Pictured: Meteorologist Sarah Johnson

The short term forecaster issues forecasts for hours 0-to-36 (short and near term). Additionally, this forecaster will also issue the fire weather forecast, which is used by the Divisions of Forestry in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The short and near term forecasts provide detailed information on the amount of cloud cover, chance of precipitation (as well as precipitation type and amount), max/min temperatures, wind speed and direction, lightning, and relative humidity that can be expected across the County Warning Area (CWA).

The short term forecaster also typically issuse the Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) for several airports in our CWA:

• Allentown, PA ( ABE )
• Atlantic City, NJ ( ACY )
• Wilmington, DE ( ILG
• Millville, NJ ( MIV )
• Philadelphia, PA ( PHL )
• Northeast Philadelphia, PA ( PNE )
• Reading, PA ( RDG )
• Trenton, NJ ( TTN )

These forecasts include information on wind speed and direction, visibility restrictions, cloud ceiling heights, and precipitation type within a five mile radius of the airport.

In addition, the short term forecaster is also typically responsible for issuing marine forecasts and warnings for the adjoining near shore coastal waters from Sandy Hook, New Jersey to Fenwick Island, Delaware, and for the Delaware Bay. These forecasts include information on wind speed and direction, wave heights, precipitation, and visibility restrictions.

Here are some of the advisories/watches/warnings typically issued by the short term forecaster:

• Small Craft Advisory
• Gale Warning
• Storm Warning
• Marine Weather Statement
• Coastal Flood Watch/Warning
• Heavy Surf Advisory
• Tsunami Watch/Warning

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