Definition

Noun: An administrative unit or government agency responsible for the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of meteorological data for the purpose of weather study, forecasting, and issuing public warnings.

Usage

The term "weather bureau" specifically refers to the official organization tasked with weather-related services. It is often used in historical contexts or to refer to national meteorological services in some countries. - The weather bureau issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the coastal region. - Farmers often rely on reports from the weather bureau to plan their planting and harvesting schedules.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: In the United States, the agency now known as the National Weather Service was originally called the "U.S. Weather Bureau" from 1890 until 1970.
  • The old U.S. Weather Bureau building now houses a museum.

Variants and Related Words

• Meteorological office/service: A more modern and internationally common term for a weather bureau.
  • The UK's national service is called the Met Office (Meteorological Office).
• National Weather Service (NWS): The current name for the primary U.S. agency.
• Forecast office: A local branch of a national weather service that issues forecasts for a specific area.

Synonyms

• Meteorological agency
• Weather service
• Forecast center

Related Phrases

• Bureau of Meteorology (BOM): The official name of the national weather bureau in Australia.
• Weather station: A specific facility that collects data, often part of a larger weather bureau's network.
  • The weather bureau maintains hundreds of automated weather stations across the country.

Noun

1. an administrative unit responsible for gathering and interpreting meteorological data for weather study and forecasts