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What can I do with home precipitation observations?
Precipitation can widely vary over a region; consequently, local observations of precipitation are valuable weather observations. Contributing your personal observations via a community-based network of volunteers can help with weather and river forecasts.
One well known observation network is the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS (https://www.cocorahs.org). This is a group of volunteers working together to measure precipitation across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Bahamas. CoCoRaHS began on June 17, 1998 and now has over 26,000 observers. The variability of precipitation is such that observers are always needed. Joining is easy at https://www.cocorahs.org/application.aspx. There are many observers in Wisconsin and the surrounding region. Once you begin to participate, it is interesting to see the measurements of other observers in your area. Continue reading
What are the impacts of the recent cuts to NOAA and NWS?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service (NWS), is a vital partner in the nation’s weather enterprise. They provide essential products and services that benefit the U.S. economy and the health and safety of us all. Citizens and businesses rely on accurate and timely forecasts. Due to the inexplicable decisions of the current administration, many NOAA and NWS employees have been terminated without cause.
These recent terminations will have far-reaching consequences for public safety and the nation’s economic well-being. NOAA professionals on ‘probationary status’ are not just new employees; some have recently been awarded with career advancements resulting from their outstanding work that helps safeguard our communities by helping to keep all of us informed, prepared, and safe. Continue reading
Category: History, Uncategorized
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Interview on WRN
“The Weather Guys” were recently interviewed by Bob Hague of the Wisconsin Radio Network. Check out the full interview on the WRN website: https://www.wrn.com/uw-madisons-weather-guys-concerned-about-layoffs-at-noaa-and-nws Steve Ackerman and Jonathan Martin, professors in the UW-Madison department of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, are … Continue reading
How do we measure global cloud cover?
Because clouds are involved in the global water cycle as well as our planet’s energy gains and losses, they constitute an important component of our atmosphere, weather, and climate.
Determining global cloud cover requires observations that cover the entire planet. Observations from weather satellites provide a modern estimate of the global cloud cover. These satellites are operated by several countries and their data is shared through international agreements. Discrimination between clear and cloudy regions is a crucial first step in most applications of satellite data, such as estimating ocean temperature or assessing the health of land vegetation. Continue reading
What does the National Weather Service do?
The National Weather Service (NWS) is a subdivision of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is an agency within the United States Department of Commerce. It is the nation’s official source of weather information. The NWS’s primary responsibility is providing weather forecasts, warnings, and other weather-related services to the public. The NWS plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property as the office collaborates with emergency management agencies, the media, and private industries to ensure that the public receives good weather information in a timely manner. The NWS disseminates weather warnings and advisories through a wide variety of communication channels, such as radio, television, websites, and mobile apps. Continue reading
