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What are radiosondes?
Radiosondes are instrument packages that measure the vertical profiles of air temperature, relative humidity, and pressure from the ground all the way up to about 19 miles. These radio-equipped meteorological instrument packages are carried aloft by a helium-filled “weather balloon.” … Continue reading
Why does the severe weather threat increase as spring and summer approach?
As the threat of winter snows recedes across the country, it is replaced by the threat of severe weather (i.e. thunderstorms with hail, damaging winds and tornadoes).
The severe weather season, though broadly spanning March through August across the United States, is actually quite regional. It begins in March in the southern states, moves to the southern Plains during April and May, and then further north toward the Great Lakes states during the summer. Continue reading
Category: Meteorology, Seasons, Severe Weather
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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
