The University of Oklahoma sponsors a national forecasting competition every year called The Weather Challenge (WxChallenge). Last year, there were over 1700 forecasters from over 100 colleges, universities, laboratories, and military service units. And last year, NC State finished in the top 10 for the third consecutive year! We have also now held the Tobacco Cup, an in-state trophy going to the top-finishing North Carolina participant, for three years in a row. Once again, NC State will field a team for the 2019-2020-season, and you are invited to consider participating.
Forecasts are submitted Monday-Thursday of each week, with time off for holidays. Forecasts are for different locations around North America, switching every 2 weeks. There are different levels of competition- Freshman/Sophomore, Junior/Senior, Grad, Faculty/Staff, and alumni.
The fee, to defray the costs of trophies for the winners, is $3 for Fall semester only or $5 for academic year. You join for fall or spring only, but then your score won’t count towards the team score.
This opportunity is recognized as “forecasting experience”, and it can be a good resume builder. If you wish to participate, please fill out the registration form, and submit both this form and payment to Dr. Lackmann either in person (office: 5142 Jordan) or to his mailbox in the Jordan Hall mail room NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 20, 2019. Either checks (made out to Gary Lackmann) or cash (preferred) are acceptable.
Bear in mind that this is a team event, and so only sign up if you plan to participate diligently. All are encouraged to participate, but intermittent participation does hurt the team score. If you don’t have experience forecasting, that’s okay, some of the seasoned forecasters will likely offer assistance at the start as new forecasters join the team, and it is a great learning experience.