Ag Month Keynote: Predicting Chaos - High Impact Weather Risk

Description

Throughout the month of July, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating agriculture and agribusiness throughout Champaign County. Our Ag Month celebration will culminate with keynote speaker, Eric Snodgrass.


Description:
The science of weather prediction has evolved rapidly as computing technology has increased and new methods of observing weather with high resolution satellites and Doppler radars has become common place. Accessed to highly detailed weather forecasts is the new normal in the digital age, but how are these forecasts made and how reliable are they? Can we predict high impact events like hail storms, extreme lightning, tornadoes, severe winds, hurricanes, flash floods, and drought?

Each of these types of weather has a major impact on Illinois businesses (yes, even hurricanes) and in this talk we will unpack the latest scientific advancements in analyzing and predicting high impact weather events. We will discuss what tools are available to understand weather risk and how to predict it. We will talk about the limits of predictability and how tools like machine learning global weather data collection have enhanced long-range weather forecasts. Come prepared to learn about the fascinating science of weather prediction and the tools of the trade.

To hear Dr. Snodgrass speak, you would normally have to attend an expensive conference. We are bringing him to you at home. You can enjoy his presentation all while staying safe during COVID-19. 

 
Reviews:
"...very entertaining, easy to listen to, and very informative."
"Outstanding!"
"Could have listened to him for another hour."


About Eric:
Eric Snodgrass is the Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he develops predictive, analytical software solutions to manage weather risk for global production agriculture. He provides frequent weather updates that focus on how high-impact weather events influence global agriculture productivity. His current research uses machine learning to better understand field-level weather impacts on yields in the US and to increase confidence in long-range weather prediction. He presents his research as a featured speaker at over 50 conferences annually where he provides logistical guidance and solutions to weather-sensitive financial institutions, farmers, commodity traders, and other stakeholders.

Before transitioning to Nutrien Ag Solutions, Eris was the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 2006-2018. Each year, he guided over 1800 students through the wild side of weather in ATMS 120: Severe and Hazardous Weather. He taught advanced courses on General Physical Meteorology (ATMS 201), Meteorological Instrumentation (ATMS 315), Economics of Weather (ATMS 491) and supervised numerous Capstone Research projects. Snodgrass also taught ENSU 310: Renewable and Alternative Energy for the Environmental Sustainability Program. He also advised all undergraduate majors and minors in atmospheric science (~100 students) and supervised graduate teaching assistants and master’s students. He won many prestigious teaching awards at the University of Illinois including College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Teaching Excellence award, the Campus Teaching Excellence Award, and the Campus Teaching Excellent Award in Online and Distance Education. Also, his online version of ATMS 120 was awarded the 2012 “Best Online Course” from the University Professional Continuing Education Association (a national organization).