Draw me a picture

Meteorologists and broadcasters on the radio have to verbally create an image of the weather map that keenly conveys the current and forecast weather. It is more challenging than pointing at the radar or satellie imagery to inform a viewer/listener on the local and regional weather.

Several years ago the National Weather Service developed a new suite of products that mosaic a regional and national graphical picture of the weather. This initiative was called the National Digital Forecast Data base. It allows users to click on a specific location and get a seven day, hour by hour forecast. Most casual users of weather information have time only to glean the minimal of information.

Sample of site specific text forecast

Weather data available on the web and cell phones is personalized and continues to enhance the capabilities of people on the go to capture weather information on the fly. A far cry from having to wait until the evening news to view picture weather.

Interactive graphical forecast

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