National Weather Service Digital Services: The Evolution of Services in the Digital Era

To maximize the exchange of weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) has shifted processes to support the production and dissemination of digital forecasts through the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD). Since the inception of Digital Services at the NWS, we have made significant strides in the services and products provided. Over the past few years, we have adjusted our operational procedures to enhance the consistency and accuracy of the gridded forecast products. Through the adoption of new communications technologies, we also continue to expand the accessibility to this digital data.

Through close relationships with our partners and customers, the NWS seeks to continually refine the requirements for digital data. This evolving process includes the addition of new and derived forecast elements, new probabilistic forecasts, and the transitioning of experimental products to operational status. These and other features are expected to become increasingly available from Weather Forecast Offices and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). NWS Digital Services also seeks to expand its interaction with international governments and the academic sector. As the NDFD evolves, the resulting service improvements will enhance the global weather enterprise and contribute significantly to meeting the need for high quality weather, water, and climate information.