Find out if rain, snow, sleet and hail are coming your way
Snowstorm. (Image credit: iStock)
At NOAA’s National Weather Service, we’re like kids when it comes to snow. We love it! If you love snow like we do, become a snow-it-all this winter.
We’ve got 9 winter weather forecast tools you can tinker with on your mobile device or computer as winter threats unfold. Each tool has a unique benefit throughout the timeline of a winter threat, and the list is ordered as such. Use them regularly to see where, when and how much snow, ice and wind is predicted:
1. Weather.gov: One-stop shopping for all your forecast needs
Feeling the [wind] chill? At weather.gov, you can plug in your ZIP Code in the upper left-hand window, click “Go,” and get the custom forecast for your location — including any watches or warnings in effect — directly from your local forecast office. We have 122 local forecast offices across the country.
2. Day 4–7 Winter Weather Outlook
Take a look ahead. This outlook product is most useful for future winter storm threats and can help you to identify large-scale storm systems many days in advance.
3. Experimental Winter Storm Outlook (WSO)
This experimental product displays the probability of significant snow or ice accumulation up to 4 days in advance.
4. Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI)
Want to know how the incoming winter storm might impact your area? This impact-based index provides local officials and the public with a storm’s expected severity level and its potential related impacts. Use it to make more informed decisions regarding your travel and outdoor activities.
You can even toggle between different parameters like snow amount, ice accumulation, and blowing snow. This product does not replace any NWS Watch, Warning or Advisory, and should always be used in context with other NWS forecast and warning information.
5. Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI-P)
Winter weather has a range of possible outcomes, and this newly operational product provides you with the probability of experiencing various impacts from winter storms within the next 7 days. Think of the WSSI as the “most likely” scenario, but if you want to plan for other possibilities, the probabilities of other impact levels will be shown in the WSSI-P.
6. Day 1–3 Snowfall Probability Forecasts
As predictability increases, this tool provides an excellent snapshot of what the next few days might have in store regarding the possible snow and ice accumulations across the U.S.
7. Snow Accumulation Potential
This experimental tool is available at 77 local forecast offices this year. It can provide you with a detailed range of potential snowfall amounts from incoming winter storms for your neck of the winter woods. You can find the expected, or most likely snowfall forecast, but also the potential high end and low end amounts.
As the forecast becomes more certain, this awesome tool will provide you with an hour-by-hour look at the forecast. If someone asks you “What time will the snow start falling?,” this should be your go-to resource for the answer.
9. Snow Coverage Maps and New Snowfall Maps
Calling all ski and snowboard bums: We have a little-known weather service office way up in Chanhassen, Minnesota, that monitors total snow and ice cover in the U.S. If you need help figuring out where to go for some great powder, our maps will point you in the right direction. You can also check out how much new snow has accumulated by using the new National Snowfall Analysis.
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Whichever tools you use, arm yourself with the best data on which to make good decisions.
Do you know the difference between a Winter Storm Watch, a Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory? Check out this guide to tell these products apart!
Whichever tools you use, arm yourself with the best data on which to make good decisions. See our tips on how to stay safe before, during and after a winter storm.
When it snows, we’d like to know. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network offsite link needs volunteers to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). Sign up to report snowfall amounts in your location. offsite link
What’s the secret behind the cold, white stuff? Check out our story How do snowflakes form? Get the science behind snow.
