What are the NOAA weather radio frequencies?
Updated October 6, 2026
Short answer
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts on seven VHF frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz. Each NOAA Weather Radio transmitter broadcasts on one of the seven frequencies. A radio has to be set to the frequency of a nearby transmitter.
Where do the seven frequencies reach?
The stations broadcast on seven frequencies between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards has more than 1,000 transmitters covering all 50 states and adjacent coastal waters. Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the US Pacific Territories are covered too. Each transmitter broadcasts on one of the seven frequencies.
A radio has to be set to the frequency of a nearby transmitter. Weather radios on our shortlist tune all 7 NWS channels. The network broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches and forecasts 24 hours a day.
How do you set a radio to the right one?
A radio has to be set to the frequency of a nearby transmitter. The Midland WR120B receives all 7 NWS channels. A SAME weather radio sounds an alert only for the counties or areas you program into it. SAME codes are six-digit codes for a county or part of a county.
Do emergency radios receive them too?
The NOAA weather band receives National Weather Service broadcasts in the US. A radio with a NOAA alert function switches on by itself when a warning is broadcast. The Midland ER310PRO has 7 NOAA weather alert channels next to AM and FM. The Kaito KA500 adds 7 preset weather channels and two shortwave bands.
A hand crank radio charges its built-in battery when you turn the crank. A solar panel charges it slowly in daylight. The ER310PRO carries a 10,000 mAh battery rated for 200+ hours of radio use. Battery life figures are claims by the maker under the maker's own test conditions.
Which radio for the frequencies alone?
A weather radio with battery backup keeps listening for alerts when the power goes out. The WR120B is the choice for alerts at home. The ER310PRO and KA500 add AM and FM and need no cell network or internet connection. Both can charge a phone from the radio.
- Midland WR120B: weather band only with SAME and 3 x AA backup
- Midland ER310PRO: AM/FM/NOAA with crank and solar charging plus a 10,000 mAh battery
- Kaito KA500: AM/FM/SW/NOAA with five power options including 3 x AA
From our shortlist
Dedicated NOAA SAME alert radio with a 90 dB siren and jacks for a strobe or bed shaker.
Hand crank and solar NOAA alert radio with a 10,000 mAh battery and Bluetooth streaming.
Shortwave and NOAA alert radio with five power options including AA batteries and AC adapter.
Related questions
Does NOAA Weather Radio cover the whole country?
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards has more than 1,000 transmitters covering all 50 states and adjacent coastal waters. Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the US Pacific Territories are covered too. Each transmitter broadcasts on one of the seven frequencies. A radio has to be set to the frequency of a nearby transmitter.
Can I receive NOAA weather radio in Canada?
NOAA Weather Radio is a US service. Weatheradio Canada shut down in March 2026. Environment Canada now points to its WeatherCAN app. AM and FM radio need no cell network or internet connection. The Kaito KA500 and Midland ER310PRO both receive AM and FM.
Do I need SAME to use the frequencies?
No. Any radio with the NOAA weather band receives the broadcasts. SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) lets a weather radio sound an alert only for the counties or areas the owner programs. The Midland WR120B has SAME. The ER310PRO and the Kaito KA500 list a NOAA alert function but no SAME in their specs.
More questions
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