Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Weather Forecast for Today is....



As I mentioned in my last post, the National Weather Service is asking for public comments as it tries to simplify its weather alerts so more people can understand them. 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

National Weather Service Wants to be Clear

Watch, Warning, Advisory - the National Weather Service is beginning to think that these words, along with their weather broadcasts more generally, may not be understood very well by the public.

So, they are asking for input as they trip down the linguistic cobblestones of  simplification lane.  ( This came to me via a contact in Australia, Ian Mannix on his blog).





NWS says - "Here are the specifics of how we'll create the alternative language for the demonstration this winter.

For all current, official winter weather hazard messages that lead with the phrase:
"THE NWS HAS ISSUED A _____ WATCH"
We will convert this text for demonstration purposes only to:
"THE NWS FORECASTS THE POTENTIAL FOR ____"
with the hazard type (snow, ice, wind, etc.), level of certainty, timing and expected impact(s) clearly stated in the blank space."

Deadline for comment - March 31 2013.  I urge you to help them out. Really.