Noted author, journalist and speaker Andrew Blum will be the featured speaker at the next University of Oklahoma Presidential Speakers Series, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave., on the OU Norman campus.

Blum’s recent book The Weather Machine: A Journey Inside the Forecast takes a detailed look at the history of weather prediction. The Weather Machine outlines the tools used over the years, from telegraphs to advanced satellite weather forecasting tools, to help readers understand how the forecast works.

“Millions of people around the country rely on weather predictions that originate in the NOAA Storm Prediction Center housed within OU’s National Weather Center,” said OU Interim President Joseph Harroz Jr. “OU’s atmospheric researchers are on the forefront of science, making weather one of our areas of academic excellence. Our School of Meteorology is unmatched in severe weather and short-term weather study and our academic radar program is the largest of its kind in the nation. It’s fitting that we welcome Andrew Blum – one of today’s leading thinkers on weather forecasting – to the University of Oklahoma.”

In his book, Blum explores the topic of the weather from an ordinary rainy day that can prompt the cancellation of outdoor events to the more extreme weather events that can displace millions of people and result in billions of dollars-worth of damage. Blum argues weather models and the forecasts must serve both occurrences.

“One of the clearest and most important products of research is the realization and advancement of numerical weather prediction,” said Dean Berrien Moore, Ph.D., College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences. “OU is proud of our contribution to this reality and we are delighted and honored that Andrew Blum will share his creative story.”

Approximately 500 guests are expected to attend this public event. Limited seating is available. For more information and to RSVP, contact specialevents@ou.edu or (405) 325-1701.