Weather
Understanding And Avoiding Thunderstorms - Part 1
This is part 1 of a two-date webinar. 3/18/25 and 3/25/25
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Thunderstorms can quickly spoil an outing in many ways—strong winds, large waves, dangerous lightning, waterspouts, or visibility-limiting rain. This in-depth two-session webinar will examine the various types of thunderstorms and the ingredients that lead to their formation.
This two-session (4 hour) webinar is designed for everyone who enjoys watersports (powerboaters, sailors, and paddlers) who would like to reduce their chances of a hair-raising or windswept encounter with a thunderstorm. It will explore why thunderstorms often ‘pop-up’ late on summer afternoons and why some storms have short life-spans while others persist for several hours. The two sessions will also introduce the many readily-available resources for forecasting and monitoring thunderstorms.
You will learn the following during this in-depth two-session class:
- A few basic weather principles.
- How to decode the confusing symbols, color shading, and meteorological shorthand on weather forecast maps.
- How to recognize the large and small-scale weather patterns that promote thunderstorm development.
- The ingredients needed for thunderstorm development and their life-cycle.
- How to forecast the potential and nature of severe weather.
- The dynamics of lightning and a review of the latest advice on lightning protection for your boat.
- How to use Doppler Weather Radar to assess the development, monitor the evolution, and track the movement of thunderstorms.
- The terminology used by the National Weather Service during hazardous and severe weather events.
The sessions combine virtual classroom instruction, examples, and exercises to create an engaging learning experience.