National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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All Articles on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The Future of the National Climate Assessment

The National Climate Assessment sits somewhere between a scientific triumph and a political punching bag. Required by law, written by…

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GovFacts

Did National Weather Service Cuts Affect the Response to the Texas Floods?

Over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, a catastrophic flood tore through the Texas Hill Country, leaving an indelible…

By
Alison O'Leary

What the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Does

In 1970, the United States government created the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to unify its weather, climate, and…

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GovFacts

Purpose of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a U.S. scientific agency with a broad mission that touches daily life,…

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GovFacts

Climate Predictions for the Next Decade

Our planet's climate is changing faster than at any point in modern history. As we look ahead to the next…

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GovFacts

What Do Precipitation Percentages in Weather Forecasts Actually Mean?

When a weather forecast says there's a "30% chance of rain," many people misinterpret what that actually means. Some think…

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GovFacts

Weather Watch vs. Warning: Key Differences Explained

The weather forecast often includes terms like "weather watch" and "weather warning," which can sometimes cause confusion. Understanding the distinction…

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GovFacts

Understanding the Winter Storm Severity Classification System

The National Weather Service's Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) provides a way to understand not just if winter weather is…

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GovFacts