Ever notice during severe weather there’s always a weather guy at the green screen and one at a desk on a computer? That’s because most high-powered forecasting tools are tethered to desktop computers due to their large processing needs.
But a Lincoln developer and former KLKN meteorologist Rachael Witter are pairing up to create a iPad version of the forecasting tools known as BUFKIT. Their app is called Updraft.
They’re taking to Kickstarter, with a $7,500 goal, to begin the project. They have about $6,000 left to reach their goal in the next 18 days.
“It’s the right time to do this,” says developer Aaron Nelsen. “The biggest thing for me is that we’re trying to build something that’s truly portable, and in the past, that hasn’t been the case. The programs tended not to perform well on laptops, but now there’s so many cutting-edge, next-generation tools on mobile, it’s possible. We can bring that powerhouse to mobile.”
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Nelsen said Updraft, which will pull in data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, could be used in a studio environment or run on mobile data for in-the-field stormchasers—definitely not a consumer app.
It will come with features like GFS and NAM data, plus a lot of other acronyms that only atmospheric science students would understand.
“Weather forecasting shouldn’t require sitting down at a computer,” Updraft’s site says. “Analyzing our ever-changing atmosphere should fit your ever-changing daily routine. Why not take a forecasting tool kit on the go? The first of its kind, Updraft brings the capability of turning weather models into unique displays to help you forecast on the run.
Nelsen says he’s established a conservative timeline for rollout, since he’s donated to dozens of Kickstarters, which usually take longer than they guess. Updraft will likely be ready for release by next June and cost about $10. Kickstarter donors will get an early look with alpha and beta versions, he said.
They hope to develop an Android app, too, but the more money they get, the faster it will roll out, Nelsen says. They may seek outside funding down the road.
So why did the developer take on such a specific niche product?
“I’m always looking for a bit of a challenge,” he said. “I’m hugely passionate about science and have a lot of meteorologist friends who have asked for something like it, so I decided to do it.
“Luckily (co-founder) Rachael understands the nitty gritty of the weather and atmospheric sciences and I understand the programming side of it.”
