Curious about the weather?

Want to know more about our climate?

The Institute for Climate Education offers classes that put weather and climate into terms that we can all understand.

Whether you're interested in learning about why the rain seems to miss Asheville most of the time (it's not your imagination), or how major winter storms develop - we've got you covered. 

Our classes are designed to answer the questions you've always wanted to ask and our instructors are trained meteorologists with years of experience and a passion for teaching.

We'll help you put all the pieces together and you'll never look at life in Western North Carolina the same way again as you gain a better appreciation for the beautiful and unique place that we live.

The Institute classes described below are offered through the Continuing Education department. Click here for class and registration information.

Is there a class that you would like us to offer?  Click here and let us know!

Mountain Weather and Climate

Have you ever wondered why the temperature reported on the news is nothing like the temperature at your house?  Or why you got 4 inches of snow, or two inches of rain from a thunderstorm, and your friend across town got nothing?  Learn how our mountainous terrain creates microclimates that challenge even the best weather forecasters.  This class is a must for weather buffs who want to learn why our weather is so unique and extreme weather buffs will enjoy the overview of historic local events including the blizzard of 1993, the hurricanes and floods of 2004, and more. Learn about the typical first and last frost days, annual precipitation, temperature extremes and how these vary across the area – helping you to be “weatherwise” in your gardening and planning. Class meets 2 hours/week for 3 weeks.

Spring/Summer 2012: Tuesdays, June 5-19, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (6 hours total)

Course fee: $60

Weather Lore MythBusters

Weather – the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time

Lore – a traditional belief

From these two definitions, we get “weather lore”, a collection of proverbs and sayings that have been passed on from generation to generation to guide farmers, sailors, herdsmen, and others on how to predict the weather.  Some of these saying are so ingrained in our culture that they are still in use today . . ."Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky at morning, sailors warning."  We’ll put weather lore to the test, covering how some of the popular sayings started, and if they are a real indication of what to expect in the near future. 3 hour class.

Spring 2012: Saturday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Course fee: $40

Weather Lore Course Outline