2007 Northern Plains Convective Workshop

The 11th annual Northern Plains Convective Workshop was held this past week (April 24-25, 2007). Included among the nearly 80-strong crowd was myself, and a couple of other Meridian co-workers.

It was another strong workshop to follow up from last year's in Aberdeen, SD. Several presentations were given on the August 24, 2006 severe weather outbreak that occurred over eastern South Dakota and southern Minnesota, as well as events over the past 1-3 years around the region. Scientists were down from the Prairie and Arctic Storm Prediction Center in Winnipeg this year - and it was pleasure to meet some of those folks, since we do forecasting for Alberta. I met up once again with some familiar faces from last year's workshop. Mostly from the Aberdeen, Chanhassen, Sioux Falls, and Duluth offices.

It was great seeing everyone and getting caught up on the latest research in the severe weather department. I was particularly caught up in Dr. Paul Markowski's presentation on Tornadogenesis and Aaron Kennedy's research into the Descending Reflectivity Core theory... I foresee a lot of reading through research papers this summer - on much of what was covered at the workshop while on office shifts.

Also, to note, the 2008 Northern Plains Convective Workshop will hosted in Bismarck, ND. The forecast office there will be hosting the event. Mark your calendars!