Meteorologist to discuss climate change and federal cuts at virtual session

URBANA — A local meteorologist will provide information on the local impacts of climate change and funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during a free webinar Wednesday.

The League of Women Voters will hold a virtual session on these topics from 7 to 8 p.m.

A Zoom link is available at lwvchampaigncounty.org.

Local meteorologist Andrew Pritchard will discuss changes in climate, with a spotlight on central Illinois, and the effects on agriculture and everyday life, league officials said.

Additionally, he will detail the local impact of sizable budget cuts that were recently announced for the NOAA.

The agency provides “critical weather and climate information” used to create and enhance weather models nationally and internationally, organizers said.

There will also be a time for questions.

“An award-winning meteorologist and weather risk communicator, Andrew Pritchard is dedicated to helping our community make informed decisions in the face of changing weather patterns,” said program moderator Joan Tousey. “His passion for weather safety and storytelling makes him a trusted voice in the field, and the topic could not be more timely.”

Pritchard specializes in “forecasting high-impact weather events, mitigating risks and ensuring safety during disruptive storms” in his work as senior atmospheric scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions, organizers said.

He also runs Chambana Weather and founded SKYDRAMA Weather Company.

The webinar is free and open to the public. It will also be recorded and available for viewing on the league’s website.