What is a NOWCAST?
The NOWCAST, also known as the Short Term Forecast, is the primary method of communicating plain language forecasts of short-term weather to the general public. The Short Term Forecast is valid generally for the next 1 to 6 hours. The product is written in a conversational style that flows smoothly, providing the most important weather elements at the beginning. This product is an event driven forecast, and was designed to handle all weather conditions except severe weather. The NOW encompasses routine weather to near-severe weather into one product.