NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory studies severe and hazardous weather processes and develops tools to help National Weather Service forecasters, and federal, university and private sector partners use weather information more effectively.
The three research divisions - Forecast, Warning, and Radar - carry out NSSL's core science by blending resources, talent, knowledge and shared goals to:
- Develop enhancements to existing weather radar, and to design and test a new radar system.
- Develop and test tools to improve forecasts and warnings.
- Develop hydrometeorology tools for severe storm monitoring and prediction
- Carry out field research to improve the basic understanding of severe storm processes.
NSSL has a strategic research partnership with CIMMS, the University of Oklahoma's Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, one of NOAA's joint institutes. Other collaborations include the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, Department of Transportation, FAA, and other universities and corporations.
NSSL, a vital part of NOAA's research network, is a $16 million laboratory ($6.2 million in NOAA base) that supports approximately 50 federal employees and 85 university and contract employees.
NSSL recently joined other weather researchers and partners in the new National Weather Center, a $67 million severe weather research and forecasting complex designed to increase collaboration and communication within the weather community.
About NOAA Research
NSSL is a line office within NOAA Research, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). NOAA Research provides the scientific foundation for understanding the complex systems that support the planet. Working in partnership with other organizational units of NOAA, NOAA Research provides better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters and a greater understanding of the Earth using unbiased scientific research to better manage national and global environments.
- NOAA Research Organization Chart
- 5-year research strategic plan
- NOAA Research Equal Employment Opportunity Office
About NOAA
NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is a federal agency within the Department of Commerce focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere. NOAA is a leader in applied scientific research on weather and water.
About the Federal Government
- USA.gov, the official U.S. gateway to all government information
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guidelines
- No FEAR Act, anti-discrimination and whistle blower protection laws
