The Penn State Campus Weather Service: An Unrivaled Combination of Forecasting and Broadcasting Experience for Students

The Pennsylvania State University’s Campus Weather Service (CWS) has been at the forefront of educating students in weather communication since its inception in 1972. Given the rapid advancements in technology, CWS continues to adapt its methods of dissemination to provide weather information in a modern and effective manner. Originally producing only radio forecasts, CWS now creates numerous video forecasts daily for viewers throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In our 45th year of operations, the Campus Weather Service has grown to include over 100 active student members making it the nation’s largest and oldest student run organization of its kind. Using industry standard weather production software, our student members have the ability to gain skills necessary to enter the weather communications field with ease. In keeping up with the rapidly evolving weather communications environment, CWS has amassed a strong social media following across numerous platforms. Utilizing the latest technology also allows CWS to stream live weather information across these platforms to better inform followers of hazardous conditions. Applying this technology allows students to learn the importance of using social media to better disseminate critical weather information. As technology advances, the Campus Weather Service will continue to educate and train the next generation of weather professionals.