The Operations Branch prepares long-range outlooks (with lead times from one week to one year) for distribution to interested parties via the Internet, National Weather Service offices and the press and broadcast media. It applies dynamical, empirical, and statistical techniques to improve and extend the range of climate outlooks and develops and operates systems for verification of its forecasts. The Operations Branch, jointly with the Development Branch, tests new forecast methods and models and conducts extensive research into new forecast methods.

The Operations Branch is also responsible for: stratospheric monitoring and UV forecasts as well as assembling, quality checking, analyzing, interpreting and disseminating current global climate data, products and information packages which are necessary for climate monitoring, diagnosis, and prediction; and assessing climate impacts on society.

The Climate Prediction Center, with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), operates the Joint Agricultural Weather Facility to provide an advisory and information service on weather and climate for use by USDA officials.