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Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall in the Northern Plains and Midwest; Fire Weather Threat in the West

Severe thunderstorms will continue to be possible over parts of the northern Plains and upper Midwest through Saturday which could bring large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Heavy to excessive rainfall may produce flooding over a part of the Midwest today. Elevated to critical fire weather are expected today into this weekend over parts of the central Rockies and Great Basin. Read More >

NWS Grand Rapids Weather Spotter Training

In-Person Spotter Training Sessions for Spring 2026 Have Been Completed.

 

While no additional sessions are planned until Spring 2027, virtual and online options are listed below.

 

 

Virtual Spotter Training Sessions Are Now Available!

 

Virtual Weather Spotter Training sessions are being offered across the Great Lakes. Visit the Virtual Spotter Training Registration Page for dates and times. 

 

Online, self-paced training can be obtained by taking an online spotter course through the MetEd program. Once you have created a General Users account you can search the catalog for the Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics course. You can also learn more about meteorology and our atmosphere at JetStream - An Online School for Weather.

Once you have completed training (in-person or online), contact the Emergency Management office in your city/county to find out what you can do to become involved with their spotter program.

Looking for courses held in nearby regions of Michigan?

Northern Lower Michigan (NWS Gaylord)

Southwest Michigan/Michiana (NWS Northern Indiana)

Southeast Michigan (NWS Detroit)

Please e-mail us with any questions: nws.grandrapids@noaa.gov