Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall for the Southwest; Heat Spreads Across the Center of the Nation

Moisture will continue to move into areas of the West. This will increase showers and thunderstorms coverage and intensity, with the risk of flash flooding and damaging wind gusts. Meanwhile, heat across the Southwest will expand into the center of the nation this weekend into early next week. Trends favor this heat will spread across the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic next week. 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

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Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall for the Southwest; Heat Spreads Across the Center of the Nation

GRR Spotter Talk Schedule

NWS Grand Rapids Weather Spotter Training

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

Virtual Spotter Training Sessions Are Now Available!