University of Arizona’s Water Whys VIP brings weather safety messaging to Tucson International Airport

With more than 4 million travelers passing through Tucson International Airport (TUS) each year, educating visitors about Arizona’s unique and often extreme weather conditions is essential. This summer, a new collaboration between the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tucson, TUS, and the University of Arizona’s Water Whys Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) is taking weather safety to the skies—literally.

The Weather Safety Messaging Project, which launched in June, is designed to inform out-of-state travelers about three of the state’s most hazardous weather events: extreme heat, dust storms, and flash floods. These events pose serious risks, particularly to those unfamiliar with the desert Southwest’s rapidly changing conditions, which are becoming more volatile due to the effects of climate change.

"We were thrilled when the National Weather Service reached out to us to collaborate on this project,” said Sara Kobilka, co-leader of the Water Whys team with Dr. Laura Condon. “Tucson is a popular destination for visitors, particularly from northern states. They're looking to escape winter weather. However, they often don't realize that dry heat is different, they may have never heard of the term "wash", and they have no idea what to do if they're driving and they encounter a sandstorm. This is the first of multiple graphics and animations we will be creating for spaces throughout the airport over the course of the next two semesters."

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At the heart of this effort is the Water Whys team, a Vertically Integrated Project started at the U of A in the spring of 2022. Water Whys is an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate and graduate students working alongside faculty and staff with expertise in hydrology, broadcast meteorology, and graphic design. The team has created a series of visually engaging graphics and animations that will be prominently displayed on the airport’s large welcome screen near security, as well as on monitors throughout the baggage claim area. 

By combining scientific accuracy with creative communication, the Water Whys team is helping bridge the gap between research and public awareness. Their innovative approach ensures that travelers not only enjoy their visit but also stay informed and safe when navigating Arizona’s powerful and unpredictable weather. Learn more about the Water Whys project here.

“The Water Whys team was founded on the idea that most people don't learn about hydrology or atmospheric science by coming to campus to listen to talks from researchers or reading journal articles,” said Kobilka. “That's why we team up with clients such as broadcast meteorologist and the National Weather Service/Tucson International Airport to bring people accurate scientific information where they are and when they need it. And the students in our program learn important career skills such as finding the essence of a scientific message, not using jargon, creating accessible content and designing for real clients. It's a win-win situation for everyone.”

Kobilka added, “Our students leave more prepared for the workforce and communicating increasingly important messages about water issues that the Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Department is internationally recognized for.”

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Watch on KGUN9 - Graphic weather: New airport signs warn travelers of Tucson’s unique weather hazards