![\"louis](\"http:\/\/www.ssec.wisc.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2013\/03\/louis2_565.jpg\")
<\/a>Louis W. Uccellini, Ph.D.
Photo credit: NOAA<\/p><\/div>\n
We interviewed Dr. Uccellini<\/a> in February, just weeks after his appointment. He shared stories from his time at the UW-Madison, as well as his thoughts about the science of weather forecasting and just what it means to be a \u2018weather-ready nation.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the many advances in our nation\u2019s ability to forecast severe weather events with precision and accuracy, injuries and death as a result of severe weather remain an unsettling fact. Communicating well with decision makers and the public is critical. Unfortunately, \u201cwe still have situations in which the message we give is not equal to the message received.\u201d Using Hurricane Sandy as a successful example, Uccellini noted how the forecasts focused on impacts and extent, rather than on whether or not the storm system would make landfall as a hurricane or post-tropical storm.<\/p>\n Collaboration among many groups is key to continued improvements in forecasts. Uccellini commented on the need for the research and operational communities to work together and noted how Wisconsin is \u201cusually at the front of the line in terms of being able to affect the transition from research into operations\u201d; specifically, Uccellini mentioned SSEC\u2019s satellite research and work with the National Hurricane Center. According to Dr. Uccellini, the NWS relies on university research programs, like those at the UW, for improvements and advancements in technologies related to enhancing forecast skill.<\/p>\n In addition, Uccellini urged those involved in weather forecasting to look outside their discipline. Weather impacts every facet of human life, from the spread of disease to the economy to agriculture and beyond. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, examining more than just the atmosphere, but also looking at oceans, land surface, the cryosphere, biological and hydrological systems, chemistry, Uccellini maintains that forecasts can only become more accurate. \u201cWe also know that to make predictions, it\u2019s not just the weather anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n In fact, Uccellini expects many more groups to work together in the future, to leverage one another\u2019s efforts, given the current economic difficulties that may result in a gap in satellite coverage. Maintaining the availability of satellite data in real time, sharing this data, and a free flow of information are fundamental to the global satellite observing system. SSEC, and its founder, Verner Suomi, made the case early on for such collaboration, and Uccellini is keen to see it continue.<\/p>\n Despite the budget challenges and need to improve communication, Uccellini is optimistic about the future, seeing opportunities for growth. Further, Uccellini sees the ultimate goal of saving lives and mitigating property loss as a worthwhile venture extending far beyond the science. It seems only fitting that this philosophy mirrors SSEC\u2019s mission for its research to be of benefit to all, serving, too, as a perfect example of the Wisconsin Idea, the UW-Madison\u2019s mission to \u201cimprove people\u2019s lives beyond the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n Read the full transcript of the interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n