Forecasting in Colorado
Paul Schlatter
Science and Operations Officer, National Weather Service Denver/Boulder Weather Forecast Office
Thursday, Feb 28, 2019, 11:00 am
DSRC Room 2A305
Abstract
Have you ever wondered why the weather forecast can seem to be so far off? Pick your favorite weather element: snow, rain, temperature. Chances are you've noticed an inaccurate forecast in the past year. Forecasting the weather in Colorado poses unique challenges most places in the U.S. never have to consider. This talk will focus on the forecast process in Colorado, explaining how the unique terrain complicates the process for the computers that generate forecasts, and for the humans that interpret, modify, then communicate the forecast. It will also provide recent weather event case studies from the local area, highlighting the reasoning behind the poor forecasts for high impact weather events such as winter weather, hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
You must provide an accepted form of identification at the Visitor Center to obtain a vistor badge. Security personnel also inspect vehicles prior to entrance of the site. Please allow extra time for these procedures.
After receiving a badge, you must arrive at the DSRC Lobby at least 5 minutes before the seminar starts to meet your security escort. If you arrive after that time, you will not be allowed entry.
Foreign Nationals: Please email the seminar contact at least 48 hours prior to the seminar to provide additional information required for security purposes.
Seminar Contact: Robbie.Desen@noaa.gov