Raw Weather Data For Storm Chasing
by Matt Ver Steeg, WeatherEdge, Inc.

A lot has changed in storm chasing over the last 10 to 15 years. It used to be that you'd have to go to a nearby National Weather Service office to get weather data before Heading out into the field. Not today. With the advent of the internet, you can grab data while out on the road storm chasing. For those of you who use computer programs such as Weather Graphics or Digital Atmosphere, here are some good raw weather data sources for you.

Raw Upper Air Data

Storm chasing is dangerous. You could be hurt or killed in its pursuit, especially if you have little or no knowledge of severe storms and their environment. Chase hazards include but are not limited to heavy rain, flash flooding, lightning, high winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flying debris. Hydroplaning on the road and traffic accidents also occur. If you desire to chase, get informed and educated about weather. Contact your local National Weather Service Office, and enroll in a SKYWARN training class. Read and view all of the published information regarding severe weather, thunderstorms, and tornadoes that you can. You are responsible for educating yourself. Next, contact an experienced chaser in your area, and arrange to travel with them, until you've gained sufficient experience to go it alone. Even at that, veteran chasers get caught in harm's way from time to time. Play it safe. This page is for informational and educational use, and the authors disavow any responsibility for actions you may take.

Images and articles © 2005 Matthew Ver Steeg, Adam Frederick, and Weather Edge, Inc. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use prohibited. Text, graphics, and HTML code are protected
by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted,
published, translated, or otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission.