Weather Spotters

Sometimes I joke that “weather is my life”. And, for the Farmers’ Almanac, it is an important part of what we do. In the 1800s it was important for farmers to plan  according to the Farmers’ Almanac. In more recent years, because we travel far and wide and do so with a sense of urgency, planning (including weather) is just as vital…. maybe more so.

I also realize that weather folklore is the result of observations by folks over centuries. Over the weekend I attended  weather spotter training conducted by the National Weather Service (Gray, Maine Office). Even with the sophistication of computers and satellites, they depend upon people on the ground to report what is actually  happening.This is called “ground truth”.

In order to have ground truth, you have to have an army of people who observe conditions and report unusual activity to the NWS so they can update and pass on appropriate warnings. The training focused on observation of cloud formations and resulting  thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail , etc. If your local NWS Office offers such training, I recommend it.

The National Weather Service is is one arm of the Federal Government that impacts all of us every day.  Weather, by it’s nature and because of unique topography, can vary tremendously. They do  need the support of “spotters”. If you are interested in becoming a spotter contact the local office of the National Weather Service. The information you learn and the service you provide is “priceless:.