Webinar 1: Interpreting Surface Weather Maps
Your marine forecast should always start with an understanding of the current large-scale weather pattern and how it will evolve over time. Surface weather maps provide this information, but use a confusing array of symbols, meteorological shorthand, timekeeping systems, and color schemes. Learning to interpret surface weather maps will improve your forecasting skills and increase the safety and comfort of your outings.
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Webinar 2: Thunderstorms & Weather Radar
Thunderstorms can quickly spoil an outing. The presentation will examine the types of thunderstorms and the ingredients that lead to their formation. We’ll also cover a wide range of resources for predicting thunderstorm development. Once thunderstorms are underway, the best resource for monitoring their movement and evolution is Doppler Weather Radar. In this portion of the presentation, you’ll learn how Doppler weather radar works (along with a few of its quirks) and how it can be used to monitor the development, intensity, and speed of approaching thunderstorms. Reduce your chances of a hair-raising or wind-swept encounter with severe weather by attending this presentation.
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Webinar 3: Understanding Weather Apps
There are many marine weather apps. Apps are a convenient and popular way to access marine observations, wind & wave forecasts, weather radar, and prepare the most favorable route for a passage. However, not all apps are created equal. The presentation will explain how weather forecast models work, how your weather app processes the data. and the positives and negatives of relying solely on apps. A better understanding of your weather app will improve your marine weather forecasts.
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Please Note: Attendees will have access to the webinar recordings until June 30, 2025.
Please send questions regarding the presentation to Mark Thornton at Mark@LakeErieWX.com.
Mark Thornton has sailed for more than 30 years and currently owns Osprey, a Mainship 34 Pilot. His interest in weather forecasting grew from his experiences cruising and racing on the Great Lakes. Mark is a 2006 graduate of the Penn State University Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting, a two-year program that develops skills in general, tropical, and severe weather forecasting.
He is the president of LakeErieWX LLC, a company dedicated to providing marine weather education and forecasting resources for recreational boaters (www.lakeeriewx.com). Mark publishes a marine weather blog and teaches basic forecasting seminars to recreational boaters during the off-season. He has served as the Race Meteorologist for the Bayview Mackinac Race since 2014. Mark is also employed as a Teaching Assistant in the Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting Program at Penn State University.