Our Mission
The mission of the National Weather Service is to provide weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.
NWS Melbourne
The National Weather Service (NWS) is a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the United States Department of Commerce (DOC). The Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Melbourne, Florida is part of the Southern Region of the NWS.
At the Melbourne Forecast Office, our team of meteorologists analyzes current weather conditions and computer model data to produce specialized weather and water forecasts for east central Florida. When hazardous weather materializes, meteorologists issue watches, warnings, and advisories in an effort to protect life and property. We leverage invaluable partnerships with emergency management, local media, and the public to gather and disseminate critical weather information.
NWS Melbourne is responsible for 10 counties in east central Florida, in addition to 6 Atlantic marine zones. The land region generally extends from the "Florida Ridge" (specifically the Lake Wales Ridge) to the east central Florida Atlantic coast. The marine zones include the Atlantic coastal waters from Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet to 60 nautical miles offshore.
Operations
Weather happens around-the-clock. National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) operate on a 24-hour, 7 day a week rotating schedule. When adverse weather is expected or occurring, more staff may be called into the office. During normal business hours (Monday through Friday), additional meteorologists, technicians/support staff, and managers may be in the office.
NWS Melbourne provides forecasts, watch, warnings and advisories and decision support services to the public and partners. Specifically, through the Severe Weather Program NWS Melbourne is responsible for Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings across the 10 county area of east central Florida.
The office also issues specialized forecasts for the aviation, marine and fire weather users. The Aviation Program at NWS Melbourne supports 10 airports across east central Florida with Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) and Airport Weather Warnings for Orlando International and Daytona Beach International Airports. Marine forecasts of wind and wave conditions are routinely issued for the east central Florida Atlantic waters and marine weather statements, marine weather warnings and special marine warnings are issued as needed to warn of hazardous marine conditions. Fire Weather Forecasts and Spot Forecasts are issued for the fire weather community for prescribed fire and for critical forecasts for those fighting wildfires across east central Florida. Graphical weather element forecasts out to seven days are also produced to support all service programs.
NWS Melbourne has warned east central Florida visitors and residents and provided support for our emergency management and public safety partners for many tropical storms and hurricanes through the years. Some notable tropical systems to impact the NWS Melbourne County Warnings Area (CWA):
Hurricanes Andrew, Erin, Floyd, Irene (1999), Charley, Frances, Jeanne, Katrina, Ophelia, Wilma, Irene (2011), Sandy, Matthew, Irma, Dorian, Ian, Nicole .
Tropical Storms Gordon, Josephine, Gabrielle, Edouard, Ernesto, Barry, Fay ( 2018, 10th Anniversary Review ), Debby, Isaac, Andrea, Colin.
SKYWARN Spotter Classes
Have you always wanted to become a NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter but don't have time to attend one of our in-person classes? Are you looking for something for your community group or classroom to get involved in? Are you a Florida resident? NWS Melbourne would like to invite you to become a SKYWARN Storm Spotter!
Additional Links
There are multiple local and national programs that our office has to offer. For more information on the COOP or StormReady program, click the links below:
Cooperative Weather Observer (COOP) Program
For more information on NOAA Weather Radio and past weather events across our area, click the links below:
For our latest forecast information, please review our Area Forecast Discussion. Check us out on social media! Facebook X (Twitter)
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