For those interested in weather and weather patterns an exciting opportunity is being provided by the National Weather Service’s Northern Indiana division. The annual spotter training class is just around the corner, and individuals are encouraged to register to attend and learn about how to report their personal observations to the National Weather Service for analysis and formulating predictions (see related).

The course is offered all over northern Indiana in the coming months, but the next class in Kosciusko County is 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, in the Munson Building on North Lake Street. The course is about two hours and, according to Warning Coordination Meteorologist Michael Lewis, “We will go into why spotters are needed, the development of thunderstorms, what tools are used as a spotter to report back to the National Weather Service and when we can expect severe weather, what time of day, what time of year.”

Lewis detailed that the most important thing to learn as a spotter is the manner in which to relay information to the NWS. “We are focusing on efficiency and getting the information we need,” state Lewis. Delivering valuable information in a concise manner is the name of the game, and Lewis hopes to impart this to all those who attend the course. Those wishing to register for the March 11 class may do so here.

For those who cannot make it to the class in Warsaw, or would simply do it sooner, a list of class dates and locations can be found at weather.gov. According to Lewis, there are 22 counties in the northern Indiana area that will be offering classes, giving people plenty of opportunities to become a trained spotter. Individuals planning to attend any of the classes are encouraged to register in advance in order to give the NWS an idea of what size classroom to reserve.

Lewis stated that within the 37 counties served by the NWS Northen Indiana branch, there are about 3,200 official spotters who assist them through providing information and data. Lewis explained hopes to see that number grow through events like the spotter training classes, “What I would like to see is a 1 percent attendance rate. That would be really good.”

NWS Northern Indiana also encourages residents of the area to reach out to them through social media with their pictures and comments. Click here to access their Twitter page and here to access their Facebook page.