National Weather Service offering classes on storm spotting in Phoenix

PHOENIX – The National Weather Service’s Phoenix office is offering weather spotting classes for individuals interested in joining its Skywarn Spotter Program.

The program is an outlet that the National Weather Service provides to the public to further its dedication to public safety.

Citizens who volunteer for the program are trained to identify significant weather that radar and other technology can’t detect.

“We train citizen volunteers on how to properly identify and report hazardous weather conditions,” Jamison told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jeremy Foster.

“It still takes the human eye to be able to accurately and properly confirm some natural weather phenomena and to provide us the on-the-ground conditions.”

Unlike storm chasers, spotters in the program do not seek out severe weather. Instead, spotters provide reports of conditions in their area.

From the size of hail to low visibility, spotters are trained to provide accurate and timely reports so further warning can be provided for others in the area.

Training classes are two hours long with at least one break in the middle. According to Jameson, prior knowledge isn’t necessary to participate in the training program.

“We are really looking for adults who are interested in the weather and want to contribute to public safety,” he said.

“You really don’t need any prior meteorological knowledge and don’t have to have any weather equipment or anything like that.”

Classes began March 10 in Globe, Ariz., with another class taking place on March 17 in Tempe.

For more information on the classes, visit the National Weather Service’s website.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jeremy Foster contributed to this report. 

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