FAQs

Before you email us about a broken link, please use our website (weather.cod.edu) to navigate to the area of the website in which the link should exist. Deep linking directly to a particular image or file is always dangerous as we do not guarantee that links will never change.

We would love to be able to store all the climate data possible and have the ability to handle people's requests for data but we do not have the resources nor the manpower to handle this. The best way to get climate data is from the National Climatic Data Center or National Weather Service.

Like with climate data, we simply do not have the storage capacity to keep most imagery around for very long. Depending on the product, most images are regularly scoured within a few days to a week or so.

One exception is with our satellite imagery. We have partnered with Iowa State University to archive the bulk of our base satellite products. The archive can be found below, you'll need to navigate around to find the imagery you are looking for.

https://mtarchive.geol.iastate.edu/2024/10/07/cod/sat/

Most of our data originates from the National Weather Service or one of its branches (NCEP, FSL, SPC, etc.), with the exception of a couple of small data sets like NLDN or West Texas Mesonet observations. We receive all of our data over the Internet Data Distribution (IDD) system using the Local Data Manager (LDM) software. The LDM is a software package developed and maintained by the Unidata Program Center. Without the services and software provided by Unidata we would not be able to develop or maintain any of the realtime products found on this website.

At the College of DuPage (COD), you can earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree, though it is not specific to meteorology. However, COD offers a wide range of courses designed to provide a strong foundation and valuable preparation for your junior and senior years at a four-year institution. Additionally, we offer a Weather Preparedness Certificate, which equips students with specialized knowledge and skills to effectively understand and respond to severe weather events—a credential that sets you apart in the field. Many first- and second-year students at other schools don’t have access to the depth of meteorological experience and knowledge you can gain here. For more details, visit our Class Info section.

All participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements in getting to and from the College of DuPage. Once the storm chase begins, all travel arrangements are provided for by the college. There are several area hotels that are close to COD. College of DuPage also has a 6-room boutique hotel (Inn at Water's Edge) on campus. It is highly rated and allows you to walk to the storm chase meeting. See https://www.cod.edu/inn/

We presently offer a total of 4 trips each year. The only way to improve your chances is to be as flexible in your travel plans as possible. You stand a better chance to go on a trip if you are able to sign up for any trip, particularly if you are signing up late in the process when some trips may already be filled.

One of the key advantages of our program is that we provide the same thrilling experience as a professional storm chasing tour group—at a fraction of the cost! While a storm chasing tour company typically charges between $2,500 and $3,500 for a trip of similar duration, our program is significantly more affordable. Moreover, as educators, we ensure that every participant not only experiences the excitement of storm chasing but also gains a solid educational foundation in thunderstorms, tornadoes, and storm dynamics, earning college credit in the process. With a history of leading storm chasing trips since 1989, we proudly offer more experience and expertise than any major storm chasing tour operator in the world.

There are 14 spots for participants to go on each of our storm chases. A total of 18 people participate, including the instructor, an assistant, and two staff drivers.

Yes you may, but we would appreciate it if you give us credit for our work and please see our terms of use before doing so.

While registration is going on, simply check our "Join The Chase" section and register as directed. Otherwise, Simply fill out this form and check the box at the bottom to be placed on our storm chasing e-mail list. This mailing list will be used to send out announcements regarding our storm chasing program, including when and how to register. registration for a coming chase season usually starts with a call in November of the preceding year.

No prior experience is required! Our courses are designed for all levels, from beginners to those with a strong interest in weather. We offer introductory and advanced courses to build forecasting skills, scientific understanding, and practical experience.

Yes! Our program prepares students for seamless transfer to top meteorology schools, including the University of Oklahoma, University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University. Many students complete general education courses at COD before transferring to complete their bachelor’s degree in meteorology.

Students gain practical experience through NEXLAB (weather.cod.edu), storm-chasing courses, real-time forecasting projects, and fieldwork. Our Thunderstorm Lab provides opportunities to track severe weather in real time, enhancing forecasting skills beyond the classroom.

The College of DuPage Meteorology Program, through NEXLAB, operates one of the nation’s longest-running collegiate storm chasing programs, active since 1989. Students join faculty on field trips across the Great Plains to forecast, track, and observe severe storms safely. The program blends hands-on learning, team collaboration, and real-world meteorology.

Any COD student 18 years or older may enroll. Storm chasing is offered as two courses:

• Earth Science 1112 – Introductory Thunderstorm Laboratory (Storm Chasing): For students new to meteorology and storm chasing.
• Earth Science 2112 – Advanced Thunderstorm Laboratory (Storm Chasing): For students with more meteorology coursework who want a deeper experience.

Enrollment in one of these courses is required to participate. All participants will pay for 2 in-district rates for storm chasing.

Trips typically last 9-11 days during the spring or summer semester. Students travel in vans, covering thousands of miles across the Plains. Expect long days of driving, storm observation, and occasional downtime.

Storm chasing is unpredictable. You may see spectacular tornadoes, or you may experience days with no storms at all. COD cannot guarantee tornadoes — not even rain. The only guarantee is that instructors will take students where conditions give the best chance for severe weather. On quiet days, the group may visit national parks, museums, or cultural sites.

“Down days” are spent repositioning for better weather or visiting cultural/natural attractions. Students are expected to stay engaged, helpful, and positive.

Storm chasing carries risks, including:

• Driving: Long hours, poor visibility, slick roads, and other reckless chasers.
• Lightning: A constant risk — students may stay in vans during high activity.
• Hail & Wind: Risk of injury and vehicle damage from large hail and gusty winds.
• Tornadoes: Rarely a direct threat, but sudden changes in storm behavior or road closures can increase risk.

Safety is the program’s top priority. Only trained faculty drive in hazardous situations, and students must follow instructions at all times.

• Morning: Forecasting session or departure drive toward the target area.
• Afternoon: Stop for data updates, then reposition vans toward storm initiation zones.
• Chase: Teams observe storms from safe vantage points, with photography opportunities as conditions allow.
• Evening: Debrief, secure lodging, and prepare for the next day.

Packing is limited due to space in vans. Essentials include:

• Clothing: T-shirts, socks/underwear for each day, shorts, one pair of long pants, sweatshirt/jacket, sturdy shoes, swimsuit.
• Electronics: Phone, chargers, optional camera/tripod, small power strip.
• Health: Medications, glasses/contacts, sunscreen, insurance card.
• Miscellaneous: License, credit card/cash (~$35/day), refillable water bottle, headphones.
• Do NOT bring: Weapons, alcohol, drugs, excess baggage.

• Breakfast: usually at hotels.
• Lunch: often a sit-down meal if time allows.
• Dinner: frequently fast food during active chase days. A celebratory steak dinner may follow a tornado day.
• Hotels: 3–4 students per room; respect fellow travelers, hotel property, and noise rules.

• Forecasting and radar interpretation skills
• Experience with real-time meteorology and decision-making
• Field safety and teamwork training
• Resume-building experience — many alumni note storm chasing as pivotal in careers across meteorology, aviation, emergency management, and broadcasting

• Sign up for the Thunderstorm Laboratory Mailing list here. (Include link)
• After being contacted, fill out required application for Earth Science 1112 (Introductory) or Earth Science 2112 (Advanced) during spring or summer semester. After being contacted and approved, someone will reach out to you to help with registration and payment.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of the chase
• Complete all required waivers and rules agreements
• Visit the COD Meteorology / NEXLAB website for details