Ross' Blog

What do you call a group of 250 meteorologists getting together for the weekend to learn more about severe weather?

Okay, so it isn't actually a joke and I probably know what you are thinking already. I just returned from Des Moines, IA where we spent a great deal of time learning more about severe weather and how to better identify areas where storms develop. New research on severe storms continue and we are learning more about tornadoes and what processes are involved in bringing them to the ground. I like to think new research in meteorology is similar to the medical field; new medicines and discoveries will help fight sickness and could lead to a longer, more healthy life. New discoveries in meteorology will not only lead to better forecasts but also help us pinpoint exactly where severe weather and tornadoes might occur and help save lives.

I wish I had a picture, but Thursday and Friday night when the severe weather was occurring here in Kansas and in New Mexico, there were about 40 people gathered around a 17 inch monitor trying to see what was happening in their home state.

People laugh and think we are total geeks (and maybe at times we are), but weather is very interesting and when you love it as much as some of us do, it's hard to not think about it, even when you are 400 miles from home.

I hope you had a nice weekend and spring break (for those that had one).