National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

2026 SKYWARN Spotter Training

 

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls will once again host our annual severe weather awareness training during the Spring of 2026. These 1.5 to 2 hour classes are a great opportunity to learn more about severe weather, how to spot and report severe weather for your community, and how to stay safe during the warmer months ahead. 

During the 2026 training season we be working with local emergency managers in your community to host in-person training sessions.  If you're unable to attend these training sessions, there will also be two virtual options you can register to attend. 

 

     

Virtual Training Classes

Please register ahead of time for these virtual classes.  Classes can be viewed through your web browser or through your mobile device.  

 

Thursday April 2, 2026 @ 1 to 3pm

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3635504864426783574

 

Tuesday April 21, 2026 @ 6 to 8pm

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6335341372779579737

 

 


In-Person Training Classes

View an Interactive Training Map for the NWS Sioux Falls CWA

 

 

Severe Weather Awareness Week
Dates for the rest of the U.S.
SOUTH DAKOTA: April 13-17, 2026
Tornado Drill - Determined locally
 
MINNESOTA: April 13-17, 2026
Tornado Drill - Thursday, April 16 @ 1:45pm/6:45pm
NEBRASKA: March 23-27, 2026
Tornado Drill - Wednesday, March 25 @ 10:00am
 
IOWA: March 23-27, 2026 
Tornado Drill - Wednesday, March 25 @ 10:00am
 

 


Additional Training Opportunities

In addition to in-person and virtual NWS training opportunities, we've compiled a list of useful resources for those wanting to learn more about severe weather.  Some of these resources are located outside of the NWS domain, which will require registration to view. 

  Spotting   Training / Misc

Other Training Classes in the Region

Additional in-person and virtual training classes will be held this Spring season.  Please visit the following offices for further information:

NWS Aberdeen

NWS Rapid City

NWS Omaha

NWS North Platte

NWS Des Moines

NWS Twin Cities