NEXLAB
STORM CHASING
The College of DuPage Storm Chasing Program has been one of the most unique educational experiences in the country since 1989.
Our Mission
To teach storm enthusiasts to storm chase safely and successfully.
Since 1989, we’ve been taking students into the field to learn the art and science of storm chasing.
Private tour companies can’t match our focus on education, safety, or value. You won’t just watch storms — you’ll learn to forecast, position, and make informed decisions that you can use long after the trip is over.
Trip Structure
- Trips run during spring and summer semesters.
- Each trip lasts 9–11 days, with students and faculty traveling together across the Great Plains.
- Every day begins with forecasting and target-setting, followed by travel to storm initiation zones.
- Quiet weather days are used for repositioning or exploring parks, museums, and Americana along the way.
Cost + Value
The cost for a 9-11 day trip is $1,404.
Our trips are run at cost — not for profit. Your fee covers the expenses of transportation, lodging, equipment, and group expenses. If funds remain after the trip, they are reimbursed back to students.
You’ll get more instruction, time in the field, and value than any private chase tour — at a fraction of the price.
“The NEXLAB website is a great place to access weather data. Fast, easy-to-use interface, and comprehensive data sets. NEXLAB is my go-to real world weather data on the internet, I find the NEXLAB satellite interface in particular to be the best I've found anywhere online.”
Dan Berc
WCM - NWS Las Vegas
“I have been a meteorology professor for over 30 years, and there is not a day that goes by that I do not use the NEXLAB site. It is the easiest method, by far, to find NWS text information such as forecast discussions, zone forecasts, and climate summaries, and for satellite data as well. I have had a direct link to the site within Iowa State meteorology's own website that I created over 25 years ago for students to use when they give their weather discussions in both a required synoptic and mesoscale course.”
William Gallus
Meteorology Professor, Iowa State University
“Ever since the 1990s, I’ve found the CoD weather site absolutely indispensable to my chase forecasting! Furthermore, as equipment at work got older and slower, I relied on the CoD site more with every passing year at SPC, especially in the 2010s and since. Most SPC forecasters use it now to some extent.”
Roger Edwards
Lead Forecaster, Storm Prediction Center
“This trip was an unforgettable experience, and I cannot wait for the chance to do it again. The combination of the environment, the people, and the shared stories made it truly special. I’m thankful for the opportunity, even on the longer days, I was able to enjoy meaningful conversations and awe-inspiring skies.”
Cydney Hosey
COD Student
“Storm chasing with the College of DuPage is unlike anything else. Since my first trip in 2022, I keep going back not just for the storms, but for the unmatched learning that comes with them. Seeing the atmosphere do what it wants is humbling, inspiring, and a feeling I only get on these trips.”
Nick Albers
Nicholas Albers, WIU Class of 2024
“The NEXLAB website is a great place to access weather data. Fast, easy-to-use interface, and comprehensive data sets. NEXLAB is my go-to real world weather data on the internet, I find the NEXLAB satellite interface in particular to be the best I've found anywhere online.”
Dan Berc
WCM - NWS Las Vegas
“I have been a meteorology professor for over 30 years, and there is not a day that goes by that I do not use the NEXLAB site. It is the easiest method, by far, to find NWS text information such as forecast discussions, zone forecasts, and climate summaries, and for satellite data as well. I have had a direct link to the site within Iowa State meteorology's own website that I created over 25 years ago for students to use when they give their weather discussions in both a required synoptic and mesoscale course.”
William Gallus
Meteorology Professor, Iowa State University
“Ever since the 1990s, I’ve found the CoD weather site absolutely indispensable to my chase forecasting! Furthermore, as equipment at work got older and slower, I relied on the CoD site more with every passing year at SPC, especially in the 2010s and since. Most SPC forecasters use it now to some extent.”
Roger Edwards
Lead Forecaster, Storm Prediction Center
“This trip was an unforgettable experience, and I cannot wait for the chance to do it again. The combination of the environment, the people, and the shared stories made it truly special. I’m thankful for the opportunity, even on the longer days, I was able to enjoy meaningful conversations and awe-inspiring skies.”
Cydney Hosey
COD Student
“Storm chasing with the College of DuPage is unlike anything else. Since my first trip in 2022, I keep going back not just for the storms, but for the unmatched learning that comes with them. Seeing the atmosphere do what it wants is humbling, inspiring, and a feeling I only get on these trips.”
Nick Albers
Nicholas Albers, WIU Class of 2024
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