BRIAN KLIMOWSKI NAMED FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., METEOROLOGIST IN CHARGE

Brian Klimowski has been selected as the new meteorologist-in-charge of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NOAA Weather Service) forecast office in Flagstaff, Ariz. NOAA is part of the Department of Commerce.

“Brian Klimowski’s most recent assignment has prepared him to lead the National Weather Service team in Flagstaff, Ariz. He has been the science and operations officer at the Rapid City, South Dakota NOAA Weather Service forecast office since 1995,” said Vickie Nadolski, NOAA Weather Service Western Region director.

In his former duties, Klimowski was responsible for managing the science and training activities of the Rapid City NOAA Weather Service office. He held positions in operational forecasting and gained significant research experience as a scientist with the University of Arizona and the University of Wyoming. Klimowski completed his doctorate degree in atmospheric science at the University of Wyoming in 1992. His assignment in Arizona began April 6.

Most recently, Klimowski has been researching the evolution of severe thunderstorms, and has been involved with the regional and national training of NOAA Weather Service employees on forecasting severe wind-producing storms. He has also been collaborating with universities and fire weather agencies in developing strategies for better fire weather forecast products.

Klimowski will head up the weather forecast operations and supervise 22 employees in the Flagstaff office. Additionally, the forecast office is responsible for public, aviation forecasts and fire weather forecasts. The NOAA Weather Service Forecast Office in Flagstaff, is responsible for weather watches and warnings in the following Arizona counties: Apache, Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai, and northern Gila. It provides these same critical services to nine Native American tribes.

"I’m looking forward to working with the Northern Arizona community to meet their needs. We have a talented and enthusiastic staff at the forecast office, and I appreciate how important accurate weather information is to the economy and daily decision-making of those who travel and live in northern Arizona,” Klimowski said.

NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

NOAA National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov

NOAA National Weather Service Flagstaff, Ariz., forecast office: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/flagstaff

Editor’s Note: Reporters wishing to interview Klimowski should contact George Howard at the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in Flagstaff, Ariz. Interviews available after April 11, 2003.