Locations#
Each forecast type needs its own kind of location:
- Marine zone forecasts need a NOAA marine zone, like
pkz738for Shelikof Strait. Find zones on the NWS Anchorage marine page. - TAFs and METARs need a 4-letter airport code in capitals, like
PADQfor Kodiak. - Point and model forecasts take any place, in any of the forms below.
Places#
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Latitude and longitude, in decimal degrees | 57.34 -153.273, or 57.34N 153.273W |
| Airport code, in capitals | PADQ |
| Plus Code (Open Location Code), full length | 9398HM3M+PQ |
| A named location | uganikbay |
| An inReach message’s location | Turn on “include location” and put no other place in the message |
West longitudes are negative, so Alaska’s are -153.273, not 153.273, unless you add the W.
Named locations#
A named location is a place name anyone can use in a request, so uganikbay alone gets the NOAA point forecast for Uganik Bay. Every pin on the map below is one. Anyone can add one, and once added it works for everyone.
To add one, click the spot on the map, type the name, and press Set name. The pin appears right away. If the name can’t be used, you’ll be asked for a different one.
A name must be at least 3 characters of letters, digits and underscores, with no spaces and no two digits in a row. It can’t be a word SMSWeather already uses, like gfs or help, or a name that’s taken. Good names are well known, like capeuganik or uyakbay, and specific: if a strait needs more than one point, use kupreanofeast, kupreanofwest and so on.
Or text save, the name and a place:
Only the operator can rename or remove a place, so email if one needs fixing.