These days, most major television stations employ qualified meteorologists to develop and present weather forecasts. Many of these meteorologists even have elaborate equipment on site to give them the latest local information. But, the primary source of weather forecasts for the entire U.S., and the only official source for severe weather watches and warnings, is the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS operates a network of more than 120 WSR-88D doppler radars throughout the U.S., maintains the largest meteorological telecommunications switching center in the world, and broadcasts continuous weather forecasts, data, and severe weather warnings over a nationwide network of about 500 NOAA Weather Radio stations. And, NWS also provides "nowcast" weather guidance (the next 1-4 hours) for FAA air traffic controllers.

Thanks to ever-improving technology, today's 3-4 day forecast is as accurate as the 2-day forecast was 15 years ago. NWS also has increased tornado warning lead times from an average of about 5 minutes in 1986 to an average of 12 minutes in 1998 - - and, more lead time means more lives saved. So, watch whichever television weather forecaster you like best. Just make sure the information being passed along comes from the NWS.

3/22/00