The National Centers for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder Colorado is very familiar to those in my profession. Some of the best cutting edge research in atmospheric science is done there. One of the programs based there is COMET. COMET stand for Cooperative Online Meteorological Education and Training.

COMET produces educational modules of varying levels on primarily forecasting topics. Rarely does a month go by, that I do not take a COMET module, or review one I’ve already completed.

Meteorology is a VERY broad field. Sometimes I think the public believes that meteorologists either work for the National Weather Service or in TV. The truth of the matter is that many meteorologists have no idea what the weather is going to do tomorrow! They work in fields like Cloud Physics, or Climate Science, or do research into storm electricity. Me? I am a Synoptic Forecaster and since I work in TV, I try to keep myself up to date with all of earth science. If someone sees a bright star in the sky, they call the station and ask to speak to me!

The Climate folks at NOAA and NCAR have put together a SUPERB module on climate change science for TV folks. Since there is a wide range of education levels among on air TV weather folks, this is a basic, but wide ranging introduction to the current state of knowledge on climate.

COMET requires you register to view modules, but they are FREE. If you would like to take the module, set aside about two-three hours.  See if you can beat my score of 98! Click the image below to start.