National Weather Center (NWC) - Norman, Oklahoma
The National Weather Center (NWC), located at 120 David L. Boren Boulevard on the University of Oklahoma’s South Research Campus in Norman, is a state-of-the-art facility that unites federal, state, and academic entities to advance meteorological research, forecasting, and education. Opened in summer 2006 after groundbreaking in late 2002, it was built at a cost of approximately $500 million and spans 250,000 sq ft over five floors.
Who’s Under One Roof?
Inside this modern complex, you'll find over 550 professionals—including scientists, meteorologists, climatologists, engineers, and students—from organizations such as:
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NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Norman Forecast Office
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NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
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NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)
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University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology, CAPS, and Oklahoma Mesonet
Architecture & Facilities
Designed by BECK + LAN/Daly and constructed by Boldt, the building integrates face brick, glass curtain walls, precast concrete, and composite panels. Features include a rooftop experimental deck, enclosed weather observatory, atriums, and open labs—crafted to support collaboration across research, operations, and training.
Mission & Research
The NWC operates on a mission-driven model, combining:
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Operational Forecasting: NWS handles regular forecasts and severe weather watches/warnings for 48 Oklahoma and 8 western North Texas counties, using advanced tools like AWIPS and situational awareness displays.
- Severe Storms Research: NSSL leads the way on radar technology and tornado research, contributing to doppler radar evolution and NEXRAD development.
- Storm Prediction: The SPC develops convective outlooks and issues thunderstorm/tornado watches .
- Modeling & Forecasting Innovation: CAPS develops storm-scale numerical models, while the Oklahoma Mesonet supplies real-time data.
Education & Public Outreach
The NWC supports education at multiple levels:
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OU’s School of Meteorology offers intensive academic programs onsite.
- Public outreach includes tours, lectures, exhibitions, and “Science on a Sphere”—an interactive globe showcasing global data.
- The “Flying Cow Café” serves as a memorable stop for visitors.
Public tours are free but must be booked in advance, and accessed space is security controlled.
A History at the Forefront
The NWS forecast office has been in Norman since 1987, first at Max Westheimer and then relocating to the new NWC in 2006. The SPC followed in 1995 and co-located in the building, while NSSL traces its origins to 1964, dating back to pioneering radar research in Norman.