DAVENPORT, Iowa — Do you have a passion for keeping an eye on the sky or measuring rain/snow? Perhaps you are just interested in expanding your knowledge of impactful weather? The U.S. National Weather Service has an event coming up that you'll likely be interested in!
This December, the National Weather Service will offer free spotter training, all of which will be offered online, so you can expand your knowledge of weather all from the comfort of your own home!
There will be a total of three sessions you can register for, but you only need to register for one. Each session will cover weather from all seasons, including severe weather and how to measure and report snowfall amounts.
The following sessions are available, and registration is now open (click dates to register):
Who should attend these sessions?
This training is open to everyone, especially those who are at least 10 years old. No previous knowledge of the weather is necessary. There is absolutely no cost to attend, and they last around two hours. It's a great opportunity to not only learn about how you can help keep people in and around the Quad Cities safe from severe weather, but also a chance to become familiar with our local meteorologists working at the National Weather Service.
What will be covered?
Everything from winter storms to severe weather. Measuring snowfall and reporting it is important to the forecast and verification process. Currently, there is no automated method for measuring snowfall, unlike rainfall, which can be easily measured with electronic rain gauges. Snowfall data is essential, as it provides valuable insights to help improve forecasts for future winter storms. These measurements play a crucial role in various fields such as weather prediction, transportation, agriculture, and emergency management.
Don't forget that tornadoes can develop during any month of the year here in the QCA!
This winter session will not replace the usual spring severe storm spotter sessions. Those will still be held in-person and virtually for 2025. Registration for those times usually opens early in the new year.
Don't forget that our online Storm Track 8 University is also a great resource for learning more about how our weather works here in the Quad Cities and beyond.
