National Weather Center Norman
A hub for meteorological research, home to the Storm Prediction Center and NOAA. A must-visit for weather enthusiasts and storm chasers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for inside access
National Weather Center Norman
Best Time
Best chance for inside access

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hub for meteorological research, home to the Storm Prediction Center and NOAA. A must-visit for weather enthusiasts and storm chasers.
"Meteorology fans will like this. The National Weather Center is an impressive modern building."
🎯 Attend the Weather Festival
This annual event is your best bet for inside tours & exhibits! Check dates for October .
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
The building is impressive from the outside. Great for storm chaser photos! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

National Weather Festival
National Weather Center Grounds
An annual event offering rare inside access, interactive exhibits, and a chance to meet meteorologists and see weather technology.

Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
Inside the National Weather Center
Witness where critical severe weather outlooks and warnings for the US are developed. A dream for storm chasers!

Tornado Lab & Doppler Lab
Inside the National Weather Center
Explore cutting-edge research facilities, including simulators and labs dedicated to understanding and predicting tornadoes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit Around the Weather Festival
Understand Access and Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Attend the Weather Festival
This annual event is your best bet for inside tours & exhibits! Check dates for October.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
The building is impressive from the outside. Great for storm chaser photos! :camerawithflash:
🎓 Student-Led Tours
Inquire about potential tours led by meteorology grad students.
☕ Grab a Bite at Flying Cow Cafe
Enjoy a snack or coffee at the onsite cafe during your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Attend the Weather Festival
This annual event is your best bet for inside tours & exhibits! Check dates for October.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
The building is impressive from the outside. Great for storm chaser photos! :camerawithflash:
🎓 Student-Led Tours
Inquire about potential tours led by meteorology grad students.
☕ Grab a Bite at Flying Cow Cafe
Enjoy a snack or coffee at the onsite cafe during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Weather Center as a fascinating destination for meteorology enthusiasts and storm chasers, especially during the annual Weather Festival which offers rare interior access and interactive exhibits. While the building's architecture is impressive, general public access outside of events is limited, leading some to wish for more open visiting hours.
"i was here a few days ago because my mom knows one of the workers here!! i cant wait to go here after i graduate high school and do what these awesome people do!!!"
Keaton Hawkins
"Very nice place to visit. The security guy was very sympathic and made our experience better :)"
Lawrence Everitt
"Meteorology fans will like this.
The National Weather Center is on the campus of Oklahoma State University, and is an impressive 6 story modern building housing the Storm Prediction Center, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and several other weather related government entities. Tours are led be meteorology grad students, last 90 minutes, and give you the highlights of the facility. You can buy souvenirs or have a snack at the "Flying Cow" Cafe!"
Al Schwartz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Weather Center is located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma. If driving, use GPS coordinates for the university and follow signs for the National Weather Center. Parking availability can vary, especially during events.
Public transportation options within Norman may be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the center, especially if you are coming from outside Norman.
Parking can be challenging, particularly during the annual Weather Festival. Check the university's parking regulations or look for designated visitor parking areas. Arriving early is often advised.
Yes, the exterior is accessible, and the annual Weather Festival offers public access. For interior tours outside of the festival, it's best to inquire about organized group tours or student-led visits.
The National Weather Center is a prominent building on the University of Oklahoma campus. Follow campus signage for the National Weather Center or the School of Meteorology.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required for exterior viewing. However, for the annual National Weather Festival, which is the primary opportunity for inside access, tickets or registration might be necessary. Check the festival's official website for details.
As a research facility, the National Weather Center does not have traditional public operating hours. Access is typically limited to scheduled events like the Weather Festival or pre-arranged tours.
Interior tours are usually only available during the annual National Weather Festival. Outside of this event, tours may be offered for specific academic groups or by meteorology graduate students.
Admission fees for the National Weather Festival can vary year to year. It's best to check the official event information closer to the date for any associated costs.
Follow the National Weather Center's official social media channels and website, and keep an eye out for announcements regarding the annual Weather Festival or any other public access opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
From the outside, you can admire the architecture. During the Weather Festival, you can explore interactive exhibits, see weather technology, and meet meteorologists.
The Storm Prediction Center and tornado labs are key attractions.Absolutely! It's a dream destination for storm chasers, housing the Storm Prediction Center and advanced weather research facilities. Seeing the exterior and learning about the work done here is inspiring.
Interactive exhibits are primarily featured during the annual National Weather Festival. These often include tornado simulators and demonstrations of weather technology.
Yes, you can take photos of the exterior of the National Weather Center. During the Weather Festival, photography is generally permitted within the event areas.
The #OKWX hashtag is used by meteorologists and weather enthusiasts in Oklahoma to share weather-related information, forecasts, and observations, often associated with the National Weather Center's work.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the National Weather Center has a cafe called the 'Flying Cow' Cafe where visitors can purchase snacks and drinks.
The Flying Cow Cafe typically offers a selection of snacks, coffee, and light refreshments suitable for a quick bite during your visit.
Being located on the University of Oklahoma campus, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding Norman area, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks or drinks for personal consumption, especially if you're just visiting the exterior. Check specific policies if attending an event.
Yes, the Flying Cow Cafe is typically open to the public, serving students, staff, and visitors to the National Weather Center.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture of the National Weather Center building itself offers striking photographic opportunities. The grounds and any water features can also be scenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses and around government facilities due to security and safety regulations. It's best to check with the University of Oklahoma and the National Weather Center for their specific drone policies.
During the Weather Festival, you might have opportunities to photograph helicopters, meteorologists, and interactive displays.
The event itself is a great subject for photos.A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is suitable for capturing the architecture and event details. If you're interested in storm chasing, telephoto lenses might be useful for distant observations.
During the Weather Festival, photography is generally allowed. However, for any other potential interior access, it's wise to ask permission from staff or tour guides before taking photos, especially of sensitive research areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Outside of the festival, the NWC is primarily a research facility, so interior access is limited. However, the impressive architecture of the building itself can still spark curiosity. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited to the 'Flying Cow' Cafe.
⛈️ Storm Chasers & Weather Enthusiasts
Even if you can't get an inside tour, learning about the research conducted here, such as atmospheric studies related to wind farms, offers a deeper appreciation for the science. The NWC represents the forefront of meteorological research and forecasting in the US.
🎓 Students (Meteorology & Science)
For any science student, visiting the NWC, especially during the Weather Festival, can be incredibly inspiring. It showcases the practical application of scientific principles and the impact of weather research on society. It's a fantastic place to explore potential career paths in atmospheric science and related fields.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the National Weather Center's Role
Researchers and meteorologists at the NWC work on a variety of critical tasks, from developing advanced weather models to studying the dynamics of tornadoes and hurricanes. Their work directly contributes to public safety by providing timely and accurate weather information. Visitors, especially during the annual Weather Festival, get a glimpse into this complex and essential scientific endeavor.
While much of the NWC's work is behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of research and operational forecasting, the National Weather Festival offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage with meteorology. This event allows attendees to see firsthand the tools and technologies used by weather professionals and learn about the science behind weather prediction.
The Thrill of Storm Chasing and the NWC
Many meteorology students and researchers at the University of Oklahoma are actively involved in storm chasing. Trips to the NWC are often part of their academic journey, providing exposure to the professional environment and the cutting edge of weather research. Even if you're not a professional storm chaser, visiting the NWC can provide a profound appreciation for the dedication and science involved in understanding and predicting these formidable natural forces.
While direct access to the SPC and other operational areas is limited, the NWC's exterior and the surrounding campus offer a sense of place for storm enthusiasts. The annual Weather Festival is particularly appealing, as it often features displays and interactions with storm chasing teams and their equipment.
Community Engagement and the Weather Festival
During the festival, attendees can expect a variety of activities, including hands-on exhibits, demonstrations of weather technology, and opportunities to meet local TV meteorologists and researchers. Helicopters and other weather-related vehicles are often on display, providing exciting visual elements for visitors. The festival aims to demystify weather science and highlight the critical role the NWC plays in public safety.
Beyond the festival, the NWC's presence on the University of Oklahoma campus fosters a strong connection with the academic community. Meteorology students benefit from direct access to world-class facilities and experts, preparing them for future careers in weather forecasting and research. This synergy between research, education, and community outreach is a defining characteristic of the National Weather Center.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit