Understanding the different products issued by the National Hurricane Center helps you get the right information for your needs.
The Public Advisory is the primary product for the general public. It provides essential information in plain language about the storm's current status and forecast.
Every 6 hours at 5 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM, and 11 PM EDT
Every 3 hours when watches/warnings are in effect
This is the official source for watches and warnings!
The Discussion provides the meteorological reasoning behind the forecast. It's written by forecasters for a technical audience.
Includes discussion of:
Great for learning how forecasters think!
Specifically designed for marine interests, providing detailed information about conditions at sea.
Essential for vessel routing decisions!
Special bulletins issued between regular advisories when significant changes occur.
Brief, focused updates highlighting only what has changed.
Updates mean something significant has changed!
Can be issued at any time
Statistical probabilities of experiencing tropical storm and hurricane force winds at specific locations.
Use for go/no-go decisions based on your risk tolerance
Shows the probable path of the storm center. The cone represents the likely area the center will pass through, NOT the extent of impacts!
Display current and forecast extent of tropical storm and hurricane force winds.
Graphical overview of the main hazards and impacts in simple language.
The cone does NOT show the only area that will be impacted! Dangerous conditions often extend well outside the cone.
The Saharan Air Layer is a mass of very dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert and moves westward across the Atlantic Ocean during hurricane season. It significantly impacts tropical cyclone development.
Real-time Saharan Air Layer satellite imagery is available with Advanced or Professional plans. Upgrade now to access current dust tracking.
Regular: 5 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM, 11 PM
Intermediate: 2 AM, 8 AM, 2 PM, 8 PM
(When watches/warnings active)