NOAA Weather Radio Broadcasts

The Taunton office operates five NOAA Weather Radio transmitters across southern New England. These broadcast weather forecasts and provide current up to date weather information 24 hours per day. A radio that receives very high frequency (VHF) broadcasts is required to listen to NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts. Some receivers such as police scanners also include the "weather band." Other special radios are made specifically for NOAA Weather Broadcasts.

Here is a list of the transmitters. 

Main City Served  Frequency  Location of Transmitter

Boston, MA        162.475    Blue Hill, MA
Gloucester, MA    162.425    Gloucester, MA (Marine ONLY Broadcast)New Info
Hartford, CT      162.475    Soapstone Mtn, North Somers, CT
Hyannis, MA       162.550    Camp Edwards, MA
Southern NH       162.525    Peterborough, NH (Pack Monadnock) New Info
Providence, RI    162.400    Johnston RI (WPRO tower)
Worcester, MA     162.550    Mt. Asnebumskit (Paxton)

This map will show you the location and approximate range of each transmitter.

By nature and design, NOAA Weather Radio coverage is limited to an area within 40 miles of the transmitter. The quality of what is heard is dictated by the distance from the transmitter, local terrain, and the quality and location of the receiver. In general, those on flat terrain or at sea, using a high quality receiver, can expect reliable reception far beyond 40 miles. Those living in cities surrounded by large buildings or in hilly areas may experience poor reception at considerably less than 40 miles.

Broadcast Schedules

Our broadcasts include products that are repeated regularly every several minutes during the hour as well as other forecasts and warnings that are only issued at specific times or as needed. For a complete schedule click on the transmitter city name in the list above.

Automated Voice Improvement

The NWS is currently in the process of replacing the computer-generated voice currently used on NOAA Weather Radio. You can hear samples of the new voices at http://www.weather.gov/nwr/newvoice.htm

Weekly Tests

Every Wednesday between 10 AM and Noon, Eastern time, a test is conducted which tests the tone alert system. The test will not occur when severe weather is occuring or expected, and will be posponed to the first good weather day. This test provides a way to check the functioning of radio receiver alarms.

FIPS Codes For Weather Receivers

The newer NOAA Weather Radio receivers require special codes so the receiver will send an alert when there is severe weather. Here is a list of the codes for each of the counties for which the Boston office forecasts. 
Connecticut:           Massachusetts:         New Hampshire:
Hartford   009003      Barnstable 025001      Cheshire   033005
Tolland    009013      Bristol    025005      Hillsboro  033011
Windham    009015      Dukes      025007
                       Essex      025009
Rhode Island:          Franklin   025011
Bristol    044001      Hampden    025013
Kent       044003      Hampshire  025015       
Newport    044005      Middlesex  025017
Providence 044007      Nantucket  025019
Washington 044009      Norfolk    025021
                       Plymouth   025023
                       Suffolk    025025
                       Worcester  025027

Receiver Recalls

For information on weather radio receiver recalls, go to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPS) web site and choose "Radios (Weather)" in the product Type list.

More Information About NOAA Weather Radio

* NWR national home page
* NOAA Weather Radio online pamphlet
* FIPS codes throughout the US
* Special-Needs NOAA Weather Radio for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals