Product/Service Description Document

Mission Connection

Product Description : The NationalWeather Service (NWS) automatically generates .mp3 files of all broadcast text sent to the NWS NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). These MP3 files can be downloaded and played on a home computer to listen to various broadcast texts. The format of the .mp3 files is an auto-generated computer voice of forecast text sent out by NWS forecasters using IFPS.

Purpose: The purpose for providing NWR broadcast text in the .mp3 format for web users is that it can be especially useful for locations where normal NWR broadcasts can not be received due to distance from the transmitter or, as is the case in Central Pennsylvania, terrain effects that would either block or decrease the quality of the reception. Also allowing users to choose to listen to a broadcast via a menu allows them to get their information more quickly than having to listen through a typical cycle that may last tens of minutes especially during severe weather mode.

Audience: The audience for this experimental product is the general public. Anyone with a computer and internet access can download and listen to these NWR broadcasts. This service also can be beneficial to visually impaired users who can listen to the broadcasts rather than relying on a screen reader to interpret the text.

Presentation format: This web page will provide links to .mp3 files of our weather radio broadcasts that can be used to download and listen to NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts over the internet in real time.

Feedback method: The links provided on this web page allow users to comment and provide suggestions on how to improve this aspect of our web site.

Technical Description

Format and Science Basis : The format will strictly be a .mp3 file (this is not the same as streaming audio) of broadcast text generated by the automated voice on CRS. This file will be generated and sent via CRS up to the ER web farm whenever a forecaster generates a new forecast via IFPS. To ensure these .mp3 files are always up to date the links that users can listen to will only be provided for products that are always updated. These would be the Zone Forecast, the Hourly Roundup, and the Climate Summary products. Short term products such as the NOWCAST or severe weather watches and warnings would not be included because these are not always generated on a daily basis.

Availability: The .mp3 files would be generated and uploaded to the web server for users whenever a forecaster generates a new forecast via IFPS. They can be downloaded and listened to any time and should always be up to date provided there are no problems with the CRS to ERH web server connections.

Additional Information: Additional information on NWS Operational Services and Requirements can be found at:

NWS Directives
State College Web Site Satisfaction Survey