National Data Buoy Center Station Observations (Hourly Update)

NOAA National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Observations provide near–real time and historical meteorological and oceanographic measurements from a nationwide network of moored buoys, coastal stations, and oil rigs. These observations support marine operations, weather forecasting, climate analysis, and coastal and offshore management. Meteorological Observations NDBC platforms routinely measure: Wind speed, direction, and gusts – used for marine forecasting, navigation safety, offshore operations, and search and rescue planning. Atmospheric pressure – critical for detecting and tracking storms, fronts, and rapidly intensifying systems. Air temperature and relative humidity – used in weather models, heat index calculations, and climate monitoring. Visibility and precipitation (select stations) – support situational awareness for mariners and coastal users. Oceanographic Observations NDBC also collects key marine and ocean condition data, including: Wave height, period, and direction – foundational for marine safety, coastal engineering, sediment transport studies, and wave energy assessments. Sea surface temperature (SST) – used for weather prediction, climate variability studies, ecosystem monitoring, and fisheries management. Water currents (select platforms) – support navigation safety, spill response, and ocean circulation analysis. Water level and tides (co-located or integrated systems) – used for coastal flooding, storm surge analysis, and shoreline management. General Uses NDBC observations are widely used for: Operational weather and marine forecasting by NOAA and international partners. Navigation safety and maritime decision‑making for commercial shipping, fisheries, recreation, and offshore energy. Emergency response (e.g., storms, oil spills, search and rescue). Scientific research and climate analysis, including long-term trend assessment. Coastal and offshore planning, engineering design, and environmental management. Dataset Summary Phenomenon Mapped: Buoy Observations (Meterological and Oceanographic) Geographic Extent: 50 United States plus Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands Layer Projection: World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 1984) Time Extent: Most recent Update Frequency: Hourly Visible Scale: This layer preforms well between scales of 1:50,000,000 to 1:1,000. Source: National Data Buoy Center NDBC Publication Date: June 15, 2026 This layer has a companion layer, Latest Shipboard Observations (Hourly Update), showing meterological and oceanographic observations taken onboard transiting vessels across the world. What can you do with this layer? NDBC data are commonly visualized and analyzed to provide spatial context for real-time conditions and decision support across marine, coastal, and ocean-related workflows. Questions? Please leave a comment below if you have a question about this layer, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.