Northern Plains Convective Workshop

Just to remind everyone...

I will be out of town beginning this afternoon. I will be in Bismarck attending the Northern Plains Convective Workshop through Wednesday afternoon.

I should be back in town Wednesday evening.

Should you need to contact me, I will be observing presentations through much of Tuesday, but should be available later in the evening. Presentations will resume Wednesday morning, with the workshop slated to end around 2:00pm. I'll have my cell phone and most likely, it will be on, so if you feel the need to call and I miss it - be patient. I'll return your call when I can.

For some of you, I'll see you there. Otherwise, have a great week, folks!

2008 Northern Plains Convective Workshop

For those of you that may be looking for information on the upcoming 2008 Nrn Plains Convective Workshop, I have some news to pass along.

I found out today on the dates, at least. The Bismarck WFO will be hosting the Workshop this year on April 8th and 9th. This falls on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

I don't have any specifics as far as locations, agendas, or anything else at this point, but I will certainly update you as I get more information.

You know spring is just around the corner, when you start planning for the Convective Workshop. I'm anxious for it... It's a great workshop and it's been better and better each year. I'm very curious what type of presentations we'll see.

Stay tuned for more updates...

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!