Known worldwide as the place where the “wind comes sweeping down the plains,” Oklahoma also is widely acknowledged for its cutting-edge weather research, education and development of weather related commercial enterprises. Today, the state continues to increase its status as the unofficial U.S. weather capital — a fact that is leading to a flood of economic activity.

Why is the weather industry growing in importance? Because weather and climate affect nearly a third of the nation’s trillion economy according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. An accurate understanding of weather can mitigate potential loss of life, property damage, and costly delays while opening up whole new avenues of economic opportunity. In fact, the weather research and development industry is expected to grow to nearly billion over the next decade.

Research & Development | Oklahoma's Weather Industry | Labor & Education

What's This

Norman Weather Company Set to Grow

July 22, 2008 – According to the Journal Record, Norman-based Weather Decision Technologies (WDT) Inc. has merged with Washington, D.C.-based TrueNorth Global Inc.

"This was an opportunity to grow in another way and get some new capital behind us, which is always a good thing," says WDT President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Eilts in an interview with the Record.

OU to Build First of Its Kind Radar

May 30, 2008 -- A first of its kind weather radar in the United States is being constructed and located at the University of Oklahoma (OU) to enhance education, training, research and development and encourage future innovations.

"The new radar will contribute tremendous potential to the meteorological community for development of weather-related information services that will benefit from co-location with the core weather radar programs on OU’s Research Campus," says Lee Williams, OU's Vice President for Research. "Together they will create an environment with endless potential for the university, federal, state and private-sector entities."

Video Spotlight

A concentration of the most important weather institutions - both public and private - in the world know the advantages of locating in Oklahoma. Hear first-hand from some of the experts in the industry - including Weathernews, Weather Decision Technologies, and Vieux & Associates - about why they chose to locate and expand in Oklahoma.

Dr. John Snow
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Michael D. Eilts
Dr. Peter Lamb
Jean Vieux
Neville L. Koop

Contact

Oklahoma's Fast Forward Team
800-879-6552