Certified Consulting Meteorologist

Accurate. Reliable.

Forensic meteorology and weather analysis you can trust.

Certified consulting meteorological insights to support legal teams, insurers, and businesses with data-driven decisions and expert testimony.

Specialized Meteorological Services

Expert Analysis and Testimony Tailored for Legal Professionals

This is a picture of a thunderstorm's wall cloud with a lightning bolt in Meade County, South Dakota, on 24 May 2020. Severe storms are a major part of my duties as a consulting meteorologist.

Forensic Weather Analysis

Reconstruct past weather events to support legal investigations and claims.

Detailed analysis of historical weather data
Accurate event reconstruction for specific dates and locations
Support for litigation involving weather-related incidents
man, nature, umbrella, rain, hail, storm, run, thunderstorm, precipitate, water, climate, road, street, urban, city, rain, rain, rain, hail, storm, storm, storm, storm, storm, climate, climate, climate

Expert Witness & Litigation Support

Deliver clear, authoritative meteorological insights and testimony that meet the highest legal standards.

Clear, concise expert reports adhering to legal standards
Testimony that simplifies complex weather data
Assistance in evaluating opposing expert reports
A striking image featuring a brass justice scale and gavel on a wooden desk, symbolizing law and justice.

Technical Consulting & Research

Offer specialized analysis of meteorological data to inform legal strategies.

Interpretation of radar, satellite, and other meteorological data
Technical editing and review of meteorological documents
Customized research tailored to case specifics

Specialized Meteorological Services

Expert Analysis and Testimony Tailored for Legal Professionals

This is a picture of a thunderstorm's wall cloud with a lightning bolt in Meade County, South Dakota, on 24 May 2020. Severe storms are a major part of my duties as a consulting meteorologist.

Forensic Weather Analysis

Reconstruct past weather events to support legal investigations and claims.

Detailed analysis of historical weather data
Accurate event reconstruction for specific dates and locations
Support for litigation involving weather-related incidents
man, nature, umbrella, rain, hail, storm, run, thunderstorm, precipitate, water, climate, road, street, urban, city, rain, rain, rain, hail, storm, storm, storm, storm, storm, climate, climate, climate

Expert Witness Services

Provide authoritative meteorological insights and testimony for court proceedings.

Clear, concise expert reports adhering to legal standards
Testimony that simplifies complex weather data
Assistance in evaluating opposing expert reports
A striking image featuring a brass justice scale and gavel on a wooden desk, symbolizing law and justice.

Technical Consulting

Offer specialized analysis of meteorological data to inform legal strategies.

Interpretation of radar, satellite, and other meteorological data
Technical editing and review of meteorological documents
Customized research tailored to case specifics

Who I Can Help

At Northern Plains Weather Services, LLC, I specialize in delivering precise meteorological analyses and expert testimony to support legal professionals and others in building robust cases. Services are meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of legal professionals.

This is a picture of Dr. Matthew Bunkers, Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) #731 of Northern Plains Weather Services, LLC.
Certified Consulting Meteorologist, Dr. Matthew Bunkers
Emailnrnplnsweather@gmail.com
Phone: 605.390.7243

Why Choose Dr. Bunkers?

I believe my clients deserve accurate and reliable weather information that stands up in court. With over 33 years of weather analysis experience – including 32+ years with NOAA/NWS and 8 years as a Certified Consulting Meteorologist – I’m passionate about solving problems and helping you make informed decisions.

Real Cases, Proven Results

Explore real-world cases where expert meteorological analysis made a difference. From severe weather events to forensic investigations, these case studies showcase how data-driven insights helped resolve legal disputes, insurance claims, and business challenges. See the impact of accurate weather expertise through client testimonials and successful outcomes.

Dust storm and multi-vehicle accident

A dust storm on a rural highway caused a multi-vehicle accident with cars and semi-trucks, sparking lawsuits. Using 1-minute GOES-16 data to create RGB imagery, Dr. Bunkers pinpointed the dust’s source and timing. Additional data on drought, snowfall, and wind clarified the storm, leading to a pre-trial settlement.

I really appreciate your assistance on this case. I think the information that you provided played a big role in getting the case settled and I hope to work with you again in the near future.

High winds, drought, and wildfire

A wildfire ignited in rugged terrain when a downslope windstorm (gusting 70–75 mph in the top 99th percentile) blew a tall tree onto a powerline. Despite opposing counsel’s claims, data showed these unusual winds—combined with drought, dry fuels, and seasonal conditions—allowed the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in a pre-trial settlement.

Thank you for your great help in the case. I have no doubt the successful result was achieved in large part due to your analysis and report. It was a pleasure working with you.

Hailstorms and crop insurance

Hailstorms struck wheat crops at two locations, but lacking official hail reports, the insurer hesitated to pay claims. Analysis of radar data from three sites—combined with surface observations and storm reports—confirmed that supercell thunderstorms with damaging hail hit both properties. Moreover, the insurance company’s weather report conflicted with observed hail and wind data. This comprehensive analysis led to a pre-trial settlement.

Thanks for your help, you did excellent work and I would not hesitate to use you again or recommend you should the opportunity arise.

Heavy snow and trip and fall

Heavy snow fell at 1–2” per hour, reaching 12” by 4 am in an area where such snowfall is rare. A personal injury occurred on a business sidewalk, with opposing counsel claiming the victim tripped in a hole near a well-worn path. However, given the snowfall intensity, density, and heavy foot traffic compacting the snow, it’s questionable that the hole was the cause. This analysis led to a pre-trial settlement.

Thanks again for your help. We will call you if we have another weather issue come up.

Contact Dr. Bunkers for Expert Weather Analysis

With over 33 years of meteorology experience, including 8 as a Certified Consulting Meteorologist and 32+ with NOAA/NWS, I provide data-driven analysis and expert testimony you can trust.