ALPENA — The National Weather Service office in Gaylord, serving northern Michigan since 1995, is holding an open house between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sept. 21, according to a press release from the Weather Service on Tuesday.

Several frequently asked questions and more will be answered at the event, including the following: How does Doppler radar work? Why are weather balloons still launched? What kind of equipment is used? Why is the office located where it is? What kind of education do you need to work as a meteorologist?

The event is free and open to the public.

Office tours will take place every 15 minutes and include a comprehensive look at the local weather office, including the history of the Weather Service in northern Michigan, an overview of offices across the country, observing equipment, and forecast modeling.

The event also will feature weather balloon demonstrations, kids’ games, display boards featuring extreme weather events across northern Michigan, and a booth to ask your questions of meteorologists.

In addition, local partners will be on site to showcase community resources.

Early arrivals will not be permitted.

Find additional information on the open house at weather.gov/apx/openhouse or on the NWS Gaylord Facebook page.

The Alpena News newsroom can be reached at 989-354-3111 ext. 617 or newsroom@thealpenanews.com.