NOUS42 KCAE 122242

PNSCAE



PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COLUMBIA SC

540 PM EST FRI DEC 12 2025



…National Weather Service Columbia, SC Transitioning to a New Format 

for the Area Forecast Discussion Beginning JAN 12 2026…





Beginning at 1200 PM EST on January 12, 2026, the National Weather 

Service Columbia, SC Forecast Office will transition to a Key 

Message format for the Area Forecast Discussion (AFDCAE).  





This strategic change aligns the Area Forecast Discussion (AFD) with 

an impacts-first message philosophy, enabling our office to 

streamline communication and reduce redundancy. This transition 

moves away from a strictly chronological layout to focus immediately 

on potential weather impacts and hazards. By prioritizing Key 

Messages, we aim to enhance clarity and eliminate duplication within 

the Area Forecast Discussion.





A side-by-side comparison of the old format and the new format 

templates can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/erh/newAFD





The latest local AFD can be found at the following link: 

https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=cae&issuedby=CAE&produc 

t=AFD





For any questions, please contact:



Frank Alsheimer 

Acting Meteorologist in Charge

National Weather Service Columbia, SC

frank.alsheimer@noaa.gov





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