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WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES ISSUED...

Well, for those playing along the NWS has issued winter weather advisories for parts of my area overnight. A foregone conclusion as I expected that would happen some time ago.

Snow is now increasing on radars out to my west and it's moving southeast.along with an upper air low. Snow should begin across my northwestern counties in the next 1 to 2 hours working its way across the rest of the region during the early evening.

The latest EURO and HRRR models depict this for snowfall tonight.

The EURO

The HRRR

Two waves of snow are merging with this event. Warm air advection snows that are currently developing and a brief but strongly forced band that attends the upper air low late this evening. In general amounts 40 miles either side of a line from west of Waterloo to near Cedar Rapids and on to the Quad Cities should average 1-2". However, banding is evident on the radar now and that could create some 3" amounts, especially in a pocket from near Cedar Rapids back to the NW near Waterloo. The hi-res models are showing that potential. The 3k NAM even has some 4 and 5" amounts showing up. I'm not sure that will verify but that's on the table as something to watch in a few local spots

The snow should depart quickly from northwest to southeast between 3 and 5 AM. Temperatures will quickly fall into the 20s with evaporative cooling once precipitation gets underway. Roads will get slick later this evening, particularly where there are heavier bursts of snow. Roll weather...TS

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The seminar will be held January 25th and will last from noon until 5:00pm. We have limited seating and the cost is $99 dollars per person. A catered lunch will be provided. Again..not a lot of seats so reservations with a pre-payment are required. Sorry, no refunds. If there’s enough interest, a second session will be added in early February. To register or get additional information send an email to carolynswettstone@yahoo.com

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WEATHER SCHOOL AGENDA:

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Purpose: To help weather enthusiasts understand the basics of forecasting and apply the knowledge and techniques learned to construct personal forecasts.

Session 1: DATA ACQUISITION

The essential on-line sites for models, observations, satellite and radar images, and general weather data.

Session 2: ANALYSIS:

Determining your objective goals. Short term, intermediate, or long-term. Understanding the process of analysis and its relationship to forecasting.

Model options and choices. What to use and when!

The GFS, EURO, NAM 3k, NAM 12K, Canadian, HRRR, MJO, ensembles, teleconnections, etc.

Locating, learning, and knowing what’s essential to make a reliable forecast.

The art and science of model interpretation: Using and understanding model output. Its called guidance for a reason!

Learn how to analyze key parameters such as:

Surface and upper air data

Vorticity and energy

Precipitation output

Wind and pressure

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A simulation of the basic process using model output.

BREAK: A 25-30 minute recess to enjoy a catered lunch…

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Thunderstorms, tornadoes, derechoes, and squall lines.

Soundings. What are they and why should I care?

Instability (CAPE) vs (CIN) Critical interaction involving moisture, heating, and forcing.

Uncovering the ingredients of a severe weather set-up.

TVS signatures. What to look for on radar.

Role of SPC vs NWS, and your local TV station regarding the warning process.

Simulated model driven forecast of a severe weather event/tornado outbreak

Session 5: WINTER STORMS:

The key ingredients required for significant winter storm:

How to forecast the rain snow line.

How to forecast snow totals from QPF

Determining totals from snow ratios.

What to look for at the surface and at upper levels (500 and 850mb)

Model bias and determining the storm track

Simulated model driven forecast of a significant Midwest winter storm

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

An open period for attendees to ask questions regarding relevant topics or issues discussed during the day.

CONCLUSION:

Some final words of inspiration from the events headliners

Once again, to reserve a spot or ask questions send an email to carolynswettstone@yahoo.com See you when the bell rings! Roll weather...T. Swails

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