BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The National Weather Service's Philadelphia/Mount Holly forecast office early next year will overhaul how it communicates information, shifting to a new "key message" format for its area forecast discussion.
Rather than walking readers through forecast details step by step, the new format will immediately highlight what matters most, such as potential hazards, timing concerns and expected impacts to the region.National Weather Service's Philadelphia/Mount Holly forecast office
Beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 6, the office will transition away from the traditional, chronological structure of the area forecast discussion — a technical product widely used by meteorologists, emergency managers and media — and instead lead with the most significant weather impacts and hazards.
The change is designed to align the forecast discussion with an impacts-first messaging philosophy, according to the weather service.
Rather than walking readers through forecast details step by step, the new format will immediately highlight what matters most, such as potential hazards, timing concerns and expected impacts to the region.
Aim to improve clarity
Forecasters say the shift is intended to streamline communication, reduce redundancy and improve clarity, particularly during high-impact or fast-moving weather events.
By prioritizing key messages at the top of the discussion, the office aims to make it easier for partners and decision-makers to quickly identify critical information.
The area forecast discussion will continue to provide insight into forecast reasoning and uncertainty, but the organization of that information will change.
The new format is meant to be more accessible to a broader audience while still serving technical users who rely on the discussion for context and detail.
See the new template
A side-by-side comparison of the current area forecast discussion format and the new key message template is available on the NWS website.
The Philadelphia/Mount Holly office serves eastern Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, along with New Jersey, Delaware and portions of surrounding states.
The transition reflects a broader effort within the National Weather Service to modernize forecast communication and emphasize actionable information for the public and emergency management partners.
