National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Heat will build over the Intermountain West and the Southwest the next couple of days. Lightning from dry thunderstorms can create new fire starts and combined with gusty winds may cause a fire to rapidly grow in Oregon and northern California. Elevated fire weather conditions are also expected in the Great Basin. Flash flooding will be possible in Arizona and west Texas, especially in burn scars. Read More >

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                                                           (formerly known as SSD)

Mission

  • Improve NWS services and DSS through the integration of improved science, data and new technology into operations.
  • Foster improved professional development and training program at the Forecast Offices.
  • Anticipate and plan for future needs - emphasis on NWS WRN Strategic Goals and GPRA goals as it relates to unique western U.S. forecast issues


Current Priorities

  • Service Improvement through feedback from Gridded Verification
  • Improving Hydrologic Services
  • Improving DSS
    • Forecaster Confidence and make better use of new guidance tools
    • Improve Lead time and objectively identify storm impacts
  • Science and Training
    • Dual-Pol & AWIPS-2
    • Supporting SOO/DOH program