UPDATE: Tuesday Skywarn Weather Spotter Class Postponed at SCSU Due To Snow

Originally published 03/26/24 at 5:31 a.m.

Updated on 3/26/24 at 3:45 p.m.

(KNSI) – Spring means its weird weather season, from 10+ inches of snow to tornadoes and thunderstorms.

Skywarn weather classes are underway, including in Waite Park on April 3rd. A session was scheduled at St. Cloud State University on Tuesday, but was postponed, ironically, because of the weather. No make-up date has been decided. Assistant Professor Rachel Humphrey says over two-thirds of scheduled attendees had emailed to say they were not going to be able to make it.

Meteorologist Brennan Dettmann says the classes are designed for everyone aged 16 and up.

“We often will, kind of, curate it based on the overall knowledge level of the class that’s attending. So, it’s overall a great opportunity for somebody to learn about weather if they’re kind of curious and don’t have that full background yet.”

Once you complete the three-hour session, you are a certified Skywarn weather spotter. Dettmann says the accreditation lasts for a lifetime, but staff recommends brushing up on your skills every couple of years.

You learn how to identify severe storms, tornadoes, straight line winds, and measure precipitation. It also covers winter weather like blizzards and snowfall totals. Dettmann says Minnesota has a radar hole, so eyes and ears greatly help forecasters.

“There’s a certain point where you get further out from the radar and into these more rural communities. There’s less people to see what’s going on and less of a way for us to see what’s going on through the radar and other instruments that we have so [its] massively important to have that support from the public.”

Classes are free to attend.

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