Weather spotter training offers educational look at severe weather

Published on March 06, 2024

Springtime in Weld County also brings a heightened chance of severe weather. Before it arrives, the Weld County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is inviting residents to attend a free weather spotter training course. The course will be held Thursday, March 28, 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 emailing gmarquez@weld.gov or by calling (970) 304-6540. Seating is limited to 70 people, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register soon.

Designed for those learning about weather for the first time and experienced weather watchers, the course offers many benefits that will help residents better understand how forecasts are created, severe weather terminology and how weather elements such as clouds and high- and low-pressure systems can cause storms to occur. It’s this knowledge that Weld County OEM Director Roy Rudisill said makes the course an invaluable tool in boosting situational awareness for longstanding residents as well as those new to the county.

“Given the size of Weld County, weather situations often differ from what is being experienced on the rest of the Front Range and can change quickly,” Rudisill said. “This course can help everyone better understand weather patterns, as well as what elements cause severe weather, which can help everyone be more prepared to act if necessary.”

Offered by OEM, and led by a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS), the course will offer attendees a chance to ask and get answers to questions about weather. That, Rudisill said, is what makes every weather spotter training course interesting.

“Every course offers something new, whether that’s learning about the differences between a wall cloud and funnel cloud or the questions posed by those in attendance, this training offers people an up-close, educational look at weather in Weld County that’s well worth the time spent taking the training,” he said.

At the conclusion of the course, the NWS will provide an 800-number to participants, which will allow them to provide weather spotter information — approximate size of hail, shape of clouds, etc. — to the NWS during storms if they choose.