A Day in the Life Of A National Weather Service Forecaster
As winter transitions into spring, the threat of severe weather increases across the Plains. The return of warmer temperatures signals the arrival of the severe weather season across the area. Thus, forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) monitor the potential for severe weather in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles while continuing to produce the seven-day forecast.
Since forecasters routinely issue a seven-day forecast, we are continually evaluating computer models that provide weather guidance more than a week in advance. Because model trends often vary from day to day, we try to apply some level of confidence to the thunderstorm potential and indicate the primary severe weather threats. This information is conveyed through the Hazardous Weather Outlook product, where all potential hazards are described. Twenty-four hours a day, forecasters monitor the potential threats and make any necessary updates to the severe weather outlook as the threat becomes more imminent. The severe weather potential is also highlighted in other forecast products once the threat gets closer. One of these products is the graphical forecast, which is a visual representation of the projected weather conditions for an area. Graphical forecasts can be viewed on our website: www.srh.noaa.gov/ama.
Coordination and collaboration become essential as the severe weather event approaches. We often host conference calls for our local emergency managers, media, and other decision-making customers once the threat of severe weather becomes likely. These calls serve to describe the severe weather threat, raise awareness, and allow customers to discuss concerns. Another line of communication is our internet chat service. The NWS has used chat internally for years, allowing forecasters to coordinate with neighboring offices. Recently, chat service was expanded to instant two-way communication with our local partners, which has proved to be an invaluable tool in coordinating concerns before, during, and after the event.
When severe weather strikes the Panhandles, we increase our staffing to meet the needs of the severe weather event. NWS Amarillo employs 22 staff members ranging from meteorologists to technicians and administrative personnel who may be called upon expertise during an event. From the forecasters who issue the products, to the technicians who maintain the equipment, the NWS Amarillo staff works together to provide timely warnings and statements to pinpoint areas that may be threatened by severe weather. In addition, we often utilize volunteer HAM radio operators who are trained to observe severe weather. Other trained spotters assist us with ground truth and compliment the warning decision process. Severe weather is a fact of life in the Panhandles and unfortunately, can have devastating consequences.
The NWS in Amarillo has served the Panhandles since 1892 and remains committed to its mission of protecting life and property.
