1. Check risk first
Start on Convective Outlook to see whether severe storms are expected.
Forecast Maps Guide
Use this page to understand what national forecast maps mean, what to watch for, and what action to take. You should not need technical terms to use this guide.
How To Use In 60 Seconds
2. Check timing next
Use forecast maps to see when rain, wind, heat, or cold is most likely in your region.
3. Check local alerts
Return to Weather Alerts to see active warnings and watches for your state.
4. Make a simple plan
Charge devices, review your safe place, and avoid risky travel windows if possible.
Live Forecast Map Viewer
These maps are pulled from official NWS/WPC sources and update regularly. If a map does not load, use the official link under it.
National Surface Pattern Loop
Day 1 Pattern Loop
Day 2 Pattern Loop
Day 3 Pattern Loop
Day 4 Pattern Loop
Day 5 to Day 7 Pattern Loop
Map Cheat Sheets
Temperature Map
Use it for: heat and cold planning.
Quick read: if your area is much warmer or colder than normal, prepare clothing, hydration, and home heating/cooling plans.
Act when: dangerous heat or cold overlaps outdoor work, school, sports, or travel.
Open official temperature mapWind Speed And Direction
Use it for: high-profile vehicle travel, boating, and wildfire spread conditions.
Quick read: stronger winds and shifting wind direction increase impact and uncertainty.
Act when: strong wind lines up with storms, dry air, or vulnerable travel plans.
Open official wind mapChance Of Precipitation
Use it for: rain or snow likelihood.
Quick read: higher values mean weather is more likely, not necessarily more intense.
Act when: high chances overlap commute, events, or flood-prone locations.
Open official precipitation chance mapPrecipitation Amount
Use it for: flood concern and drainage impact.
Quick read: larger totals can cause standing water, ponding, and flash flood risk in sensitive areas.
Act when: heavy totals are expected on already wet ground.
Open official precipitation amount mapShort Range Forecast Maps
Use it for: next 1 to 3 days.
Quick read: best for near-term travel, events, and staffing decisions.
Act when: hazards are expected during your exact activity window.
Open official short range mapsMedium Range Forecast Maps
Use it for: day 3 to day 7 planning.
Quick read: use for trend awareness, then refine decisions closer to event time.
Act when: multiple map types point to the same risk pattern.
Open official medium range mapsSimple Decision Rules
Rule 1: Risk + Timing + Local Alerts
If all three line up, move to action mode. Do not wait for perfect certainty.
Rule 2: One map is never enough
Use at least temperature, wind, and precipitation together before making plans.
Rule 3: Nearer time wins
As the event gets closer, trust the most recent updates over older map snapshots.
Technical Terms (Optional)
Show map terms
PoP: Probability of precipitation in a time window.
QPF: Quantitative precipitation forecast (how much liquid precipitation may fall).
NDFD: National Digital Forecast Database, used in many official forecast map products.
WPC: Weather Prediction Center, producer of national map products and forecast discussions.