Understanding & Avoiding Thunderstorms - Chesapeake Bay

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 24, 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.

March 3, 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.

March 10, 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.