National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Rare Southern U.S. Winter Storm; Dangerous Cold Weather For Much of the Eastern U.S.; Critical Fire Weather for Southern California

A rare winter storm impacting the Southern U.S. will move offshore Wednesday morning. Behind the storm, arctic air will continue encompassing the eastern two-thirds of the Nation with only a slow return to normal temperatures expected by the end of the week. Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity will maintain Critical fire weather conditions in southern California into Thursday. Read More >

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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