National Weather Service Forecast Office and UA Water Whys Produces a New Weather Safety Messaging for Tucson International Airport - Updated 7/17/2025
Updated 17 July 2025: Content revised to mention team member participation and the project's continuing activity into Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
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The University of Arizona Water Whys VIP Team, co-led by Dr. Laura Condon and Sara Kobilka, played a pivotal role in a new Weather Safety Messaging Project launched at Tucson International Airport (KTUS) on June 25. The Water Whys team was recruited by the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Tucson to work collaboratively with the airport to educate out-of-state travelers on three of Arizona’s most significant weather hazards: Extreme Heat, Dust Storms, and Flash Floods.
"Tucson International Airport welcomes over 4 million travelers annually. With rising temperatures and intensifying storms due to climate change, raising awareness about Arizona’s unique and potentially dangerous weather conditions is more important than ever."
To meet this need, the Water Whys team—an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate and graduate students, along with faculty and staff with expertise in hydrology, broadcast meteorology, and graphic design—is creating a series of engaging visuals and animations. The first graphic was unveiled June 25 and joins the rotation of graphics shown on the large welcome screen near the airport’s security checkpoints. Graphic designer Ryan Hunt brought to life ideas developed by the Spring 2025 Water Whys team. The team was led by Sara Kobilka with students Anika McKee, Emma Gui Riehle, Yva Luc and Samantha Bartlett. The final product was completed in close coordination with NWS and KTUS staff.
Additional materials will be created during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. They will be displayed on monitors throughout the baggage claim area as well as on signs in the car rental center.
Learn more at this KGUN9 News piece: https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/southside-news/graphic-weather-new-airport-signs-warn-travelers-of-tucsons-unique-weather-hazards