Radios

NOAA Radio Frequency: The 7 Weather Channels and How to Find Yours

The seven NOAA Weather Radio frequencies, how to find the transmitter and channel nearest you, how SAME codes work, and how to fix weak reception.

Last updated September 2026

A radio transmitter tower against a stormy sky over open fields
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A NOAA radio frequency is one of seven VHF channels that carry the weather radio network run by the National Weather Service. Your radio only needs one of them: the one used by the station nearest you. This guide lists all seven, shows how to find yours, and covers the settings that make a weather radio useful.

NOAA Weather Radio uses seven frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz. Each local transmitter uses one of them. Find your nearest transmitter on the National Weather Service station list, tune to its channel, and enter your county's SAME code so alerts only sound for your area.

NOAA radio frequency list: all seven channels

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts on seven frequencies in the VHF public service band:

Frequency Band
162.400 MHz VHF weather
162.425 MHz VHF weather
162.450 MHz VHF weather
162.475 MHz VHF weather
162.500 MHz VHF weather
162.525 MHz VHF weather
162.550 MHz VHF weather

Radios often label these as weather channels 1 to 7, and the numbering is not the same on every model. Go by the frequency your local transmitter uses, not the channel number. Canada's Weatheradio service uses the same seven frequencies.

What NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts

NOAA Weather Radio is a network of radio stations across the country. Each one plays weather news from the nearest weather office, all day and all night. The NWS calls it an "All Hazards" network. It is tied into the Emergency Alert System, so it also carries alerts for other threats.

The National Weather Service says the network has more than 1,000 transmitters. They cover all 50 states, nearby coastal waters, and U.S. territories.

How to find your local NOAA radio frequency

  1. Open the station list. The NWS station listing shows each transmitter, its location and its frequency.
  2. Pick the nearest station. Closer is often stronger, but hills can block a close one.
  3. Tune your radio. Set the frequency, or scan the seven weather channels until one comes in clear.
  4. Check the county list. Make sure that transmitter covers your county. The NWS county coverage page lists which transmitters serve each county.

Broadcast range and weak reception

The NWS says a full-power 1,000-watt transmitter reaches about 40 miles over flat ground. Real range depends on the land around you and how high the tower's antenna sits. It also depends on your radio. An outdoor antenna helps.

If reception is weak, the NWS suggests these steps:

  • Place the radio near a window facing the transmitter.
  • Keep it away from other electronics.
  • Move it to an upper floor if you can.
  • Try an external antenna if your radio has a jack for one.

Reception can also shift with the weather, most of all near the edge of a station's range.

SAME codes: alerts for your county only

SAME stands for Specific Area Message Encoding. Most transmitters cover several counties. A SAME radio only sounds for alerts in the counties you set. Each county has a six-digit SAME code.

The NWS suggests adding your own county and the nearby counties your weather tends to come from. Then you get a heads-up on what is on the way. Most newer radios accept several codes. The Midland weather radio guide walks through setting codes on a common model.

Alert tones and weekly tests

The NWS sends a 1050 Hz warning tone. It can switch on radios that support it when bad weather threatens the area. SAME alerts also carry event codes, so some radios let you pick which alert types to hear.

Every NWS office schedules a weekly test for each transmitter. Use it to check that your radio is on the right channel and your codes work.

Choosing a radio for your NOAA radio frequency

The NWS does not recommend one brand. It says to look for radios with the Public Alert and NOAA Weather Radio logos. For a bedside alert radio, look for SAME coding and battery backup. For a kit radio, look for a crank or solar option. The best weather radio guide compares both kinds, and the emergency radio hub covers the full set of picks.

Questions people also ask

What are the NOAA weather radio frequencies?

There are seven: 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525 and 162.550 MHz, all on the VHF public service band.

How far does a NOAA Weather Radio signal reach?

The National Weather Service says a full-power 1,000-watt transmitter reaches about 40 miles over level terrain. Hills, buildings and your radio's antenna all change that.

How do I find my local NOAA frequency?

Use the National Weather Service station listing or coverage maps to find the transmitter nearest you and its frequency. Then set your radio to that channel.

Can a scanner or ham radio pick up NOAA weather?

Many scanners and some two-way radios can tune the 162 MHz weather channels. A dedicated weather radio adds alert tones and SAME county coding.