NOAA Leverages Weather and Climate Science to Combat Wildfires

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is utilizing the power of weather and climate science to provide critical outlooks, forecasts, and warnings for wildfires while closely monitoring atmosphere, soil, and vegetation conditions. NOAA's National Weather Service plays a vital role in issuing these forecasts and warnings to help protect lives and property.

NOAA's expertise extends to monitoring various factors that contribute to wildfire risk. The California-Nevada River Forecast Center (CNRFC) under NOAA offers a range of products and data related to precipitation, snow water equivalent, reservoir storage, and temperature. These products, which include daily updates, forecasts, and historical data accessible through the CNRFC website, are essential for understanding and managing wildfire risk.

Why this matters: NOAA's use of advanced weather and climate science to combat wildfires has far-reaching implications for public safety and environmental protection. By providing accurate and timely forecasts and warnings, NOAA enables communities and emergency responders to better prepare for and respond to wildfire threats, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage to property and natural resources.

In addition to its wildfire-related efforts, NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has released a new guide titled "Drought and Health: A Messaging Framework for Public Health Professionals and Healthcare Providers." Developed by researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Public Health with support from NIDIS, NASA, and the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation, the guide aims to help healthcare providers and public health officials communicate about the health risks of drought with their patients and communities.

The guide raises awareness about the health impacts of drought, which can include increased respiratory mortality, heat-related mortality, and reported stress. It provides practical steps and guidance for health professionals to discuss drought and its health effects with their patients and communities. "NIDIS and the research team hope that this guide will be a building block for future research and outreach on the health impacts of drought and other climate-related disasters," the guide states.

As of April 25, 2024, NOAA continues to monitor elevated to critical fire weather conditions across the southern Rockies and portions of the southern Plains through this weekend. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts are also possible this evening across west-central Texas. NOAA remains committed to using its expertise in weather and climate science to support wildfire preparedness and response efforts while also addressing the broader health impacts of climate-related disasters like drought.

Key Takeaways

• NOAA uses weather/climate science to provide critical wildfire forecasts and warnings.
• NOAA's CNRFC offers data on precipitation, snow, reservoirs, and temperature for wildfire risk.
• NOAA's forecasts and warnings enable communities to better prepare for and respond to wildfires.
• NOAA's NIDIS released a guide on communicating drought health risks to the public.
• NOAA continues monitoring elevated fire weather conditions and severe storms across the southern U.S.