Welcome to the
Office of Water Prediction
Scientific excellence and innovation driving water prediction to support decisions for a water-resilient nation.
Output from the National Water Model (NWM) is now available.
- National Water Model river network and land analysis layers are now available on the mapping interface.
- Precipitation imagery is viewable on the image viewer.
Mission
The Office of Water Prediction (OWP) collaboratively researches, develops and delivers state-of-the-science national hydrologic analyses, forecast information, data, decision-support services and guidance to support and inform essential emergency services and water management decisions. In partnership with NWS national, regional, and local offices, the OWP coordinates, integrates and supports consistent water prediction activities from global to local levels.
The Organization
The Office of Water Prediction (OWP) is a geographically distributed organization which includes elements in Maryland, Minnesota and Alabama. The OWP is designed to support a consistent and unified hydrologic program while maximizing efficient use of resources helping to ensure the NWS excels as a science-based service organization. The OWP will conduct development, field support and operational functions through projects and programs that address national, regional, and local needs and are led and supported by staff in multiple offices across the country. Initial activities of the OWP will be focused on support and development; operational functions will be identified and developed over time. Functional roles have been established in the OWP structure to coordinate and support this framework.
Core Values
The OWP fosters a creative and collaborative environment supporting scientific leadership, workforce excellence, consistent mission execution, transparency, effective communication and partnerships to enable the NWS to collectively deliver impact-based decision support services to the larger water community at national, regional, and local scales.
Looking Forward
The Office of Water Prediction launches a historic transformation and modernization of hydrology and water prediction services within NOAA’s National Weather Service. The OWP will play a critical role in enhancing water-related products and decision-support services across the country in support of the strategic objective to build a Weather-Ready Nation. The Office of Water Prediction provides an unprecedented opportunity to improve federal coordination and collaboration in the water sector to address 21st century water resource challenges, such as water security and analysis and prediction of hydrologic extremes.