Weather Terminology & Guide to Weather Observation
Weather
The state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness moisture, and pressure. Weather refers to the conditions at a given location at a given time.
Source: NOAA's NWS Online Glossary. For additional terms not listed, see the NOAA online glossary.
WEATHER, CLIMATE, AND U.S. WEATHER INSTITUTIONS
Climate
The average weather conditions over an area for a long period of time.
Meteorologist
A person who studies meteorology, the science of the atmosphere and its phenomena. There are several types of meteorologists who work in the private and public sectors of industry and those that are operational and research.
NOAA
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC
Storm Prediction Center. Part of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction operating under the National Weather Service. Tasked with the job of forecasting the risk for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the continental United States. Issues severe weather outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and watches.
NHC
National Hurricane Center. From May 15 to November 30 (Hurricane Season), the National Hurricane Center provides outlooks, watches, and warnings for the Eastern Pacific and Atlantic Basins. When not issuing forecasts, watches, or warnings, the NHC conducts training sessions and research to better forecast and prepare for the next hurricane season.
WFO
Weather Forecast Office. The local National Weather Service office that is responsible for issuing advisories, warnings, and short term forecasts for a particular set of counties (County Warning Area).
AMS
American Meteorological Society
NWA
National Weather Association