Variations in daily weather and seasonal patterns are inherent characteristics of the climate of Vermont. Among the general public and climate researchers alike, events like the Ice Storm of January 1998 and the statewide flooding in June 1998, have increased the level of awareness and concern about climate impacts. The Office of the State Climatologist has begun to provide a pivotal role in coordinating climate-related outreach activities around the state. One of the most successful of these events was a symposium in December 1997, that assembled a variety of faculty, meteorologists and other climate professionals to identify and discuss the needs of the state. The proceedings of this meeting were summarized on a web site (http://www.uvm.edu~ldupigny/sc/clim-met97), with a hard copy version in preparation. This was followed by the creation of a listserv group that has provided an effective forum for problem solving, information dissemination and announcements. A core group of scientists interested in examining the potential impacts of climate change issues for Vermont has emerged from the listserv members.
The ongoing challenge of providing timely and relevant climate information has been enhanced by a visit to the National Climatic Data Center as part of the State Climatologist Exchange Program. This paper will discuss some of these challenges, successes and ongoing outreach efforts to best serve the people of Vermont.