Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences

Meteorology 417 - Mesoscale Meteorology Forecasting Laboratory

Got a question?

Got a question or comment? Contact me at (515) 294-2270 or wgallus@iastate.edu.

HPC Surface Plot
Latest surface analysis from Hydrometeorological Prediction Center.

Class Description

This course is designed to hone the forecasting skills developed in previous synoptic labs, and expose students to mesoscale analysis and forecasting. Although the first few classes will explore mesoscale aspects of winter storms, the majority of the co urse will explore convective storms and the forecasting of small-scale severe weather. After completion of this course, students should be able to explain in a physically meaningful and con sistent way both the synoptic-scale and mesoscale features of any weather situation.


Bill Gallus

Meet the Instructor

Bill Gallus
Professor of Meteorology
3025 Agronomy Hall
Phone: (515) 294-2270
Email: wgallus@iastate.edu
Office Hours: W 1-3pm

Class News & Updates

IDV Analysis Bundles

The new IDV bundles can be found by following 'Weather Links' in the left menu bar.


Weather News


Cut-Off Circulation

A cut-off low pressure system brought heavy rains to some parts of Iowa although Ames stayed fairly dry due to the advection of dry air from the north. The low is expected to move out today and tomorrow resulting in a pretty nice weekend.

Important Dates

January 12: Classes start
January 14: Forecasting contest starts
January 19: MLK Day - University holiday - no class and no forecasting
February 9-11: Instructor at NSF - TA will handle lecture
March 12: Mid-term exam
March 16-20: Spring break
April 2-4: NWA Severe Storms Conference in DSM (class encouraged to attend)
April 6-7: Instructor at Unidata meeting - TA will handle lecture
April 19-25: Instructor at EGU Meeting - TA will handle lecture
Tentative Final Exam Date: Monday, May 4, 2:15-4:15pm