The University of Oklahoma sponsors a national forecasting competition every year called The Weather Challenge (WxChallenge). Typically, there are over 1500 forecasters from over 100 colleges, universities, laboratories, and military service units. And last year, NC State finished #1, our best finish ever! Once again, NC State will field a team for the 2021-2022 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 let Dr. Lackmann know (gary@ncsu.edu) first, fill out this registration form, and submit both this form and send payment to Dr. Lackmann either by venmo, cash/check to his office: 5142 Jordan, or to his mailbox in the Jordan Hall mailroom NO LATER THAN Friday SEPTEMBER 24, 2021.
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.