Students are getting a first-hand look at what it takes to predict the weather in the Ute Weather program — and their work touches thousands of people every day. Their forecasts are broadcast by news agencies across the region, their tweets are seen by thousands, and they provide some of the most accurate forecasts for the U area.
“The program is two-thirds weather and one-third teaching experience,” said Adam Abernathy, an atmospheric science undergraduate student.
Abernathy has been working to revamp the Ute Weather program with Kevin Perry, chair of the atmospheric sciences department. They turned the program around to make the forecasts more reliable and the experience more rewarding for students. “If students hadn’t shown initiative, this wouldn’t have happened,” Perry said.
