Climate experts in Minnesota this week

Here's one you may want to put on the calendar this week.

The 18th annual UM Kuehnast Lecture Series and the Clean Water and Climate Adaption 2010 Summit are happening this week at the UM landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen.

The lecture and summit will bring several notable climate experts to the Twin Cities Thursday and Friday.

The talks will feature various sessions on climate change and adaption. The Kuehnast Lecture is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to get some first hand knowledge on climate change without all the hype.

Here are some details on the free headline event.

18th Annual Kuehnast Lecture

Thursday, September 16, 2010 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Different Climate Models:

Providing Guidance to Policymakers and Impact Analysts

Dr. Ben Santer

Climate Services for Society:

Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Eileen Shea

The Clean Water and Climate Adaption 2010 Summit takes place Thursday and Friday, also at the Arboretum. The event features a host of excellent speakers, including UM and MPR's own climate specialist Dr. Mark Seeley.

Minnesota Twins game day meteorologist Craig Edwards and myself will chip in our two cents worth on recent severe weather trends in Minnesota.

Registration is required for the Summit, which you can do here online or on site Thursday or Friday.

Rain on the way:

We're still on track for a soaker tomorrow. The latest forecast runs crank out a good inch for much of central and southern Minnesota, with locally higher amounts possible. The vigorous system is likely to spread rain into the metro by around noontime, and provide a good soaking through evening rush hour before pulling out Wednesday evening.

Plan of bringing your rain gear with your Wednesday!

PH