SHyMet: Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting – Introduction
The Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting track of the Satellite Hydrology and Meteorology (SHyMet) Course covers how to integrate satellite imagery interpretation with other datasets in analyzing severe thunderstorm events. The first three sessions focus on integrating GOES imagery with other datasets in analyzing the pre-storm environment, and the changing near-storm environment during the nowcasting period. Synthetic satellite imagery is the focus of one of the training sessions as it offers a unique, integrated way to visualize model output and shows good potential as a forecasting tool. A session on predicting supercell motion is also offered since the primary focus of the course is on environments favorable for supercells, however there are other convective modes discussed. Severe thunderstorm satellite signatures are discussed in multiple training sessions. Satellite products for severe weather forecasting are addressed as well. This course is administered through web-based instruction and consists of 7 modules (8 hours) of core topics and 8 modules (4 hours) of optional topics. Course completion consists of taking all of the core modules followed by 3 or more optional modules, however you may take all of the modules if you wish.
If you wish to register for the course, send an email to:
nws.oaa.clo.shymet AT noaa.gov
In the email, be sure to include your name and your office (site ID).
After you’ve registered via email, we will reply to you with setup instructions on how to signup for this course which will be delivered through the E-Learning Management System (LMS). After taking all of the lessons, we will mail you a signed SHyMet course completion certificate.
Training Modules
Student Guides:
| Title | Topic | Instructor | Developed | Updated | Length (min) | WMO Sat Skill(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesoscale Analysis of Convective Weather Using GOES RSO Imagery | Archived Training |
Dan Bikos John Weaver Brian Motta |
2001 |
2010 |
|
|
| Use of GOES RSO imagery with other Remote Sensor Data for Diagnosing Severe Weather across the CONUS (RSO 3) | Severe/Sat |
Dan Bikos, John Weaver, Dan Lindsey, Jim Purdom |
2003 |
2015 |
130 Min |
|
| GOES Imagery for Forecasting Severe Weather | Severe/Sat |
Dan Bikos |
2008 |
|
75 Min |
|
| Water Vapor Imagery Analysis for Severe Weather | Severe/Sat |
Dan Bikos, Dan Lindsey |
2010 |
|
60 Min |
|
| Synthetic Imagery in Forecasting Severe Weather | Satellite Proving Ground |
Dan Bikos, Dan Lindsey |
2011 |
2015 |
|
|
| Predicting Supercell Motion in Operations | Severe/Sat |
Matthew Bunkers |
2005 |
2020 |
75 Min |
|
Optional Courses:
| Title | Topic | Instructor | Developed | Updated | Length (min) | WMO Sat Skill(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-minute Visible Satellite Imagery Applications for Severe Thunderstorms | Severe/Sat |
Dan Bikos |
2014 |
2015 |
22 Min |
|
| NOAA/CIMSS ProbSevere Product | Severe/Sat |
Scott Lindstrom |
2014 |
2019 |
45 Min |
|
| Tracking the Elevated Mixed Layer with a new GOES-R Water Vapor Band | Severe Course |
Dan Bikos |
2015 |
2019 |
20 Min |
3.2.3, 3.3.2, 5.1.5, 7.1-5 |
| Can total lightning help with warnings for non-supercell tornadoes? | Severe Course |
Ed Szoke, Dan Bikos |
2015 |
2019 |
40 Min |
|
| Monitoring Gulf Moisture Return | Archived Training |
Dan Bikos, Jeff Braun, John Weaver |
2005 |
|
45 Min |
|
| Convective Cloud-top Cooling | Archived Training |
Scott Lindstrom |
2010 |
|
|
|
| Coastal Severe Convective Weather | Severe Course |
Jeff Braun |
2011 |
|
50 Min |
|
| Topographically Induced Convergence Zones and Severe Weather | Severe Course |
Jeff Braun |
2011 |
|
25 Min |
|
SHyMet: Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting – Objectives
The primary objective of the SHyMet course for Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting is to combine various training tropics related to forecasting severe thunderstorms into one course. The course consists of VISIT training sessions, some that have been offered in the past, others that have been developed more recently. A major objective of this course is learning to identify different air masses and boundaries with GOES visible imagery and other observational data. This includes the pre-storm environment during the forecasting period and monitoring the changing environment during the nowcasting period. Cases over different parts of the CONUS will be analyzed, including coastal events and events where topography played a key role. Other topics include use of GOES and synthetic IR and water vapor imagery in forecasting severe weather events, forecasting supercell motion, monitoring moisture return from the Gulf of Mexico and understanding various satellite related products. Since the training content is entirely web-based, the student may take the training whenever they wish.
We invite all forecasters to participate in the Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting SHyMet course. Individual training sessions may be taken (as opposed to the entire course) to review various content. Also, if you’ve taken some of the training sessions in the past, you do not need to take them over again. Your existing training record on the LMS can be examined to see which courses you may have already completed in the past.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify different air masses and boundaries with GOES visible imagery and other observational data in the pre-storm envrionment and for monitoring the changing environment during the nowcasting period.
2. Learn how to use IR and water vapor imagery from GOES and model dervied synthetic imagery in forecasting severe weather events.
3. Identify severe thunderstorm satellite signatures.
4. Understand the use of various satellite related products used in severe thunderstorm forecasting.
5. Learn about other related severe weather topics such as forecasting supercell motion, monitoring moisture return from the Gulf of Mexico and understand the role of various topographic effects.
SHyMet: Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting – Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve taken some of these training sessions before via VISIT Teletraining, do I need to take them over again?
No. Your existing training record on the LMS can be examined to see which courses you may have already completed in the past. If you recognize the content from a teletraining session you took a while ago, you do not need to go through the whole training session again, you may complete the quiz.
Do I need to take each lesson in a particular order?
The first 5 sessions need to be taken in order. The rest have no set order to them.
I noticed that some of the training sessions have a WES Case exercise associated with them, are these required?
No, however if you are at a WFO and would like to go through the WES cases, let us know and we will provide you with instructions.
Is the SHyMet for Interns course a prerequisite to the SHyMet: Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting course?
No. However, if you wish to review any content from the SHyMet for interns course, you may either take the whole interns course OR take individual training sessions from the interns course.
I forecast in Alaska, Do I need to take this module?
Yes. Many forecasters change location more than once during their career. You may move south one day and the information will be helpful. Besides this, you may come across a product that may be helpful for you in your area.
Can I take an individual lesson rather than all of the lessons in the SHyMet: Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting course (Development Plan)?
Yes. However, you will not receive for credit for completion of the SHyMet: Severe Thunderstorm Forecasting course.
Is there a plan to offer additional SHyMet Courses in the future?
Yes.