As Mother Nature finally moves from the chill of winter into spring, the atmosphere reacts to seasonal changes with a tendency for severe weather.
The National Weather Service (NWS) uses cutting-edge technology to monitor and predict many aspects of atmospheric activity. One of the most impactful tools they have is trained spotters who recognize and report observed phenomena that may pose a danger in the area.
SKYWARN® is the NWS’s volunteer program, started in the mid-1970s and initially used by amateur radio operators. Today, spotters — coupled with radar technology, improved satellite data and other tools — enable the NWS to issue timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.
The program now has about 400,000 trained spotters across the nation who help keep local communities informed by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather during significant weather events. Amateur radio operators are also active participants in SKYWARN®.
The NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service to join the SKYWARN® program. Volunteers come from all walks of life and share a willingness to complete training and assist when severe weather strikes.
Spotter training classes are free and offered in person or online by experienced instructors knowledgeable in severe weather and safe spotting practices. Classes typically last three hours, and links to materials are provided.
Topics include:
- Fundamentals of storm structure
- Identifying potential severe weather features
- What information to report
- How to report information
- Basic severe weather safety
Once the class has been successfully completed, participants are given guidance on how and what events to report via amateur radio, phone or computer.
Metro Skywarn provides SKYWARN® training for central Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. Classes for 2026 have already begun, with many sessions still available. Sign up online for an upcoming session and take part in assisting the NWS and keeping our community safe.
