National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Critical Fire Weather in the Plains; Unseasonably Warm in the Southwest and Southern U.S.

Unseasonably warm temperatures continue today through the weekend across the Southwest and southern U.S., with more than 100 record or near record maximum temperatures forecast through the rest of the week and over the weekend. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist across the southern Plains today, moving into the central Plains and Southeast U.S on Saturday. Read More >

 

2026 SUMMER STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

National Weather Service in Morristown, TN

                  

 

What to expect during the program?

  • Introductory NWS training modules
  • Work in NWS Morristown operations, alongside forecasters 
  • One-on-one meetings with different forecasters to learn about various different topics and program areas
  • Proficiency in completing daily WFO tasks
  • Application of college meteorology courses with forecasting and writing forecast discussions for our local area
  • Extra focus in an area of your choosing
  • Opportunities to work on an event case study and/or other meteorology-related research, as well as community outreach
  • Project-based learning with choice of project
  • Learn how to provide forecast information for decision-makers

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Recommended to be enrolled in a meteorology/atmospheric science program at a university currently or by the spring 
    • Students must be actively enrolled in classes both the semester before/after (Spring/Fall 2026) the volunteer period
    • Preferably a rising Junior or Senior, if in an undergraduate program
    • Expected graduation date can't be before the summer in which volunteering takes place
    • Good academic standing
  • Must be residing in close enough proximity to the office for the summer to come into the office
  • Students who are interested in a NWS or related career
  • Flexible schedule with reasonable availability throughout the majority of the summer (typical volunteering frequencies provided below)
    • 6 to 8 hours per day, 1 to 3 days per week

    • 8-12 weeks total; typically late May/early June through the end of July or into August

How do I apply?

  • Please fill out the form linked above 
    • ​The following info will need to be provided: current school you're enrolled at, expected graduation date, career paths you are considering, previous meteorological experience, general area you will be residing in, and availability during the summer
    • You will also need to provide an academic transcript (unofficial is fine) and a resume
    • NWS staff may contact you via email to set up a meeting or virtual interview
  • If selected, the following will need to be completed/provided in a timely manner after selection:
    • Several different forms
    • Fingerprinting, typically conducted at a law enforcement agency (cards provided)
    • Two forms of ID (often a driver's license/state ID, as well as a social security card)
    • Headshot photo

Questions? Email: brandon.wasilewski@noaa.gov

Participation in the program does not guarantee a future job with the National Weather Service. No compensation is provided. Applicants are subject to Department of Commerce and NOAA security and background investigation.