SKYWARN is the National Weather Service volunteer weather spotting program where public citizens send reports to weather meterorologists to help them make a presice prediction to protect life and property. While many SKYWARN weather observers are ham radio operators, this is NOT a requirement to the program. All that is required is that the weather spotter goes to a training session offered by the National Weather Service in the Spring and Summer months. Amateur Radio, however, does play a big role in SKYWARN in most areas of the country. The advantage of using amateur radio operators is that through our 2 meter and 70 cm repeaters we can get reports from a 30-50 mile radius. With our long range repeaters we can get coverage of up to a 100 mile radius. There are many frequencies where SKYWARN weather nets are run. Amateur Radio Operators are dedicated to public service. SKYWARN Weather Spotters are dedicated to the protection of life and property. Putting these two resources together make for a great combination.
Need help with your Spotter Number or other local information such as a missing class schedule? If you need help finding your spotter number or a class schedule, contact your local Warning Coordination Meteorologist. He or she can help you get, find or replace your spotter information and let you know about upcoming classes. Classes typically are held in an office’s relatively slow season. Classes are NOT typically offered all year. Schedules vary from office to office.
Looking for our online program? You also can also take our free online spotter program. Some offices also ask that you take a local class to learn about weather unique to your area.