XM WX Data Products
- High Resolution NEXRAD
- High Resolution Radar
- Severe Weather Storm Tracks
- Wind Shear Detection
- Radar Coverage
- Surface Observations (METARs)
- Lightning
- Echo Tops
- NEXRAD Radar Summary
- Precipitation Type (at surface)
- Winds Aloft (at altitude)
- Buoy Data
- Surface Wind Speed and Direction
- Surface Pressure
- Sea Surface Temperature
- Hurricane Track
- Visibility
- Wave Heights
- Wave Period
- Wave Direction
- AIRMETs
- SIGMETs
- Turbulence
- Current Icing Product (CIP)
- Supercooled Large Droplets (SLD)
- County Warnings
- Freezing Level
- TFRs
- City Forecasts
- Surface Analysis Weather Maps
- TAFs
- Satellite Mosaic
- NWS Marine Zone Forecasts
- Day 1 Convective Outlooks
- Mesoscale Discussions
- SAW
- Canadian Winds
- Canadian Weather Warnings
- Canada Convective Outlook
- FishBytes
- Surface Wind Speed/Direction Forecast
- Surface Pressure Forecast
- Visibility Forecast
- Wave Height Forecast
- Wave Period Forecast
- Wave Direction Forecast
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 10dBz in intensity, and incorporates multiple radar elevations 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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 10 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 1.25 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by Jeppesen.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by Garmin.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 7.5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by Garmin.
Surface Pressure
This product provides the surface level pressure, displayed in millibars.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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).
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Wave Heights
Displays the height of ocean waves, based on model data. Available for the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Wave Period
Shows the number of seconds between swells in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the Great Lakes.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Turbulence
The turbulence data product allows you to monitor conditions by indicating the potential for erratic movement of high-altitude air mass-associated winds. Turbulence is classified in three levels of severity. The data shows conditions between 21,000 and 45,000 feet in altitude, displayed in 3,000-foot increments.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx
Current Icing Product (CIP)
Issued by the Aviation Weather Center, CIP identifies the current icing environment from 1,000 feet to 30,000 feet in 3,000 feet increments. The Current Icing Product is classified by the percentage of probability, or on one of five levels of severity, supplying you with information on areas where icing may occur.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx
Supercooled Large Droplets (SLD)
SLD Icing alerts you to the presence of relatively large, supercooled water droplets, which are indicative of freezing rain aloft. SLD data is provided in 3,000-foot increments, from 1,000 to 30,000 feet in altitude. The data is classified by the percentage of probability, or on one of five levels of severity, supplying you with information on areas where icing may occur.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Freezing Level
Displays the altitude and location at which 32°F (0°C) conditions first occur.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by Jeppesen.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 15 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 20 minutes (US and Canada Marine Zone Forecasts); 12 minutes (US Marine Weather Statements and Warnings)
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Mesoscale Discussions
Graphic and textual descriptions of current and developing weather situations.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Canadian Winds
Indicates wind speed and direction from 3000 ft. to 53,000 ft. for sites around Canada.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Canadian Weather Warnings
Textual weather warnings for Canada. These are public advisories, watches or warnings to alert for significant weather situations.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 5 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
Canada Convective Outlook
Issued noting the potential for convective weather. Only issued for Ontario during the summer months.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 12 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 20 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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).
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
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.
Minimum Data Broadcast Frequency: 60 minutes
Data image represented by WxWorx.
