National Weather Observers Day
National Weather Observers Day is observed next on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 (164 days from today).
National Weather Observers Day is a day for those who observe the weather and love to explore weather conditions.
National Weather Observation Day is on May 4th. With their observations and weather reports, many people have helped the National Weather Service achieve its goal of preserving life and property. SKYWARN, Collaborative Observer (Co-Op), CoCoRaHS (Rain, Hail and Snow Community Collaborative Network), and the general public are all part of this network.
History of National Weather Observers Day
Alan Brue, who studies psychology at the State University of New York, invented the date on May 4, 1989. The date was developed for amateurs and weather professionals to celebrate passion their fascination with the weather. Every year on May 4th, this day is celebrated for those who enjoy viewing various weather phenomena.
With their weather observation and reporting capabilities, many individuals and groups have assisted the National Weather Service in accomplishing its goal of protecting people and property.
As a volunteer, you can be part of the CoCoRaHS Observation Group, which is available to anyone willing to work on precipitation measurement and mapping. In this program, you will receive all the necessary equipment and receive training in how to measure and map precipitation and how to report.
It is very simple to set up; Buy a rain gauge, hang it outside during the rainy season, check the rainfall in the gauge, and report your findings on the National Weather Service website.
The main goal of this day is to highlight the importance of professionals working in weather services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to warn people about approaching storms and changing weather conditions. Thousands of weather observations are made every day using weather meters and weather stations around the world.
These observations provide important information alerting the public to impending storms from all three locations; land, sea and air. They also help to better understand weather events and analyze historical data.
Some facts about Weather
- Amateur Award
There is a group for amateur weather enthusiasts called the Association of Weather Observers of America.
- Just arrived
Storm gauges came to the fore during the Second World War, warning combat forces of incoming thunder.
- Judge of the sky
The venerable William Rehnquist, former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, is a weatherman.
- Dazzling speed
Raindrops can reach a top speed of 18 mph.
- Do the numbers
The first mathematical weather forecast lasted six hours and took about six weeks to calculate.
Why National Weather Observers Day?
The main idea of this day is to highlight the importance of round-the-clock weather workers and help warn people about impending storms and other weather changes.
It's amazing how these weather watchers aka Storm Spotters as they are collectively known are so helpful to the community and the country. These storm warning points support the National Weather Service.
Around the world, weather stations and weather detectors make about a thousand weather observations in a day. From all places including land, sea and air, these observations provide valuable information about impending storms. They also help to understand weather phenomena in a better way and also study historical data.
Interesting Facts about National Weather Observers Day
- Storm Spotters were first used during World War II to warn military artillery factories of impending lightning.
- On this day, the tradition in families is to bring blankets, gather around, look up at the sky and observe all that is happening. This is usually done in the morning and families enjoy seeing the clouds move over them. They even created characters and shapes from these clouds.
- Some weather clubs hold “Party in the Sky” on this day and gather to eat and drink under the sky. Astronomers gather under the night sky and observe the motions of the stars. They have their Astronomy club who follow this tradition on this day.
Some reasons for National Weather Observers Day being loved
- Weather prediction saves lives and property
The vision of the National Weather Service is to use weather reports and observations to protect life and property. Without this timely information, hurricanes and other weather events would be even more devastating.
- We have a lot to learn
Weather observations provide us with valuable insight into the peculiarities of different weather phenomena. We can explore and understand more, enjoying nature in all its great beauty.
- Appreciate the weather people
National Weather Observation Day is dedicated to all players who contribute to the great work done by the National Weather Service. On this day, we must show our appreciation for their often unnoticed work.
How to celebrate National Weather Observers Day
- Sign up for a Weather Watcher's Course- When you next celebrate National Weather Observer Day and if you want to learn about weather phenomena, make sure you sign up for a Course for Weather Watchers. You will learn to identify different types of clouds, variable weather, and it will also help you prepare for different types of weather in your climate.
- Learn how to make a barometer- You can even try making your own for this day. It is very easy to make and can be made with just a few materials in your home. You can refer to the video tutorial to guide you through the step-by-step process of making a barometer. Once done, you can immediately start monitoring the weather in your area.
- Post photos celebrating this day on your social media. You can post a photo of your barometer or you are taking a Weather Measurement Course with the hashtag #WeatherObserversDay
- National Weather Observers Day aims to happily celebrate the weather of the day. You can share some amazing stories and photos relating weather phenomena. Therefore, to get in the mood for today, grab your camera, lounger and enjoy the day observing clouds, sun and stars with friends and family.
- You can watch the morning news about the weather situation for this day.
- Predict next week's weather with your family and then find out whose prediction is right as the week goes on.
- Read some books about the weather together.
Observed
National Weather Observers Day has been observed annually on May 4th.Dates
Thursday, May 4th, 2023
Saturday, May 4th, 2024
Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Monday, May 4th, 2026
Tuesday, May 4th, 2027