When you check the forecast for incoming storms or major weather events, there’s a good chance the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) played a part in producing that information. But what exactly is the WPC and how does it fit into the broader weather forecasting system in the United States?
What Is the Weather Prediction Center?
The Weather Prediction Center is one of the nine National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) that operate under the National Weather Service (NWS), which itself is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The WPC is responsible for providing national forecasts and analyses that focus on hazardous weather events, particularly those involving:
- Heavy rainfall and potential flooding
- Winter storms and snowfall forecasts
- Surface weather analysis
- Short-range and medium-range forecasting
- Quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF)
Visit the official WPC homepage here:
WPC’s Core Responsibilities
The WPC works closely with other NWS offices and federal agencies to offer guidance products that are used by both forecasters and the general public. Here are some of their most vital functions:
1. Short-Range Forecasting (Day 1-3)
WPC meteorologists provide forecasts for surface weather and precipitation that are valid up to 72 hours out. These include precipitation amount forecasts and surface pressure maps, which help determine where rain, snow, or storms are likely to occur.
2. Medium-Range Forecasting (Day 4-7)
WPC provides model-based guidance that extends from 4 to 7 days into the future. These products help planners and emergency managers prepare for developing weather systems well in advance.
3. Heavy Rainfall and Flood Outlooks
The WPC issues Excessive Rainfall Outlooks, which show where flash flooding could be a concern based on forecast rainfall amounts and ground conditions. These outlooks help communities prepare for possible flooding events.
View the Excessive Rainfall Outlooks here:
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/excess_rain.shtml
4. Winter Weather Forecasting
The WPC also provides Winter Weather Outlooks, forecasting significant snow and ice events several days in advance. This guidance helps highway departments and local governments prepare for dangerous winter weather.
Explore WPC’s Winter Weather pages:
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/
5. Surface Analysis and Model Diagnostics
Surface analysis maps produced by the WPC show the current state of the atmosphere, including fronts, high and low-pressure systems, and precipitation areas. These maps are essential tools for meteorologists across the country.
View current surface analysis:
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/sfc2.shtml
How WPC Products Are Used
Forecast products issued by the WPC are not always the final public forecasts you see on your phone or TV. Instead, they serve as expert guidance that local National Weather Service offices use to shape their own regional forecasts.
For example, when severe rainfall is expected, WPC’s rainfall forecasts and flood outlooks help local offices decide whether to issue Flood Watches or Warnings. The same applies for winter storms and snowfall projections.
Emergency managers, broadcasters, airline planners, and transportation departments also rely heavily on WPC products to make critical decisions ahead of major weather events.
Where to Find WPC Products
All of the WPC’s forecasts and analysis maps are publicly available on their website:
Main site: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
You can also find WPC updates on social media platforms like Twitter/X at
https://twitter.com/NWSWPC
The Weather Prediction Center plays a behind-the-scenes but essential role in helping the country prepare for and respond to major weather events. Whether you are a weather hobbyist, emergency planner, or just curious about how weather forecasts are made, understanding the WPC gives you a clearer picture of the science and coordination that goes into every forecast you see.
Interested in learning how to interpret the weather forecast models used by the National Weather Service? Check out How to Interpret the ECMWF Weather Model. We will be offering guides on interpreting other weather models in the coming weeks!
