Climate scientist Dr. Sam Potter will synthesize current state-of-the-art research on how severe convective weather (thunderstorm) threats may evolve in the future. We will talk about Minnesota's thunderstorm climatology, why thunderstorms are so hard to study, and if we have already seen significant changes. We will then attempt to look into the future and discuss how and when atmospheric storm ingredients, storm seasonality, and specific threats (heavy rain, hail, tornadoes, wind gusts, windstorms/derechos, lightning) might change.
Speaker - Sam Potter
Dr. Sam Potter, an Applied Climate Scientist with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, grew up in Todd County and went to college at the University of Minnesota, Morris. He has a PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from Princeton University and has spent time as an academic, a climate communicator, and a climate consultant. Sam's academic background is in climate modeling and the general circulation of the atmosphere but he is excited to learn and talk about all aspects of the climate system.
This program counts as Advanced Training for Minnesota Master Naturalists — please sign up via the MNats website to have your hours logged! If you are not seeking MNats credit, no registration is required. Just show up!