WarriorWX: More Than Just a Weather Club WarriorWX is Riverdale High School’s weather club, established in 2024 to promote weather awareness, education, and safety. As the only official Pre-College Chapter of the American Meteorological Society in Tennessee, WarriorWX gives students opportunities to experience weather science beyond the classroom. What does WarriorWX do? Operates 3 rain gauges as part of international and local weather research projects, Visits feeder schools to teach younger students about weather, Partners with Riverdale Athletics to provide a weather dashboard and phone app with campus conditions, forecasts, warnings, and advisories. Club sponsor, Mr. Justin McClain, says the goal is simple: “I want simply for students to love weather, learn lots, and have fun!” He emphasizes that students do not have to pursue meteorology to make a difference. “Everyone is a weather person if they want to be,” he said. “No matter where they go or what they do, they can always do weather!” One club member, Ashlee Arrington, said, “It was always something I found scary yet fascinating at the same time.” During a shadow day at the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Nashville, she observed a meteorologist’s daily work and learned about the "Forgotten F5" tornado of 1998 in Lawrence County. Carson Baumgartner joined WarriorWX because “I have wanted to be a weatherman, and I had a long interest in storms.” He also did a shadow day with NWS and presented to the club at a recent meeting about his experiences. Carson emphasizes that he has learned about the basics of severe weather, understanding his weather surroundings, and how to respond in a weather emergency through WarriorWX. Their career goals may lead in different directions. Ashlee hopes to enlist in the U.S. Air Force and pursue aviation, while the Carson wants to work in a chemistry laboratory. When asked to share what they think everyone should know about WarriorWX, Ashlee and Carson commented that “Warrior WX is like a big and open family, it is FREE to join, and the meetings aren't long at all.” As Mr. McClain puts it, “WarriorWX is more than just a weather club.” Want to get in touch with WarriorWX? Contact Club Sponsor, Mr. McClain at mcclainj@rcschools.net