South Partnership Enhances Weather Research and Forecasting
Posted on June 29, 2026
University of South Alabama meteorology students and faculty now have access to the latest weather radar available after announcing a partnership with weather tech company Climavision.
The company is making its proprietary radar data available to the University for instruction and research in atmospheric science. This collaboration will also include experiential learning and professional development activities such as radar site visits, guest lectures and student research projects.
"Partnerships with industry leaders like Climavision provide our students with access to the same cutting-edge observational tools used by operational meteorologists every day," said Dr. Jake Wiley, assistant professor of meteorology at South.
Wiley added that incorporating Climavision’s radar data in forecasting, research and classroom activities, students will gain valuable hands-on experience analyzing high-impact weather events and making real-time decisions.
“Climavision radars fill long-standing gaps in the weather radar coverage in the state,” said Dr. Sytske Kimball, South’s earth sciences department chair and director of the South Alabama Mesonet. “Our students and researchers will now be able to study storms as they evolve in the critical lowest parts of the atmosphere and along with the Mesonet weather stations, get a complete picture of storm structure”.
According to its website, Climavision brings together the power of a high resolution supplemental weather radar network with its Horizon AI forecasting technology to close significant weather observation gaps and drastically improve forecast speed and accuracy.
South students and faculty will begin using the radar data when the Fall 2026 semester begins.
