What is the NWS?

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - When severe weather threatens Kentucky, meteorologists frequently reference the “National Weather Service” (NWS).

But what does the National Weather Service do beyond severe weather coverage?

The Backbone of American Weather

The National Weather Service is a federal agency operating under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its mission is the protection of life and property.

The NWS provides nation wide, 24/7 data and forecasts, along with additional information meteorologists all over the county to use.

Behind the scenes, NWS meteorologists work 24/7 to:

• Launch high-altitude weather balloons twice daily to measure temperature, humidity, and wind speeds in the upper atmosphere.
• Maintain the United States’ NEXRAD radar network, which tracks storms in real time.
• Host massive numerical weather prediction models used by meteorologists worldwide.
• Issue weather watches, advisories, and warnings.

NWS at the Local Level

There is no single “headquarters” forecasting for the entire country. Instead, the NWS operates 122 localized Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) across the United States to ensure meteorologists understand the unique geography and microclimates of each region.

Our area is split between two of these local offices, NWS Louisville and Paducah.

During severe weather events, we here at WBKO don’t work alone. Broadcast teams maintain a direct, real-time communication link with NWS offices in Louisville and Paducah though the NWS chatroom.

This close partnership ensures life saving information can be communicated to the public as soon as people.

DOWNLOAD the WBKO First Alert Weather App for the latest on the forecast. Our app is easy to use and free to download!

Click one of the following links to download the app:

• iOS 
• Android