Weather Data Sources
When USPOTUS reports on storms, extreme heat, winter weather, or other conditions that affect breaking news, here’s where our data and forecasts come from — and how we vet them before publishing.
1. Scope of Our Weather Coverage
USPOTUS is not a dedicated weather service — we cover weather when it intersects with breaking news, sports, and events we already report on: game-day forecasts, storm-related travel disruptions, extreme-heat or winter-storm advisories, and severe weather affecting a story we’re following. This page explains where that weather information comes from.
2. Our Primary Data Sources
National Weather Service (NWS)
Official U.S. government forecasts, watches, and warnings issued by NOAA’s National Weather Service.
National Hurricane Center (NHC)
Tropical storm and hurricane tracking, advisories, and projected paths during active systems.
Licensed weather data providers
Commercial meteorological services and APIs used for current conditions and short-range forecasts.
State & local emergency agencies
Official advisories from state emergency management offices and local authorities during active events.
3. How We Choose Between Sources
When sources are available, we prioritize them in this order:
- Government meteorological agencies (NWS, NHC, NOAA) — treated as the authoritative source for watches, warnings, and official forecasts.
- Licensed weather data providers — used for granular, location-level current conditions and short-term forecasts.
- Local officials and emergency management — for on-the-ground impact, road closures, and evacuation guidance.
4. Severe Weather Alerts
For hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and other severe weather, we rely on official watches and warnings rather than unconfirmed social media reports. If we reference eyewitness footage or local reports of severe weather, we label it clearly as unverified until confirmed by an official source.
5. Forecasts vs. Confirmed Conditions
We distinguish clearly between a forecast (a prediction that can change) and confirmed conditions (what has already been observed or officially recorded). Our articles use language like “expected to,” “forecast to,” or “as of [time]” so readers know whether they’re reading a projection or a confirmed report.
6. Update Frequency
| Situation | How often we update |
|---|---|
| Active severe weather event (hurricane, major storm) | As new official advisories are issued, typically every few hours. |
| Game-day or event forecasts | Updated once conditions are confirmed close to event time. |
| Routine seasonal weather stories | Reflect data available at time of publication; not continuously updated. |
7. Accuracy & Limitations
Weather forecasting carries inherent uncertainty, particularly beyond a 3–5 day window. USPOTUS weather-related content is intended for general informational and news purposes only — it is not a substitute for official government alerts. In an active severe weather situation, always follow guidance from the National Weather Service, local emergency management, or other official authorities rather than relying solely on our coverage.
8. Attribution in Our Articles
Where an article cites specific weather data — a forecast, a recorded temperature, a storm track — we name the source (for example, “according to the National Weather Service”) so readers can verify the information directly at its origin.
9. Report an Issue
Spotted outdated or inaccurate weather information in one of our articles? Let us know and we’ll review it.
Email: editorial@uspotus.com
Mail: USPOTUS, 5424 Washington St, PO Box 564, Brighton, MA 02178