National Meteorological Service

The generic name given to the public institution or body of each member state of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), responsible for carrying out all the activities dictated by WMO programs, providing the state it depends on with a set of weather- and climate-related services. It is commonly referred to by the acronym NMS. In some countries, its remit includes hydrology, in which case the body in question comes to be considered a National Hydrometeorological Service (NHMS). Among the many functions carried out by an NMS, notable ones include meteorological observation, data collection, climatological studies, the production of various forecasting products, and weather monitoring. Its main objective is to contribute to the safety of people and property within the territory under its remit, by issuing warnings ahead of potential adverse (hydro)meteorological phenomena.