National Weather Association
Encyclopedia
Meteorology
Meteorology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere. Studies in the field stretch back millennia, though significant progress in meteorology did not occur until the 18th century. The 19th century saw breakthroughs occur after observing networks developed across several countries...
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).
Like the American Meteorological Society
American Meteorological Society
The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications. Founded in 1919, the American Meteorological Society has a membership...
, the NWA also has a Seal of Approval for broadcasters. Sealholders must pass a multiple choice test on meteorological principles and submit tapes to a panel of fellow weathercasters for review. Unlike the AMS seal
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist is a rating for meteorologists given by the American Meteorological Society.The Certified Broadcast Meteorologist program was established to raise the professional standard in broadcast meteorology and encourage a broader range of scientific understanding,...
, a college degree in meteorology or the physical sciences is not required, though there is a minimum experience requirement (a meteorologist must have three full years of on-air experience, or two full years of five-day-a-week forecasting, to qualify for the seal); the AMS seal only requires a nominal amount of experience (3 days, enough to produce a demo tape). Many working meteorologists have both seals. It is worthy to note that many meteorologists with degrees and/or certifications from accredited meteorological university programs will work to gain a Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association or American Meteorological Society to add to their credentials because it shows that they can relay weather information to the public in a sound and understandable manner. Seals are sought as a mark of distinction in the broadcast meteorology community. A person who has a bachelor's degree in meteorology and/or certification from an accredited university program and contains a seal from the NWA or AMS along with sufficient work in the field is generally considered to be a meteorologist in the broadcast community.
Publications
The National Weather Association publishes the following scientific journals:- National Weather DigestNational Weather DigestNational Weather Digest is a scientific journal published quarterly by the National Weather Association and is devoted to peer-reviewed articles, technical notes, correspondence, and official news of the Association.- See also :...
- Electronic Journal of Operational Meteorology