The National Weather Association is, along with the
American Meteorological Society (AMS), one of the two principal meteorological organizations in the United States. The NWA focuses on operational meteorology, i.e.,
weather forecasting and the application of forecasts to human affairs. To accomplish this, the Association's objectives are: • 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; • 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 and student chapters of the National Weather Association. The national organization, as well as some local chapters, conduct conferences on various aspects of operational meteorology (i.e., weather forecasting and presentation). The NWA's primary assembly is the
NWA Annual Meeting. The NWA awards scholarships and grants to mostly undergraduate students, but they do award some scholarships and grants to graduate students majoring in meteorology or a related field of study. The NWA also annually bestows awards to outstanding practicing meteorologists. NWA engages in advocacy activities, such as releasing policy statements on topics including use of
storm shelters,
climate change,
FCC broadcasting issues, and positions on weather observation systems. The organization also hosts
WeatherReadyFest, an annual public outreach event which draws thousands to a different science museum each year ahead of their annual meeting. == Broadcaster Seal of Approval ==