On April 1st, 2025, Howard University Beltsville Campus (HUBC) participated on NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Day that took place at College Park Academy. Students from College Park Academy got the opportunity to learn about weather, forecast, research, climate, and other great fields related to atmospheric science from us and our partners at NOAA and the University of Maryland at College Park. NOAA Center for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (NCAS-M) and HUBC had a booth where they showcase our work and our involvement in the community. At the end of the exhibit, students exited to the back of the building to witness a weather balloon launch prepared by HUBC. The students were so excited to see the balloon take off and how data was being collected in real-time.

Jo-Anne Manswell Butty and Nakul Karle at the NCAS-M and HUBC booth.

Adrian Flores introducing the HUBC team before the weather balloon launch.

Rocio Rossi with students preparing the balloon while Adrian Flores explains how a weather balloon works.

3… 2… 1… Go! Students all focused on the launch.