WxChallenge: Engaging and Aiding Forecasting Instruction to Students

Since 2005, the WxChallenge forecasting competition has engaged over 6700 students, faculty, staff, and alumni at 95 schools across North America in forecasting the weather at various locations. While many participants enjoy the competitive nature of the contest, the main goal of the WxChallenge is to provide an educational experience and expose the microscale challenges in varying climates. Faculty members from 124 classes have utilized the WxChallenge in a variety of capacities from general forecasting exposure to group discussions to detailed forecasting pre and post analysis. From its inception, it has grown and adapted to the forecasters and instructors needs and desires. Going forward, the WxChallenge has plans to continue to expand its scope and implement new content while providing tailored educational needs to its users.