“The National Weather Service”

by Caleb, KE0FOE

As we conclude our series covering JetStream, The National Weather Service’s new Online School for Weather, the topic this time is: The National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service was created in 1870 under President Ulysses S. Grant. It was originally an agency of what was known then as the Department of War. Twenty years later, in 1890, it became known as the United States Weather Bureau. It was 100 years after its initial founding, in 1970, that it was renamed to what we now know it to be: The National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service operates 122 weather forecast offices throughout the United States and its territories including Guam and Puerto Rico.

In addition to its weather forecast offices, The National Weather Service operates River Forecast Offices, Center Weather Service Units, Regional Offices, and National Centers which have specific focuses on things such as severe weather, aviation, flooding, hurricanes, and more. The National Weather Service also operates NOAA Weather Radio which broadcasts 24 hours a day on frequencies between 162.4 and 162.55 MHz. across the United States and its territories.

Data and products from the National Weather Service are used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and throughout the world. The National Weather Service is the only United States OFFICIAL voice for issuing warnings during life-threatening weather situations. Here within the Skywarn community, we volunteers help the National Weather Service by providing critical, time-sensitive information during severe weather. Together we work toward our mission of protecting life and property.

There are a lot of interesting facts about Remote Sensing that you and your family can learn about on the National Weather Service’s new Online School for Weather called JetStream. Visit their website: weather.gov/jetstream