NOUS41 KBUF 021439
PNSBUF
NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-030245-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
939 AM EST Fri Jan 2 2026

…National Weather Service Buffalo Transitioning to a New Format 
for the Area Forecast Discussion Beginning January 8, 2026…

Beginning approximately 1 AM EST on Thursday, January 8, 2026, 
the National Weather Service Buffalo, New York, Forecast Office 
will transition to a Key Message format for the Area Forecast 
Discussion (AFDBUF). 

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=BUF&issuedby=BUF&product=AFD

For any questions, please contact:

Michael Fries
Meteorologist in Charge
National Weather Service Buffalo, NY
michael.j.fries@noaa.gov

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