The most popular of Wind Crest’s Center for Continuous Learning (CCL) offerings so far occurred on Oct. 30, featuring Mike Nelson, the chief meteorologist for Channel 7 News in Denver.

A record-breaking 71 people from Wind Crest and the local community  showed up for Nelson’s creative presentation on everything from today’s weather-predicting devices to jet streams to the effects of global warming. He also shared some behind-the-scenes antics and bloopers that have occurred on the air at Channel 7.

Nelson explained that predicting weather in Colorado can be quite challenging—especially given the “14,000-foot wall of mountains” that affects weather patterns. But he said that today’s sophisticated technology, coupled with years of education and experience, helps refine the science.

During an open interchange, audience members asked several thoughtful questions—from how the “green screen” works to whether weather balloons are biodegradable. One participant sparked a lively discussion by asking if global warming is truly affecting the weather, which Nelson confirmed. After addressing the crowd’s questions, he closed with his wildly popular “tornado dance.”

The engaging weather presentation was the last in the CCL fall lineup. The third CCL series is slated to begin in February.