09/03/2026
🌪Scientist Spotlight: Dr. Thomas Jones
Since joining the National Wind Institute and Texas Tech University in April 2026, Dr. Thomas Jones has brought more than 15 years of experience in numerical weather prediction and high-impact weather forecasting to Texas Tech University and NWI.
Dr. Jones began his career in 2010 as part of the Warn-on-Forecast project, helping develop the system from its early focus on supercell and tornado forecasting into applications for tropical cyclones and fire weather. His work has spanned observation processing, data assimilation, model development, and verification, with fire weather forecast products eventually becoming part of the baseline system and being used by forecasters in real time.
Now at NWI, Dr. Jones is applying that experience to Texas' growing weather prediction capabilities as part of the state's SB 5 flood mitigation initiative. His work is focused on developing a high-resolution, Texas-based prediction system capable of providing short-term forecasts of flash flooding and other high-impact weather. As the system develops, it will provide a foundation for future applications including severe weather, fire weather, and winter weather—helping advance Texas' ability to anticipate and prepare for weather hazards.
