Alberta, a playground for storm hunters

While most people take shelter when a storm is announced, others, like Matt Melnyk and Mark Simpson, take the opposite path, towards the heart of the storm.

The two men are part of Team Dominator Canadaa group of hunters of meteorological phenomena who are interested in storms. Consequently, whether to collect scientific data and experience thrills, or find the perfect cliché.

Capture the key moment – Alberta, playground storm hunters

When I took my first photo of a flash. Furthermore, I was immediately addictedAffirme Matt Melnyk.

It is this desire to return home with a photograph worthy of a postcard by capturing a fraction. Consequently, of a second which inspires him to track storms for 15 years now.

You alberta, playground storm hunters hunt. For example, [La photographie]it’s the trophy.

Each storm that I photographed is different. Meanwhile, There are not two that look alike. which I find incredibleadds Matt Melnyk who has three cameras, to be sure that you don’t lose any moment on the field.

This line pilot, which also has knowledge in meteorology, shares its fascination for clouds. Why does it look like a cauliflower and it has silk? By observing the clouds during thunderstorms, he can see the different parts of these.

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Science behind hunting

For his part, Mark Simpson discovered a passion for storms, almost 30 years ago.

I started to be interested in it when I saw the first film Twisterhe said laughing.

Today is science behind hunting for storms that fascinates it: I mainly focus on collecting scientific. data in order to improve the response time in the event of a tornado.

His electronics knowledge allowed him to build a sensor which he launched in a tornado to collect more. information to continue his research.

The month of July is alberta, playground storm hunters a busy period for Mark Simpson. He goes from three to four days a week on the field. and occupies the rest of his time examining the data collected.

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A popular activity. but dangerous

While the weather conditions for Albertan summers offer many opportunities for storm hunters, Matt Melnyk stresses that they alberta, playground storm hunters are more and more numerous to embark on this activity. Each year we see new peoplehe said.

Mark Simpson adds that during a storm, it is not uncommon to see between 30 and 40 people on site.

However, activity is not without risk.

It can be very dangerous. These storms can kill yousays Mark Simpson, who highlights the importance of inquiring before getting started.

Do a lot of research, do a lot of homeworkAjoute Matt Melnyk. Do not get started on your own by thinking that everything will be fine. because there is a lot of planning to do.

With information from Dan McGarvey