Embedded Files
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: West Michigan Aviation Academy Flight Training Center
4151 Aviator Way, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Bill Marino
Presentation Topic:
Presentation Topic:
WINTER 2025/26 OUTLOOK
Speaker Bio:
Bill began his professional journey after graduating from the University of Michigan in December 1975. In September 1976, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, quickly rising to the rank of Captain by 1980. During his time in the Air Force, Bill developed a strong foundation in meteorology, which would shape the rest of his career.
After separating from the Air Force in 1984, Bill transitioned into civilian service as a lead weather forecaster for the Air Force at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. In September 1985, he joined the National Weather Service (NWS) at Detroit Metropolitan Airport as an observer, advancing to the role of forecaster in 1987. He later moved to Ann Arbor before being promoted to lead forecaster in Grand Rapids in 1995. During his time in Michigan, Bill became an expert in forecasting Michigan winters and the complexities of lake effect snow.
With decades of experience in both military and civilian meteorology, Bill retired from the NWS in December 2022, leaving behind a legacy of expertise in weather forecasting, especially in challenging winter conditions. Even in retirement, Bill continues to provide his weather analyses through his weather blog at snowstormbill.wordpress.com.
Meeting Minutes
Submitted by Chapter Secretary Matt Kirkwood
6:35 p.m. Meeting begins with a casual discussion among members of ways we can increase membership. Bill Steffen said on the week of the presentation he can add it to his daily weather vlog. I can also mention it on-air along with discussing it during Daybreak+.
6:40 p.m. Bill Marino delivers the latest treasury report.
Checking: $396.11
Savings: $62.01 (no change)
6:43 p.m. Bill Marino begins his presentation highlighting his thoughts of the 2025/2026 winter season and the variables that he thinks will influence the most. One of which is the weak to moderate La nina pattern that has developed and will persist until the end of the winter. This phenomenon along with a dominant easterly QBO that should lead to a colder than average winter temperatures through January with a potential pull back in February. The pull back in February could be accompanied with a more active storm track with the potential of more moisture laden storms. He noted that colder temperatures are more likely than above average snow amounts with a lot of the systems arriving with a northwest flow out of Canada. Although for lakeshore communities that will likely not be the case with abundant lake-effect snow. He thinks Grand Rapids will end up with 84 inches of snow this season. It appears at least a weak El nino will ensue by next winter.
Meeting ends at 7:35 p.m.
Winter Forecast2025-2026December-AMCNWA.pptxPage updated
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