National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rain in the Central U.S.; Critical Fire Weather in California

Scattered severe thunderstorms, associated with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds are likely today from the southern Plains into the Ozarks, and mid Mississippi Valley. Excessive rainfall is also likely in these areas. Gusty easterly winds and low relative humidity will support elevated to critical fire weather over coastal portions of California today into Thursday. Read More >

DEIA

National Program, EODMD

Special Emphasis Observances

Weather.gov > DEIA > Special Emphasis Observances

Special Emphasis Program observances are an important aspect of the DOC, NOAA, and the NWS. These observances include activities designed to provide cultural awareness, debunk stereotypes, and recognize the contributions and achievements of diverse groups represented in our workforce. The events and activities are educational and employment-related. While the origin of some of the observances is the result of spontaneous generation by employees, most observances are established by proclamation of the President or Congress.

+Why Have Special Emphasis Programs and EEO Observances?

+Federally Mandated Special Emphasis Program Observances

Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) are programs that focus special attention on certain groups that are not represented or have less than expected participation rates in specific occupational categories or within an agency’s workforce. SEPs are an integral part of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights Program.

Through various initiatives, the SEPs address the unique concerns of specific groups and acknowledge the contributions and achievements of those segments of our American population.  Please visit the Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) for more information.

The following are Special Emphasis and EEO Observances implemented by Presidential Proclamation, Executive Orders, and Public Law:

Month  Special Emphasis Programs Observances
   
January   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
   
February  African American History Month
   
March  National Women’s History Month
   
May   Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
   
June  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
   
June 19  Juneteenth
   
Sept 15 -- Oct 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month
   
October  National Disability Employment Awareness Month
   
November  National American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

In addition, there are also National Days of Remembrance that may be commemorated:
 
January 1 Emancipation Day
January 27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day
April 28 - 29 United States Days of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust