joseph A. Pica
Director, Office of Observations
National Weather Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Joseph A. Pica serves as the Director of the NWS Office of Observations and is responsible for the collection of space, atmosphere, water, and climate observational data owned or leveraged by the NWS to support the mission of providing weather, water, and climate data forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property; and for the enhancement of the National economy.

Mr. Pica came to the NWS after serving as a NOAA commissioned officer for 23 years, including responsibility as Commanding Officer of two ships - NOAA’s flagship and only global class vessel (Ronald H. Brown) and the fleet’s most technologically advanced ship for deep sea exploration (Okeanos Explorer). Between sea assignments, he brought his operational, technical, and leadership skills to a variety of shore assignments ranging from Hydrologist at the Northwest River Forecast Center to Executive Director to the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations.  

Mr. Pica completed the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and holds a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from Portland State University and Bachelor's degree in General Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Mr. Pica resides in Rockville, Maryland with his wife and daughter.

Back to NWS Biographies Page