What is RSS?

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a web feed that allows users and applications to access updates to websites in a standardized, computer-readable format. RSS feeds can be used to stay informed about online content that changes or is updated often, such as news articles or podcast episodes. RSS feeds contain headlines, summaries and links to full content on the refering website.  Feeds are written in Internet coding language known as XML (eXtensible Markup Language).   

To view RSS feeds on topics of their choosing, users need to enable programs called feed readers or aggregators. There are a variety of RSS readers available on the web; some are free to download and others are available for purchase.  Once a reader is available, simply 'subscribes' to a feed by either clicking a topic below, clicking the "Subscribe to [topic]" on one of our list news pages, or entering the link of an RSS feed (https://www.noaa.gov/rss.xml for this site) about a desired topic into the feed reader. The RSS feed reader then checks the subscribed feeds to see if any have new content since the last time it checked, and if so, retrieves the new content and presents it to the user.  It's a convenient format because it allows you to view all the new content from multiple sources in one location on your desktop or mobile device.

Some readers have the options to enter an email address which will send updates to your inbox.  Each reader is slightly different and will offer different functionality, however the basic access to updates and information from NOAA.gov, other NOAA sites, and other sites across the web will help you stay informed on topics that are important to you.