National Weather Association

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The National Weather Association (NWA) is an American scientific organization with a mission to support and promote excellence in operational meteorology and related activities. To accomplish this, the Association's objectives are: (1) to provide a medium for all persons interested in weather, including climate, forecasting, observations, observational systems and related research and development for the publishing of letters, pamphlets, periodicals, papers, and Web pages concerning activities in said fields; (2) to provide information, publications, materials, and seminars that will promote forecasting, analysis, observations, training, and education in the meteorological disciplines.

There are dozens of local chapters of the National Weather Association. The national NWA as well as some local chapters conduct conferences on various aspects of operational meteorology (i.e. weather forecasting and presentation).

The NWA was the first meteorological organization in the United States to issue a 'Seal of Approval' (like the American Meteorological Society does today), for weather broadcasters. Sealholders must pass a 100 question multiple choice test, composed of complex meteorological principles, and submit tapes of consecutive weathercasts, to a panel of meteorologists -- both broadcast and operational -- for review. Unlike the AMS seal, a college degree in meteorology is not required. Many working meteorologists have both seals.