National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Builds in the West; Extremely Critical Fire Weather in the Northwest

A heat wave over the Southwest will intensify this week, peaking and expanding into the Intermountain West and northern High Plains this weekend. Critical to extremely critical fire weather conditions are forecast from the Northwest and the northern Great Basin this weekend. Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warnings have been issued. 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