The time of observation for NWS is recorded in which format?

The time of observation for the National Weather Service (NWS) is recorded in Local Standard Time (LST) for most regional observational reports. This system allows observers to note the time based on their specific local time zones, accommodating variations in daylight saving time and providing context that can be useful for local weather analysis and for users who reference these observations in their local context.

While other time formats like UTC and GMT are globally recognized and used in various meteorological and aviation contexts, LST is specifically tailored to the regional needs of the NWS. UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is often used in international contexts, but local observers generally find LST to be more relevant for immediate weather conditions in their area. Therefore, the choice of LST is particularly valuable for local weather reports that are aimed at the residents and meteorologists in specific time zones.