National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

⛅❄️   Open House - 2024    🌪️☔

 

Ever wonder how weather forecasts are made? Why and how a weather balloon launch is done? How severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings are issued? And just how that big green "soccer ball" on the hill south of Gaylord detects rain, storms and snow? Learn the answers, and MUCH more, at our NWS Gaylord Open House on Saturday, September 21st from 9am to 1pm!   This is a FREE event!!! Bring the whole family -- all ages are welcome!

Meet the crew of NWS Gaylord -- a dedicated group who work around the clock, 365 days a year, to provide critical and sometimes life-saving weather information when you need it.

Several other NWS partnering agencies and groups will also be on-hand to showcase their cool equipment and what their jobs entail. Check out the "Who Else Will Be Here" tab below for details!



*No smoking, drugs, alcohol, or weapons allowed on the premises. No pets except for trained service animals. No bags or backpacks allowed inside the facility.

National Weather Service Gaylord, MI
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, September 21st
9am to 1pm
* F R E E *

nws gaylord


Countdown to the Open House:  

 

 

National Weather Service
8800 Passenheim Rd.
Gaylord, MI 49735

nws gaylord

 

 

Where to park:

Primary parking will be along both sides of Passenheim Rd.  Our driveway entrance and main parking lot will be reserved for accessible parking  Please note the small parking lot to the south of the office will be closed for the event. 

 

overhead view of the NWS la Crosse and parking areas

 

Below is sampling of planned Open House activities!
  • Tour our office (last one begins around 12:45pm) - learn about our office, how the radar works, and how forecasts are made
  • Weather balloon demonstrations at the top of each hour (10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm)
  • Check out electronics and observing equipment used by the National Weather Service
  • Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and games for kids
  • Emergency vehicle displays
  • Browse other agency booths - see their equipment and learn what they do (see "Who Else Will Be Here" tab for details)
  • Meet your local NWS meteorologists and ask your weather questions
  • Local food truck (food available for purchase)
  • Enter drawing to win a weather radio, rain gauge, or mobile wind sensor 
  • ...and more!!!
police vehicle

 

Images from Our Last Open House in 2016
Previous Open House Previous Open House Previous Open House Previous Open House
Organization Planned Activities (subject to change)  

Otsego County Sheriff and Emergency Management

Check out a squad car. police vehicle

NOAA's Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary - Alpena

Folks from the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will be on hand to display all that the Marine Sanctuary does in and around Lake Huron.  Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

MI DNR personnel will discuss their work to preserve and enhance the natural resources of MI.  red cross

...and more

We're actively engaging additional agencies to attend. Stay tuned - more to come! stay tuned

An open house is a HUGE endeavor requiring many months of planning and many dedicated people to make it a success. We hope everyone's efforts will enrich the day and provide a fun learning experience for all who attend! We express our sincere thanks to the organizations below for their time and efforts.

 

   
 
     
 
     
 
Otsego County Emergency Management

MI DNR

K & J Grill

 

 

Questions? Looking for additional information?

Please reach out to Matt Gillen, matthew.gillen@noaa.gov