REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE WEATHER BUREAU. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Weather Bureau, 

 Waslmicjton, D. C, August 28, 1900. 



Sir: I have the honor to submit a reijort of the operations of the 

 Weather Bureau during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 1900. 

 Respectfully, 



Willis L. Moore, 

 Chief of Weather Buremi. 

 Hon. James Wilson, Secretary. 



■work of the year. 



forecasts. 



The first and most important duty of the Weather Bureau, viz, the 

 forecasting of severe storms, troj)ical hurricanes, cold waves, and 

 frosts, has received careful attention during the year. The extension 

 of the system of observing stations over the West Indies and the 

 Caribbean Sea in 1898, and by cooperation with Mexico over the latter 

 country in 1899, very greatly increased the field of observation and 

 enabled the Bureau to herald the approach of all dangerous tropical 

 storms. The approach and movement of cold waves and the occur- 

 rence of killing frosts and heavy snows within the bounds of the 

 United States were also accurately forecast. 



No effort has been spared to improve and strengthen the forecast 

 service Avherever and whenever opportunity presented itself. Our 

 latest effort has been directed toward a more speedy collection of 

 telegraphic and cable reports from the Republic of Mexico and the 

 West Indies. The outlook for obtaining telegraphic advices from 

 these far-oflf regions within an hour and a half after the observations 

 are made is promising. 



An observing station was established at Turks Island, latitude 21° 

 21' N., longitude 71° 7' W., during the latter part of June, 1900, and 

 regular meteorological observations were begun July 1, 1900. The 

 station at Turks Island was needed to complete the chain of stations 

 extending from the Lesser Antilles northwestward to Bermuda and 

 the southeastern coast of the United States. 



NORTH ATLANTIC FORECASTS. 



The most important innovation by the Weather Bureau in the near 

 future will be the beginning of special storm forecasts for the North 

 Atlantic Ocean, a step made possible by the use of reports now received 



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