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Lightning Safety Council
Chris Vagasky
Meteorologist
Lightning Data and Safety Specialist
National Lightning Safety Council
vagasky@wisc.edu
Lightning Data and Safety Specialist
National Lightning Safety Council
vagasky@wisc.edu
Chris Vagasky is the manager of the Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet (Wisconet), a network of weather and soil monitoring stations across the state of Wisconsin. He started there in April 2023, after eight and a half years at Vaisala Inc. In his role with Wisconet, Chris manages the day-to-day operations of the mesonet and is tasked with growing the network from 14 stations to nearly 100 stations.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in operational meteorology and a master’s degree in applied meteorology, both from Mississippi State University. He is an active member of both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Chris serves as the chair of the AMS Board on Membership and is co-chair of the 2023 NWA Annual Meeting.
In addition to developing a statewide weather station network in Wisconsin, Chris also conducts research with lightning data - including its use in safety applications and lightning in volcanic eruptions. He also helps cities, businesses, and other organizations improve their weather communication and preparedness.
A short interview with Chris
WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS!
Chris Vagasky is the manager of the Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet (Wisconet), a network of weather and soil monitoring stations across the state of Wisconsin. He started there in April 2023, after eight and a half years at Vaisala Inc. In his role with Wisconet, Chris manages the day-to-day operations of the mesonet and is tasked with growing the network from 14 stations to nearly 100 stations.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in operational meteorology and a master’s degree in applied meteorology, both from Mississippi State University. He is an active member of both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Chris serves as the chair of the AMS Board on Membership and is co-chair of the 2023 NWA Annual Meeting.
In addition to developing a statewide weather station network in Wisconsin, Chris also conducts research with lightning data - including its use in safety applications and lightning in volcanic eruptions. He also helps cities, businesses, and other organizations improve their weather communication and preparedness.
A short interview with Chris