Neil Burgher Ward (June 26, 1914 - April 12, 1972), American meteorologist, was the first scientific storm chaser, and second known storm chaser, developing ideas of thunderstorm and tornado structure and evolution as well as techniques for forecasting and intercept. He also was a pioneering developer of physical models of tornadoes, first at his home, then at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). He significantly furthered understanding of atmospheric vortices, particularly the tornado.