Thunderstorms can quickly spoil an outing in many ways—strong winds, large waves, dangerous lightning, hail, or visibility-limiting rain. This 3-part live webinar series will examine the various types of thunderstorms and the ingredients that lead to their formation. The webinar will cover why thunderstorms often ‘pop-up’ late on summer afternoons and why some storms have short life-spans while others persist for several hours. The webinar will also introduce the many readily-available resources for forecasting and monitoring thunderstorms.
The webinar is designed for all boaters who would like to reduce their chances of a hair-raising or windswept encounter with a thunderstorm.
The live webinar combines classroom instruction, case studies, and pop quizzes to create an engaging learning experience.
Schedule
February 3, 2022
- A few basic weather principles
- How to decode the confusing symbols, color shading, and meteorological shorthand on weather forecast maps.
- How to use Doppler Weather Radar to assess the development, monitor the evolution, and track the movement of thunderstorms.
February 10, 2022
- The different types of thunderstorms.
- The conditions that lead to thunderstorm development and their life-cycle.
- How to recognize the large and small-scale weather patterns that promote thunderstorm development.
- The dynamics that lead to damaging downdrafts and lightning.
February 17, 2022
- How to forecast the potential and nature of severe weather.
- Integrate your knowledge of thunderstorm development and radar interpretation skills by reviewing several non-severe and severe historical weather events.
- The terminology used by the National Weather Service during hazardous and severe weather events.