How does one chase in an area with outdated radar technology and little resources for chasing?

[Pedro A]

I plan on moving to Texas next year, but in the meantime I wanted to do some storm chasing in my own country to get a feel for it before going into the place with the highest number of tornadoes in the world. Problem is that here in Brazil radar systems are very outdated and it's extremely difficult to forecast and find target areas to chase. It took me about 3 days of researching on the internet to find a radar network that detected severe storms, only that it only works in 1 or 2 states (which are a 20 hour drive from where I live).

So are there any other options for forecasting and picking target areas? or should I just sit and cry until I move to Tx? haha

 

[Todd Lemery]

I bet you can find weather maps that are updated. Find them and learn how to read them using internet sources. Having access to radar while chasing is actually a relatively new thing. You can work on your cloud and atmosphere reading skills while chasing what ever storms you successfully find. It’s actually a good way to do it and you’ll get better at predicting storms quickly.
If you try to chase just using radar, you’ll miss out on a lot. Please don’t go it alone the first time you get up to the states though!

 

[Pedro A]

I bet you can find weather maps that are updated. Find them and learn how to read them using internet sources. Having access to radar while chasing is actually a relatively new thing. You can work on your cloud and atmosphere reading skills while chasing what ever storms you successfully find. It’s actually a good way to do it and you’ll get better at predicting storms quickly.
If you try to chase just using radar, you’ll miss out on a lot. Please don’t go it alone the first time you get up to the states though!

Thanks for the tips Todd! Is chasing with someone who knows nothing about weather fine? (They would be the driver)

 

[Robert S. Thompson]

Yes. In my book it's a plus because they can focus on driving and not be distracted by the storm. Driving is one of the the most dangerous aspects of chasing.

 

[Michael Towers]

You can forecast using various global models found here among other places:

Models: GFS — Pivotal Weather



While radar resources in your area may be lacking you can always use satellite as an observational tool to monitor the development and movement of storms:

COD NEXLAB: Satellite and Radar



Between the models and satellite you should be able to plan a chase and understand (to an extent) what’s happening in the atmosphere in real time when chasing. Good luck, play it safe and beware of chasing in “the jungles”!

 

[Paul Lemery]

When I am not able to chase I still forecast and select my target cities. On storm day I watch the models, satellite and radar and pick my target cells, locations and routes. You can then check storm reports to see how well you did. It isn't the same as actually being there, but it is good practice and safer than the real thing! To make it even more realistic, I run to the local gas station and grab whatever greasy food I can get my hands on for breakfast, lunch and maybe even dinner.