For the first time ever, government and private meteorologists and academic experts will share forecast responsibilities at the Olympics. As 3,500 athletes and officials from 80 countries show up in Northern Utah next February, NOAA's National Weather Service will be a prominent player.

Earlier this month, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the XIX Olympic Winter Games announced a unique partnership between the weather service, University of Utah and private meteorologists. The goal is provide the most accurate, timely and site-specific weather forecasts.

"We want everyone to be weather-wise and weather-safe. Our job will be very important in ensuring that people coming to Utah will be prepared for various winter weather conditions that can change in a short period of time. We know that National Weather Service forecasts and warnings will be an important tool for people associated with or attending the games," said retired Brig. Gen. Jack Kelly, director of the National Weather Service.

Jack Kelly, Director of NOAA's National Weather Service, and
Mitt Romney (right), head of the Salt Lake organizing committee,
announce first-ever weather partnership for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Private meteorologists and the University of Utah have also
joined the partnership.

With the over 11,000-feet Wasatch Mountains as a dramatic natural backdrop, Salt Lake City and surrounding areas will host competitions for seven winter sports and over 78 medal events. For the first time, a host city has also integrated preparations for the Paralympic Winter Games. The world's top Paralympians will compete in Northern Utah next March at the same sites used in the earlier games.

NOAA's National Weather Service will provide critical base-level meteorological and hydrological services during the games. These will include providing winter storm warnings to the state's 2,000,000 residents and the expected 1,500,000 visitors. Also key will be briefings for public safety, aviation, security, and emergency management officials.

At least twice daily, the weather service will, as warranted, issue special hazardous forecasts for the various transportation corridors leading to Olympic sites. These will help both the public traveling to and from various "park and ride" lots and transportation officials trying to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The University of Utah has developed weather tracking systems designed specifically for Utah and the Olympics. The university has involved about one-third of its meteorology students in some aspect of the collaborative effort. The joint weather forecast team already demonstrated its shared capabilities earlier this year at the World Cup and U.S. finals.

The official Olympic Weather Center will be located at the weather service's Salt Lake City Forecast Office. Here, private and government meteorological teams will prepare the daily forecasts.

Link: http://www.saltlake2002.com.