03/22/2022
National Weather Service Offering Free SKYWARN Spotter Classes
Weather Spotters Needed Across the Northland
DULUTH, MN (March 25, 2022) — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth, Minnesota, will be offering annual Skywarn Spotter Training classes this spring to recruit weather spotters! Skywarn is a cooperative effort between the NWS, local emergency management, and private citizens who volunteer their time to attend free classes and send their weather reports to the NWS. Volunteers who commit to attending these classes serve a vital need for the NWS by monitoring and reporting severe weather conditions. These reports, in turn, help the NWS deliver accurate and timely severe weather warnings. The class is great for anyone who wants to learn more about weather, and no weather background is necessary to attend the class! The course covers:
● thunderstorm safety
● the science of thunderstorms
● different types of cloud formations and what they mean
● how spotters can get their reports to the National Weather Service
For 2022, there will be a mix of both virtual and in-person classes, with a variety of days and times available to accommodate different schedules. Classes are completely free and last about an hour and a half. The NWS will continue to offer both its normal Basic course, and a special Advanced class for those wanting more in-depth learning about the science of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Current spotters are requested to attend the course at least every four years. (There is also a recorded version of the course on the NWS website for those that are unable to attend a live class.)
The full class schedule is available online at weather.gov/dlh/skywarn. For more information, contact Warning Coordination Meteorologist Joe Moore at [email protected].
About the National Weather Service Duluth, MN office
The mission of the National Weather Service is to provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts, and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy. The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Duluth, MN, is one of 122 field offices that provide forecasts and warnings across the United States and its territories. NWS Duluth serves 18 counties across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, as well as the nearshore waters of western Lake Superior. The office is open 24/7/365 with a dedicated team of meteorologists and support staff providing a continuous weather watch across the Northland.