Storming success: CMU students weather the forecasting frontier with Mid-Mitten Weather View

In the spring of 2021, a simple request from CMU Athletics sparked a revolution in weather forecasting at Central Michigan University. What began as a small endeavor to provide forecasting support for baseball games quickly snowballed into a full-fledged student organization dedicated to serving the community with timely and accurate weather information.

Driven by a passion for meteorology and a desire to expand their reach, three ambitious students – Scott Thomas, Isaac Cleland, and John Jones – took the reins to formalize their efforts. They drafted a constitution, navigated the bureaucratic maze, and successfully registered their brainchild as a Recognized Student Organization in the fall of 2022. Thus, Mid-Mitten Weather View was born, and it has been steadily gaining momentum ever since.

With a current membership of around 25 students, the group has become a beacon of collaboration and innovation within CMU's meteorology program. Their mission, succinctly put, is to provide vital weather information to the public, empowering them to make informed decisions and stay safe in the face of ever-changing atmospheric conditions.

One of their most notable achievements has been the establishment of a training program to ensure the proficiency of new forecasters. Technical workflows have been fine-tuned, schedules have been meticulously organized, and the group's output now includes a weekly weather column in the local Morning Sun Newspaper.

But Mid-Mitten Weather View's impact extends far beyond the confines of campus. Graduates of the program, such as Scott Thomas and Isaac Cleland, have landed prestigious forecasting jobs at institutions like the National Weather Service and ABC 12. Others have found success in the private sector, working for companies like DTE and WeatherNet. Additionally, the group serves as a valuable training ground for students pursuing internships in weather writing, providing them with real-world experience and exposure to a broad audience.

What truly sets Mid-Mitten Weather View apart, however, is its commitment to the community. In a region devoid of local TV news stations, the group has emerged as the primary source of weather forecasts, delivering crucial updates year-round. When severe weather strikes, their student forecasters spring into action, providing live discussions and minute-by-minute storm updates to keep residents informed and safe.

Through their dedication and ingenuity, Mid-Mitten Weather View has not only filled a void in the local media landscape but has also nurtured a new generation of meteorologists equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. As they continue to grow and evolve, one thing remains clear – the future of weather forecasting in Mt. Pleasant is in good hands.