The National Weather Service (NWS) is a component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the United States Department of Commerce. Established in 1870 as the Weather Bureau, the NWS is responsible for providing weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, and adjacent waters to protect life and property and enhance the national economy. The NWS operates 122 weather forecast offices across the country, supported by 13 river forecast centers, nine national centers, and other specialized units. These facilities work together to provide a nationwide infrastructure for weather and climate prediction, data collection, and warning dissemination. The organization employs approximately 4,000 personnel, including meteorologists, hydrologists, technicians, and support staff. Key services provided by the NWS include severe weather warnings, aviation weather services, fire weather forecasts, marine forecasts, and climate predictions. The agency maintains a network of sophisticated weather monitoring equipment, including Doppler radar systems (NEXRAD), weather satellites, and automated surface observing systems (ASOS). Through weather.gov, the NWS provides free public access to weather forecasts, warnings, and other meteorological products. The organization collaborates with private sector weather companies, academic institutions, and international weather services to improve forecasting capabilities and public safety.