Metro Skywarn, Inc

08/01/2026

***** Summer Event: Wx Balloon Launch at NWS *****
Have you ever wondered how the NWS launches their weather balloons? Join us for our summer event where we learn about it and watch the launch!

WHERE: National Weather Service, Chanhassen, MN

DATE: Saturday August 22 from 5pm – 8pm. Program begins at 5:30pm

FOOD: Subs, sides, chips, beverages

WHAT TO BRING: Lawn chair or blanket, bug spray, anything else to keep you comfortable outside.

First, we’ll start out with dinner which will include subs, sides, chips, and beverages. (You'll want to set up your seating arrangements first behind the NWS office building near the domed building)

At 5:30, Todd Krause, National Weather Service will start his talk. At 6pm, the balloon is scheduled to be launched. Please note, if there are nearby thunderstorms, the launch could be delayed up to one hour.

After the release, Todd will show us the data from the balloon as it’s coming in. We will socialize with other spotters during this time!

We’ll have a door prize drawing at 6:45 and continue to socialize with other spotters.

Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996321972760?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or have dietary needs.

For our summer event, we will head to the NWS and enjoy subs, learn about the balloon launch, and watch it go up!

06/23/2026

Activating a formal net on the Minneapolis repeater 146.700- PL 127.3 Due to Severe Weather in Caver County

06/16/2026

All of our classes for 2026 have ended- thanks to all who have participated, and have become new spotters and better spotters!

A note regarding our opt in mail lists:
Our mail list server demands that you make sure the email address you provide is open, and will accept our messages to you. If it fails, or your box is full, you may be removed from the mail list if it happens 3 times in 30 days. We have seen many emails removed recently. If so, try a different email address to reconnect...

[email protected] sends info from NCS (Net control supervisors) and from the board to you as general information about events or weather nets.

[email protected] sends you a message regarding a weather net informal or formal and severe weather info. Sent from NCO and NCS ops.

Thanks for participating.

06/08/2026

*** Final Two Classes This Week ***
We're winding down the training season with our final two classes - Thursday, June 11 - online and Saturday, June 13 - Blaine City Hall. Sign up and FAQ are at https://metroskywarn.org/training/

If you've already taken a class:
* Metro Skywarn spotters (hams):, MSW IDs through the May 18 class were sent out. I'll be working on the May 30 class tomorrow evening - just in time for the potential severe weather on Wednesday. Watch your email!

* Skywatchers (Non-hams): IDs through March classes have been sent via email and April and May's classes will be worked on soon. The NWS gets very backed up this time of the year as they teach their own classes, so please be patient. Remember, even if you haven't received your ID, you can still report to the NWS! Just state the date you took your MSW class and where you took it. The cards with the phone number were either given to you in class or when you registered, there were links in there. They will take your report.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]

Metro Skywarn Training Class Information and FAQ Metro Skywarn partners with the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide Skywarn Spotter training to interested individuals and groups. Once trained, Skywarn Spotters will be able to submit their reports to the NWS. The NWS uses this information to i...

05/06/2026

*** Classes Added and WCCO Story at 5pm Tonight! ***
We received a request from WCCO to do an interview about Skywarn training and ham radio. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/metro-skywarn-twin-cities-minnesota-storm-spotters-national-weather-service/

Due to the increased interest, classes will fill and we have done a couple of things:
1. Online classes will be expanded for larger groups
2. Added 2 new classes
Monday, May 18 6-9pm Online
Saturday, June 13 1-4pm Blaine City Hall

If you chose to change classes, please cancel your registration so we can fit more people into our classes. If you are unable to do so through your Eventbrite confirmation email or account, please email [email protected].

Metro Skywarn Training Class Information and FAQ Metro Skywarn partners with the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide Skywarn Spotter training to interested individuals and groups. Once trained, Skywarn Spotters will be able to submit their reports to the NWS. The NWS uses this information to i...

04/18/2026

Only 3 online classes remain - 1 tomorrow afternoon!
The 5/13 class is full.
The 6/11 class has lots of room, but if you can make it tomorrow, that's great because you're not going to want to be outside!

Metro Skywarn works with local government authorities and the National Weather Service to provide an emergency communication network to aid in the tracking, reporting, and forecasting of current or severe [email protected] mission is to:1. Provide a training and education program....

04/18/2026

Many everyday things can spark wildfires. Keep ignition sources far away from dry vegetation, wood and other fuel. Be aware of weather conditions. Always follow burn bans & local, state, and federal regulations. weather.gov/safety/wildfire-ww

04/18/2026

Along with heat can be wild fires! Not only because heat dries things out, but also, to transport the hot air up here, you need winds which aid fires in spreading!

We wrap up Severe Weather Awareness week talking about wildfires!

The combo of hot, dry, & windy weather allows fires to spread quickly, whether caused by humans or natural phenomenon. Most wildfires are caused by human activity! More info at http://weather.gov/fire

04/18/2026

Warm temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels — especially in the summer and in parked cars.

Stay and don’t underestimate the heat. http://weather.gov/safety/heat

04/18/2026

Day 5 of Severe Weather Awareness Week is about Heat!

The final day of Severe Weather Awareness Week is Extreme Heat and Wildfires!

Finding relief from the heat and drinking plenty of fluids is vital to getting through a heat wave! Taking breaks and limiting time outdoors also helps. More info at https://weather.gov/mpx/swawday5