HOLLAND, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Central Michigan University researchers are partnering with researchers from other universities as they study the impact of Lake Michigan on thunderstorm development in West Michigan.

Part of that research included releasing 600 weather balloons in the Holland area.

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The balloons use mobile radar, LiDar, and six weather stations to measure data, which researchers say could lead to better forecasts.

The project is being funded by a nearly $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation.