I've been a broadcast meteorologist on television since the early 1990's. Happy to answer any questions about the weather or local TV news. Yes, I often wear sneakers on set just out of view of the camera.
What part of the country, James? There is something that occurs in the mountains called a rotor or mountain wave. My undertanding is that these can be very dangerous to aircraft. Best guess without seeing a picture. Thanks.
Well...big answer, Kayla. The forecast starts with the weather balloons that are launched around the world, at the same time, twice a day with instruments that help us determine temperature, moisture, pressure and wind parameters from the ground to sometimes higher than 80,000 feet. That information is used in computer formulas that look at the current weather and apply mathmatical formulas that predict how air and moisture will change from the current conditions The idea is to understand what the atmosphere is doing at the time of the balloons and using certain laws of physics to predict how heating and cooling with change the current state. Accuracy is sometimes tough to measure but I think most agree the forecast is at least 70-75% accurate. Thanks!
Good question, Nathan. It would be somewhat dependent on what you think you might like to do. If you are interested in working for the National Weather Service, private industry, or doing research, I would say yes, go for the degree. By contrast there are a number of people in TV who do not have specific degrees in meteorology. Research schools carefully. Places like the University of Oklahoma are very heavy on math and geared toward research. Mississippi State has a TV program. Whatever your goal a degree will help. Good luck!
Looks like you are both right, Jane. In broad terms, storm systems move from west to east across the US, usually with the jet stream. The jet is amplified in wave patterns, kind of like snapping a bed sheet over a bed. Sometimes storms will approach you from the southwest, traveling up the "hill" of the wave, and other times from the northwest, coming down the hill. Great question, thanks!
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Have you ever turned down a job because you thought it was too dangerous?Hi, please forgive the delayed response. Not knowing what type of "host" you would like to be, I would suggest you look for a job, or even better, an internship, at one of the television stations in your city. And, no, 37 is not too old! Good luck! Keep us posted.
I think most of us generically call it "the clicker". It is a simple wireless controller hooked up to the weather computer to advance to the next map. Some have several buttons for higher functions like dropping cutouts on the maps or drawing. Back in the day some stations simply used a garage door opener. Good question. Thanks Harry.
Sounds like a great plan, Lauren. If you are interested in broadcast there is a program at Mississippi State called the Broadcast Meteroology Program, you can take courses remotely, but the plan you outine sound excellent. Internships are always helpful too. Nothing like being directly in the "environment". There should be a National Weather Service Office not too far from you, those folks are always happy to give advice. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ Good luck, please keep us posted!
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