Upcoming training offers opportunity to learn more about weather

Published on February 08, 2023

To help residents become better prepared and more knowledgeable about the types of severe weather they may face during the spring and summer, the Weld County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting a free in-person weather spotter training course. The course will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Weld County Administration Building, located at 1150 O St. in Greeley. Registration is required and can be completed online, by calling OEM at (970) 304-6540 or by emailing gmarquez@weldgov.com. Capacity for the training is limited to 70 people, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register quickly.

In a county as large as Weld — nearly 4,000 square miles — residents are susceptible to many different types of severe weather, ranging from thunderstorms and lightning, flooding, tornadoes and severe wind. Weather spotter training, led by a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS), will explore how many of those conditions occur by explaining how different elements — clouds, high- and low-pressure systems, etc. — contribute to severe weather. Participants will also learn more about how the NWS monitors weather, develops forecasts and issues advisories, watches and warnings. There will also be an opportunity for those in attendance to get answers to many weather-related questions.

“There is a great benefit in attending the weather spotter training. It allows people to learn from an NWS expert how and why severe weather occurs — knowledge that helps determine what actions to take when weather changes,” said Roy Rudisill, Director of Weld County’s OEM. “The information presented will help people better understand weather reports and how the weather impacts them. By becoming more familiar with severe weather, participants can become better prepared for severe weather before it occurs and feel confident during weather emergencies, which strengthens their individual resiliency.”

The course is geared toward newcomers and experienced weather watchers alike. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to become a certified weather spotter at the conclusion of the course. However, becoming a weather spotter is optional.

“While becoming a weather spotter is an option at the end of training, it’s not required for those who want to attend,” Rudisill said. “We just encourage everyone — newcomers as well as those who’ve taken the course before — to consider registering. It’s a good refresher on weather information, and there is something new presented every year.”

Learn more about weather spotter training by reading a past issue of the County Roots newsletter.