If any part of your business is conducted outside, you know how important it is to get an accurate forecast from an agency such as the National Weather Service. National Weather Service climate data, National Weather Service radar and National Weather Service Doppler radar can be valuable tools in helping you schedule outdoor jobs and events and, if necessary, make alternative plans.

Whether you need a National Weather Service forecast for Las Vegas or information from the National Weather Service Dallas/Ft. Worth office, it is all available on the Internet. This guide will help you quickly find:

1. Regional forecasts from the National Weather Service;

2. Local forecasts from the National Weather Service;

3. And Doppler radar images from the National Weather Service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate regional forecasts from the National Weather Service

Around the country, offices such as the National Weather Service Cleveland, the National Weather Service Portland and the National Weather Service Denver provide regional long- and short-range forecasts. These forecasts can be a great general guide as you schedule your outdoor jobs and events.

I recommend: The National Weather Service's Internet Weather Source provides seven-day regional forecasts. From the linked page, simply select a state, then a region, to get your prediction. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also posts online regional weather forecasts from the National Weather Service. From the linked page, click the map for the latest forecast.

Find local National Weather Service forecasts

If you have an outdoor job or event at a specific time and a specific place, chances are you'll want a specific forecast. The National Weather Service provides detailed predictions for local communities across the country.

I recommend: WSI Corporation's Intellicast uses the National Weather Services in developing its forecasts for cities across the country. From the linked page, just enter the city or zip code you would like the forecast for. Additionally, the National Weather Service's regional offices, such as the one for the National Weather Service Tucson, maintain websites that provide local forecasts.

Get Doppler radar images from the National Weather Service

For the latest, most up-to-date weather information, nothing beats a National Weather Service Doppler radar image. These images can tip you off when bad weather is coming your way and it's time to put an end to an outdoor job or event.

I recommend: NWS Internet Services provides an easy-to-use map of National Weather Service Doppler radar sites. Just click on any site to get the latest Doppler radar scan for that part of the country. Weather Underground provides a very similar map that works in the same way.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For other sources of accurate weather information, beside the National Weather Service, don't forget to check the website of your local television stations. Their meteorologists often have the latest technology and decades of experience predicting the weather in your local community.

Whether you're planning travel, outdoor events or developing a weather emergency plan, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) National Weather Service forecast and tools can help you prepare for any weather event.

NOAA’s National Weather Service and your local news channels comprise a weather planning team with tools such as National Weather Service climate data, National Weather Service Doppler radar and training resources for disaster preparedness teams. Use the following resources to be weather-aware and plan for any emergency:

1. NOAA National Weather Service Doppler radar

2. NWS education and training resources for you and your community

3. NOAA Weather Radio and multimedia alerts for personal and broadcast use

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Track weather events with National Weather Service radar

Large storm systems, both land-based and offshore, can wreak havoc on personal and business property. Follow the storms and track whether they're strengthening or weakening, or simply check for precipitation when planning outdoor activities using the National Weather Service Doppler radar and forecast for your location.

I recommend: View NWS radar and forecast by region. Just enter your location in the appropiate field to locate the NWS local office. Track hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and storms in Tornado Alley using the National Weather Service, Dallas/Ft.Worth South Plains radar. The National Weather Service Portland office tracks storms, ocean currents and anomalies in the Northeast. California Doppler images are available from the National Weather Service Hanford radar and images from the Florida coast are included in the NWS Southeast Sector Doppler.

Use the National Weather Service's education tools to prepare yourself and your community

Educate yourself and those around you using the National Weather Service's comprehensive training tools, and be prepared for any weather emergency. NOAA offers support and training resources specifically geared toward emergency planners, and the site features links to various agricultural and government agency websites.

I recommend: Contact your local NWS representative and fill out the StormReady Community application, or listen to audio streaming NWS audio public service announcements for training and broadcast.

Get the latest weather news and alerts using NOAA National Weather Service alerts

Whatever type of mobile communication you prefer, NOAA has you covered. Sign up for county or state-specific weather forecasts and emergency alerts via most media.

I recommend: Subscribe to NWS RSS feeds and podcasts, or purchase the Sima Products NOAA Emergency Alert Radio and program it to receive NOAA Weather Radio coverage. Access weather forecasts and reports from your mobile phone using the NWS Anywhere/Anytime Weather Forecasts, or browse a variety of alert options and resources using the Emergency Managers' Weather Information Network (EMWIN).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The National Weather Service's community outreach program includes storm spotter training through SkyWarn, StormReady and TsunamiReady. Contact your local news station's American Meteorological Society (AMS) credentialed weather professional to get more information about NOAA and AMS programs.