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XM WX Data Products




High Resolution NEXRAD

A mosaic of data from all the NEXRAD radar sites in the U.S., color-coded to indicate storm severity. NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) is the standard reference for the National Weather Service’s Doppler radar network. A completed scan from each active NEXRAD radar is collected and integrated into a national grid, manually inspected and refined by meteorologists, then instantaneously distributed via satellite to XM WX subscribers.

High Resolution NEXRAD from XM WX is composed of any precipitation exceeding 15dBz in intensity, and incorporates the first two tilt levels of the NEXRAD radar for an accurate look at conditions relevant to users in the air, at sea and on the ground. Updated every 5 minutes, High Resolution NEXRAD data is available for the continental United States and Puerto Rico.

High Resolution NEXRAD

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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High Resolution Radar

A mosaic of data obtained by the Canadian network of radars, color-coded to indicate storm severity. A radar mosaic is designed to give an overall picture of the presence, position and movement of precipitation. The Canadian radar mosaic is routinely produced by collecting observations from each active radar in the country, which are then integrated into a country grid.

High Resolution Radar

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 10 minutes

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Severe Weather Storm Tracks

Patented, arrow-like indicators that incorporate NEXRAD radar data and advanced processing to identify the location of strong storms. Information is provided on forecasted storm direction, speed, hail size estimates and wind shear. Severe Weather Storm Tracks deliver more timely, site-specific information, and are depicted at the center of an area of concern.

Severe Weather Storm Tracks

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 1.25 minutes

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Wind Shear Detection

Provides information on Dangerous Twisting of the Winds™ in the atmosphere, including graphical indication of wind intensity and the capability to identify the speed of rotating winds, which can be an indicator of potential tornadic development.

Wind Shear Detection

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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Radar Coverage

Indicates which NEXRAD radar sites are online, enhancing situational awareness by revealing any gaps in national radar coverage. NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) is the standard reference for the National Weather Service’s Doppler radar network.

Radar Coverage

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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Surface Observations (METARs)

Reports that provide information on current sky and weather conditions, including temperature, dew point, wind speed/direction, barometric pressure and visibility. These reports are either made automatically, or by trained observers. Additionally, SPECI observations are supported to notify users of significant short-term weather changes. Available for the United States and Canada.

Surface Observations

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Lightning

Uses the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), the official lightning detection of the U.S. National Weather Service, to identify cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, with three colors representing the age of the strike (varies by hardware). Lightning typically occurs in thunderstorms, and can strike miles from the storm center. Consisting of remote, ground-based lightning sensors, XM WX lightning data is supplied by the most accurate and reliable large-scale lightning detection network in the world.

Lightning

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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Echo Tops

A radar-derived data product that indicates the highest altitude at which precipitation is falling. Since severe storms tend to grow vertically, users can gauge storm intensity by observing Echo Tops. The data is provided up to a maximum of 70,000 ft. altitude, in increments of 5,000 feet.

Echo Tops

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 7.5 minutes

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NEXRAD Radar Summary

A radar-derived data product that shows precipitation, using a color code to indicate intensity.

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 15 minutes

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Precipitation Type (at surface)

Indicates whether rain, snow or a mix is most likely to occur on the ground anywhere precipitation is falling.

Precipitation type at Surface

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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Winds Aloft (at altitude)

Displays wind speed and direction information from the surface up to 42,000 ft. in altitude. Winds Aloft data is provided in 3,000-ft. increments.

Winds Aloft at altitude

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Buoy Data

Data compiled from marine buoys and coastal observation stations to determine wind speed, direction and gusts; air and sea surface temperature; dewpoint; sea level pressure; wave height, period and direction; visibility; pressure tendency and tide change.

Buoy Data

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Surface Wind Speed and Direction

Shows wind speed and direction information for the surface. This forecast data product can be used to determine the mean directional flow and speed.

Sufrace Windspeed and Direction

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Surface Pressure

This product provides the surface level pressure, displayed in millibars.

Surface Pressure

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Sea Surface Temperature

Shows the temperature of the water’s surface, measured in one-tenth degree increments. Sea surface temperature data from XM WX incorporates satellite observations, ocean buoys, and oceanic modeling to identify anticipated conditions. The resulting model is then calibrated with corrections made using buoys and Sea Keepers observations for verification.

Sea Surface Temperatures

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Hurricane Track

Provides the latest hurricane and tropical storm information, showing location, forecasted track and track errors (current, 12, 24, 48, and 72-hour periods for 5 days) as issued by the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Track

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Visibility

Displays areas where visibility is forecasted to be less than ideal. Good visibility is considered to be ten miles or better. When the estimated visibility drops below ten miles, a contour line appears, separating areas with different levels of visibility (varies by hardware).

Visibility

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Wave Heights

Displays the height of ocean waves, based on model data. Available for the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Wave heights

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Wave Period

Shows the number of seconds between swells in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the Great Lakes.

Wave period

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Wave Direction

Indicates the mean wave direction showing the general direction that the waves are moving. Each arrow points in the direction of the wave movement in the area around the arrow. Available for the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Wave direction

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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AIRMETs

An acronym for AIRman's METeorological Information. Advises of weather that may be hazardous to single engine, light aircraft and Visual Flight Rule (VFR) pilots. This advisory affects an area of at least 3,000 square miles at any one time and provides data in ceiling, obscuration and turbulence. AIRMET types include IFR, mountain obstruction, icing, strong surface winds and turbulence. Available for the continental U.S. and Canada.

AIRMETs

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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SIGMETs

An acronym for SIGnificant METeorological Information. Advises of potentially hazardous weather, other than convective activity, to all aircraft. This advisory affects an area of at least 3,000 square miles at any one time and provides data on icing, turbulence, dust and volcanic ash. Available for the continental U.S. and Canada.

SIGMETs

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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County Warnings

Includes specific public awareness and protection weather warnings for Tornadoes, Thunderstorm, Floods and Flash Floods. County warnings and provided for the counties within the continental United States.

County warnings

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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Freezing Level

Displays the altitude and location at which 32°F (0°C) conditions first occur.

Freezing level

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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TFRs

An acronym for Temporary Flight Restrictions. Identifies volumes of airspace where all aircraft are temporarily restricted from entering unless a waiver has been issued. TFRs are routinely issued for occurrences such as sporting events, dignitary visits, military depots and forest fires.

TFRs

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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City Forecasts

Five-day forecasts for major U.S. cities, including forecasted high and how temperatures, chance of precipitation and sky conditions for each day.

City forecasts

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Surface Analysis Weather Maps

A display of high ("H") and low ("L") pressure systems at the earth’s surface. Pressure is measured at the center of the system in millibar units; cold and warm fronts are indicated along with the front’s direction of movement.

Surface analysis weather maps

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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TAFs

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service for pilots. They include 24-hour forecasts on wind, visibility, expected weather conditions and wind shear. Available for the continental United States and Canada.

TAFs

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Satellite Mosaic

Displays cloud cover over the continental United States and hundreds of miles off its coastline. An advanced formula estimates cloud temperatures at various altitudes across the country and converts them into estimated cloud height. Clouds below 5,000 feet are so close to ground temperatures, they are not shown.

Satellite Mosaic

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 15 minutes

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NWS Marine Zone Forecasts

A textual display of expected weather conditions, water choppiness and wind speeds. NWS forecasts include NWS Special Marine Forecasts, Marine Weather Statements, Coastal Marine Forecasts, Offshore Marine Forecasts, Great Lakes Forecasts and more.

Marine zone forecasts issued by Environment Canada include area forecasts of the expected weather conditions, water choppiness, winds speeds and expected wave heights. Marine warnings are also included.

NWS Marine Zone Forecasts

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 20 minutes (US and Canada Marine Zone Forecasts); 12 minutes (US Marine Weather Statements and Warnings)

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Day 1 Convective Outlooks

Graphical and textual outlooks for severe weather. Outlook risk categories include Slight, Moderate and High risk of threat. The outlook includes the probability of Tornado, Wind, and Hail risk.

Day 1 Convective Outlooks

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Mesoscale Discussions

Graphic and textual descriptions of current and developing weather situations.

Mesoscale Discussions

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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SAW

Acronym for Specific Aviation Watch. These are specific public awareness and protection weather watches for Tornados and Severe Thunderstorms, commonly known as Watch Boxes.

SAW

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Canadian Winds

Indicates wind speed and direction from 3000 ft. to 53,000 ft. for sites around Canada.

Canadian Winds

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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Canadian Weather Warnings

Textual weather warnings for Canada. These are public advisories, watches or warnings to alert for significant weather situations.

Canadian Weather  Warnings

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes

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Canada Convective Outlook

Issued noting the potential for convective weather. Only issued for Ontario during the summer months.

Canada Convective  Outlook

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes

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FishBytes

Forecasts the location of certain fish species. The specific longitude and latitude for each promising location are also provided. FishBytes is currently available for the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

FishBytes

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 20 minutes

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Surface Wind Speed/Direction Forecast

Utilizes computer modeling to provide a wind speed and direction forecast at the surface for the continental United States, Canada and coastal waters in 12, 24 and 36-hour increments. Can be used to determine the mean directional flow and speed.

Surface Wind  Speed/Direction Forecast

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes

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Surface Pressure Forecast

Forecasts expected surface pressure in 12, 24 and 36-hour increments. This product provides the surface level pressure and displayed in millibars.

Surface Pressure  Forecast

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes

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Visibility Forecast

Visibility forecasts display areas where visibility is expected to be less than ideal. The forecast is provided in  12, 24, 36-hour increments. Good visibility is considered to be ten miles or better. When the estimated visibility drops below ten miles, a contour line appears, separating areas with different levels of visibility (varies by hardware).

Visibility Forecast

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes

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Wave Height Forecast

A forecast for the height of ocean waves, provided in 12, 24 and 36-hour increments. The Wave Height Forecast is available for the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the Great Lakes.

Wave Height Forecast

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes

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Wave Period Forecast

A forecast for the number of seconds between swells in the ocean and Great Lakes, provided in 12, 24 and 36-hour increments. The Wave Period Forecast is available for Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the Great Lakes.

Wave Period Forecast

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes

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Wave Direction Forecast

A forecast for the average wave direction, provided in 12, 24 and 36-hour increments. Each arrow points in the average direction of wave movement.

Wave Direction  Forecast

Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes

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