The National Weather Service provides weather, hydrologic , and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, to protect life and property and enhance the national economy. The National Weather Service has a national infrastructure in place to gather and process data from the land, sea and air. This includes data from familiar technologies such as weather radars and satellites and also less-familiar technologies such as data buoys for marine observations and surface observing systems for data that help the aviation industry. The National Weather Service's highly trained and skilled workforce uses sophisticated computer models, and high-speed communications systems to generate data, outlooks, forecasts and warnings. Trained community volunteers enhance weather service operations.
Cooperative observers collect weather data that becomes part of the nation's climate records.
Storm spotters provide the National Weather Service with visual confirmation of severe weather events. The modernized, streamlined weather service is good government and supports NOAA's commitment to creating a government that works better and costs less. Ongoing research and development efforts yield breakthroughs in all areas of weather, hydrologic and climate forecasting. Md. This data originates from weather offices around the country. Weather warnings don't mean anything if they aren't received by those in harm's way.