The Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) is sponsoring a tour of the National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office in Sterling, Virginia near Dulles Airport on Monday, Jan. 26. The tour will begin at 10 a.m. and last about an hour.

Participants will get a first-hand look at the facility, meet its meteorologists and learn how the Weather Service uses hardware and software programs to create forecasts. They will also learn about the equipment that is used to gather and monitor data and the office’s quality control methods.

There is no fee but everyone must register beforehand on the PVAS website at www.potomac.audubon.org. Federal regulations require that all participants must be U.S. citizens, and all adults must have a photo ID. Children are welcome but they must be at least 12 years old.

The tour is being organized for Potomac Valley Audubon by Debbie Maiorano.

Anyone interested in carpooling should plan to meet her by 8:45 a.m. in the parking lot of the Charles Town Walmart store on Route 340 just east of Charles Town. The meeting point will be in front of the store’s Market entrance, in the southeast portion of the parking lot, on the Route 340 side.

For those who prefer to drive to the Weather Service office on their own, the address is 43858 Weather Service Road, off Old Ox Road (VA Route 606) just west of the Dulles Greenway toll road (VA Route 267). There are two gates to enter into the facility; either can be used. Drivers will be asked to ring a buzzer at the gate; let the guard staff know they are there for the Potomac Valley Audubon tour. Parking is available.

For more information contact Krista Hawley at 304-876-8471 or adultprograms@potomacaudubon.org.