Weather Forecasting School

Updated 5/19/09

Get weather training in the severe weather capital of the world: Norman, Oklahoma! Meet and socialize with other technically-minded weather enthusiasts! The Weather Forecasting School program is a meteorological training course designed and taught by Tim Vasquez. It's a crash course designed to teach only those elements needed for quick and effective weather forecasting. Since 2001 Tim has taught over 240 hobbyists and forecasters the science and art of weather forecasting via an expert quick-learn method in just hours.

Announcement list for ONLINE TRAINING COURSES
Later in 2009 Tim Vasquez will likely be conducting the first online classes in our 10-year history. You'll be able to participate from the comfort of your own desk using any Flash-enabled browser. A webcam or microphone will not be required. So you don't miss out, please subscribe to this announcement list to get information as soon as a class is scheduled (this may be in June or July). You can also unsubscribe at any time if you no longer wish to be on the list.

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Announcement list for NORMAN, OKLAHOMA CLASSES
If you are able to travel to the Norman, Oklahoma area, you may be interested in attending a Forecast School class in summer or autumn 2009. Currently no class dates are scheduled. However you will be the first to know about any new class dates by subscribing here.

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2009 NORMAN FORECAST SCHOOL
Elements of Severe Weather Forecasting
The course will cover severe weather forecasting basics and move into the latest storm-scale meteorology and field tactics. After a few hours of basic training, we unroll our spectacular non-competitive chase simulation, where attendees watch real chase days unfold and target the action. Taught by meteorologist and author Tim Vasquez.
  • Information about this class: See "IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION" below.
  • Prerequisites: A basic understanding of meteorology is required. If you are not familiar with meteorological basics please review the online material at UIUC WW2010. You may want to bring pencils/pens, however we'll have plenty of colored pencils and materials.

    Choose a date: No class dates are available at this time.


  • 2009 NORMAN FORECAST SCHOOL
    Analysis Chart Workshop
    The course focuses on hand-analysis of weather charts, isoplething, finding fronts, diagnosing the state of the atmosphere, and nowcasting from surface and upper-air data. This is not a Powerpoint lecture -- this is a true roll-up-your-sleeves and get busy workshop. You'll practice your skills with plenty of actual 17 x 22" weather charts. Taught by meteorologist and author Tim Vasquez.
  • Information about this class: See "IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION" below.
  • Prerequisites: This is an INTERMEDIATE level class. A basic understanding of meteorology is required. If you are not familiar with meteorological basics please review the online material at UIUC WW2010. You may want to bring pencils/pens, however we'll have plenty of colored pencils and materials.

    Choose a date: No class dates are available at this time.


  • 2009 NORMAN FORECAST SCHOOL
    Beginner's Forecasting Course
    Are you not sure of the difference between a cold front from a cold low? Have you not gotten a good grasp on the basics? This course is designed especially for beginners. It instills the most fundamental basics of weather forecasting and gives you solid footing for moving on to more advanced concepts. Taught by meteorologist and author Tim Vasquez.
  • Information about this class: See "IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION" below.
  • Skill level: BASIC. No prerequisites required.

    Choose a date: No class dates are available at this time.

  • Important course information.
  • Time: Class will start at 9 am and end at 3 pm.
  • Certification: If you would like to obtain Forecast School certification in the course, let us know. You will test out after class (takes about 10 minutes) and the results will be graded within a week. If you pass, you will receive a handsome certificate that will be mailed to you. We maintain very strict certification standards and in no way warrant or guarantee a passing grade. The test requires comprehension and synthesis of the material presented during the course.
  • Location: The class will be held about 12 miles east of Norman, Oklahoma, right down Highway 9. We'll e-mail you an information kit and map after you register.
  • Attendence: You are paying for a slot, not successful completion, therefore you may arrive late or leave early as required.
  • Formality: The structure of the class is informal, noncompetitive, and low stress. We ask that you take any conversations or noise outside.
  • Format: The course format is noncompetitive and voluntary. Friends or family members cannot be on the premises without a paid seat. No one allowed on premises under age 12.
  • Openings: Most classes accept 6 individuals.
  • Refunds: Your payment holds your space. You may obtain a refund up to two weeks before the class date. If we must cancel for reasons beyond our control, our liability to you is limited to a refund of the class fee.
  • Policy regarding severe weather. Classes will take place on time regardless of severe weather risk and chase potential. If class is held on a severe weather day, the weather on that day becomes part of the lesson plan and action will be displayed on our big screen with McIDAS, GRLevel2, Digital Atmosphere, and other tools on hand. Students who are chasing may request a raincheck or a refund. Individuals are welcome to leave class to chase at any time.


  • PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS
    Interested in getting your own weather training? Get pumped up Arnold Schwartzenegger style with your own meteorology trainer! You'll become an expert at any aspect of analysis or forecasting that you choose.
  • Curricula: Pick what you'd like to learn about. Build up your expertise on topics like analysis, soundings, hodographs, models, dynamics, plotting, pattern recognition, diagnostics, satellite, radar interpretation, profilers, chase strategy, storm structure, case studies, isentropic analysis, numerical meteorology, and much more.
  • Cost: The rate is $295 for a half day (4 hours) or $395 for a full day (8 hours).
  • Date: You choose your own date and time, 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Subject to availability.
  • Location: Sessions are held in Norman, Oklahoma.

    You may instead have sessions at your own home, business, or school providing you pay for airfare, lodging, and the standard daily rate.

    * Contact us to arrange a class date.


  • Who is Tim Vasquez? Tim Vasquez is among the top experts on weather analysis and forecasting. Tim began chasing in 1986, learning firsthand from master storm forecasters Alan Moller and Tim Marshall. He was an Air Force meteorologist during much of the 1990s, and forecasted weather in Africa for NATO humanitarian flights into Rwanda in 1994; for a ferry flight of the Space Shuttle and its carrier aircraft (Mission STS-68); for a 50th Anniversary flyover of B-1B bombers over Normandy; for the United Nations Command at Yongsan, Korea; and for F-117A Stealth Fighters at the Tonopah Test Range when the planes were still semi-secret. He programmed and wrote the Digital Atmosphere Workstation system which is in use by thousands of private meteorologists, hobbyists, and weather agencies worldwide. For five storm seasons, chasers have depended on him and his Chase Hotline briefing services, which positions storm chasers in the optimal spots for tornado action. His books, including Weather Forecasting Handbook, Weather Map Handbook, and Storm Chasing Handbook are popular titles and are used in weather courses at Valparaiso University, St. Cloud State University, the University of Georgia, St. Louis University, and the University of North Dakota, and by others.

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