1. Prep to be a SKYWARNⓇ Weather Spotter
Follow Rob Macedo, KD1CY and the Boston NWS
https://wx1box.org/
Get familiar with the material covered by KD1CY in his 2-hour SKYWARN Training and Review video from 2023 posted there: https://youtu.be/19AQfzxO648?feature=shared
2023 Virtual SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training
“This is the recording of the 2023 Virtual SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training from Saturday May 13th 2023. This presentation helps support taking and passing the online quiz to become a new SKYWARN Spotter or to refresh your SKYWARN training to support the retraining requirement every 5 years. This virtual training was taught by Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator & SKYWARN Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY.”
Stay tuned for virtual and in-person 2024 training options.
Learn how to provide critical situational awareness and support your community.
2. FREE Cloud Charts
Plus great interactive learning tips for every age.
Have you looked at clouds from both sides now and still not sure what you are seeing? Start here!
https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/clouds/nws-cloud-chart
Did you know? “In the United States today, the 27 cloud symbols are no longer plotted on surface maps. Weather observations became computerized in the 1990s, and these automated observing systems can only detect cloud height, not cloud type. However, weather observations by humans continue in most of the world and include the ‘state of the sky’ using these symbols.”
https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/cloudchart-front.pdf
3. Go Deeper: Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio 3rd Edition
by Mike Corey, KI1U (RI Assistant Section Manager – among so many other things) with contributing editor Rob Macedo, KD1CY
ISBN: 978-1-62595-141-0. Available from ARRL or Amazon. Highly recommended.
“During severe weather events, thousands of ham radio volunteers provide real-time information to partners like emergency management and forecasters at the National Weather Service. Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio can help you become one of those volunteers, providing ground-truth information when it is needed most.”
4. Invest in a High or Low Tech Weather Station
High-Tech – The Weather Flow Tempest Weather Station – Amazon $339
Classic Professional Grade: Davis Vantage Pro Weather Station, runs over $1500
Entry Level Weather Station options are many from $50-$300
Low-Tech – CoCoRaHS Rain Gauge. – Participate daily in the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network https://cocorahs.org/
5. Join a SKYWARN Net
The RI SKYWARN Net meets every Wednesday at 19:30 on the NB1RI Network.
During severe weather events the net activates at least daily at 19:30 and more often as needed. The SKYWARN net is open to all licensed operators and welcomes new participants. Net Manager – Martin N1JMA
For more on SKYWARN and RI ARES nets hosted on the linked NB1RI Repeater network, see:
RI ARES & SKYWARN Nets: https://riares.org/nets
NB1RI repeater network: https://nb1ri.net/
Did you know …. that fog melts snow faster than rain?
meteorological wisdom courtesy of Peter Bartram, KQ1X
Are you a meteorology-minded ham? A confused beginner?
Join the SKYWARN net Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
Let’s mentor one another before the storm