Welcome back everybody, we're celebrating
National Weather Persons Day today.
A day to recognize all the people
who keep us informed about the weather.
And let's be honest, who hasn't been glued to the forecast
when a big storm's coming.
Right, something that affects us all.
And you know what's interesting is that this day
actually commemorates the birth of John Jeffries.
Way back in 1744, he was a doctor,
but also a pioneer in weather observation here in America.
So John Jeffries, okay, I know that he was very meticulous
in keeping weather records.
But what makes him so important
in the history of meteorology?
Well, think about it, this is the 1700s.
Long before all of our modern technology,
Jeffries was making these detailed observations in Boston
and get this, he even took weather instruments
up in a hot air balloon over London.
Talk about dedication.
Wow, hot air balloon, that's incredible.
He really was a pioneer.
Yeah.
It's amazing to think how far we've come since then.
Yeah, from those early observations
to the sophisticated forecasting models that we have today
has been quite the journey.
And speaking of modern meteorology,
I think most people, when they think of a meteorologist,
they think of the TV weathercaster.
But that's really just the tip of the iceberg.
Yeah, there's a whole world of weather experts
behind the scenes.
And I've heard that the National Weather Service
is actually a major employer of meteorologists.
Oh, absolutely, the NWS is like the backbone
of weather forecasting here in the US.
They're the ones responsible
for issuing those severe weather warnings
that help protect life and property.
And it's a huge operation.
There are over 300, 600 meteorologists
working across 122 local offices nationwide.
Wow, 122 offices, that's incredible.
So it's not just about predicting if we need an umbrella,
their work has real consequences.
Exactly, I mean, think about the impact of a hurricane
or a tornado.
The National Weather Service provides
that critical information that helps communities prepare
and respond to these events.
It's a huge responsibility.
And it's 24-7, right?
Weather doesn't take a break for holidays or anything.
You got it.
The NWS operates around the clock 365 days a year.
They have teams in those local offices we talked about.
They have regional headquarters
and even specialized national centers
all working together to monitor weather patterns
and issue forecasts and warnings.
Okay, so let's dive a little bit deeper
into these national centers.
So I'm kind of curious about what each one does.
I know there's the Storm Prediction Center,
which I think focuses on tornadoes.
Yeah, you're right on the mark.
The Storm Prediction Center is in Oklahoma.
And they're really the nerve center
for tornado and severe thunderstorm forecasting.
They issue those watches and warnings
that give people time to take cover.
That's so important.
Especially for people living in tornado-prone areas.
And what about hurricanes?
Isn't their A-center dedicated
to tracking those as well?
Absolutely, the National Hurricane Center down in Miami
is responsible for tracking
and forecasting those powerful storms.
They use sophisticated models and data from hurricane hunters
to try to predict the path and the intensity of a hurricane.
But we've got tornadoes, we've got hurricanes.
What other specialized centers are there within the NWS?
Well, there's the Aviation Weather Center,
which focuses on providing forecasts for pilots
and the aviation industry.
There's the Climate Prediction Center,
which looks at long-range climate trends
and issues seasonal outlooks.
And of course, we can't forget
the Hydro Meteorological Prediction Center,
which focuses on heavy rainfall,
flooding, and winter weather.
So each center really plays a critical role
in keeping the nation informed
and prepared for a wide range of weather events.
It's truly an interconnected system.
It's like a well-oiled machine
with all these different parts working together.
It's pretty impressive.
It really is.
And you know, one more thing to think about.
The NWS is constantly pushing the boundaries
of our understanding of weather.
They have these research laboratories,
like the National Severe Storms Laboratory,
that are dedicated to improving forecasting techniques
and developing new technologies.
So it's not just about issuing forecasts.
It's about pushing the science forward
and finding new ways to keep people safe.
I'm starting to realize that a career in meteorology
is a lot more diverse than I initially thought.
You're absolutely right.
And that actually brings us to an interesting point.
While the NWS is a major player,
it's not the only place you'll find meteorologists.
Oh, absolutely. There are so many other places.
So if we're looking beyond the National Weather Service then,
where else are meteorologists needed?
Well, the military comes to mind right away.
The Air Force and the Navy especially
rely very heavily on meteorologists.
Yeah, that makes sense.
Planning missions, keeping troops safe.
It all depends on knowing what the weather's gonna do,
whether you're here in the US or overseas.
Precisely.
And then there's also this huge growth
that we're seeing in the private sector.
Any industry that's affected by the weather,
which, let's be honest, is almost every industry.
They need people who can analyze the risk
and make smart decisions based on forecasts.
So can you give us some specific examples?
What kind of jobs are we talking about here?
Well, you've got hospitals that need to prepare for a hurricane,
or insurance companies that need to assess damage
after a big hailstorm.
Construction companies need to know about wind loads.
On buildings, they're constructing.
Even lawyers sometimes need expert testimony in court cases
when the weather's a factor.
Wow, I'd even considered the legal aspect of it.
So for anyone listening who might be thinking
about a career in meteorology,
it sounds like the possibilities are really diverse.
Absolutely.
But you know, it's also important to think about
the people behind the forecasts.
Yeah.
And look at the demographics
of the meteorology field as well.
Okay, so what can you tell us about that?
Are there any trends or statistics that stand out to you?
Well, if we go back to those TV meteorologists
that we were talking about earlier,
it might surprise you to know
that only about 24% of them are women.
That is kind of surprising.
It seems like a field that would appeal to anyone,
regardless of their gender.
You would think so.
And you know, it was even lower back in 2011,
only around 17.6%.
So things are moving in the right direction,
but there's definitely still a long way to go.
Absolutely.
What about racial diversity within the field?
It's a similar story there.
The majority of broadcast meteorologists
are white around 76%,
but we are seeing a gradual increase in representation
from other racial groups as well,
black or African-American meteorologists in particular.
So while there's still work to be done
to make the field truly representative of the population,
it is encouraging to see
that at least some progress is being made.
Definitely.
And here's another interesting fact.
The average age of a broadcast meteorologist
is nearly 50 years old.
So that kind of suggests that it takes time
to really build up that expertise in the field.
Yeah, that makes sense.
Dealing with something as complex as the weather
probably requires a lot of experience.
So let's talk about how someone even gets into this field.
What's the education path look like
for an aspiring meteorologist?
Well, the foundation is really a four-year bachelor's degree
in meteorology or atmospheric science.
It's pretty much standard.
Almost all meteorologists have at least
that level of education.
Okay, so that's the starting point.
But what about people who want to specialize
or maybe go into research?
That's where the more advanced degrees come in.
Master's degrees and PhDs are becoming increasingly common,
especially for those who are interested in things like
climate modeling or severe weather research.
Makes sense.
More education often leads to more specialized roles
and probably higher paying roles as well.
Speaking of which, what kind of salary
can someone expect in the meteorology field?
Well, the average salary for atmospheric and space scientists,
which includes all those different types of meteorologists
we've been talking about,
is around $101,530 per year.
Okay, not bad.
But I imagine there's a lot of variation
depending on experience location and the specific job.
You're exactly right.
The top 10% in the field can earn over $157,250 annually.
And of course, things like working in a major city
or for a private company versus a government agency.
All those things can influence your earning potential.
So it sounds like there's a lot of room
for growth in advancing.
And it's not just about the money either.
There's that satisfaction of contributing to public safety,
understanding our atmosphere,
and maybe even becoming a familiar face on the evening news.
Exactly.
There's a certain thrill that comes
with being a meteorologist,
knowing that your work has this direct impact
on people's lives.
It's a field that combines science, technology,
and communication.
And there's a lot of opportunity out there
for folks who are really passionate about weather.
I think a lot of our listeners today
are probably realizing that there's a lot more
to meteorology than they initially thought.
Definitely.
Even within a specific job, like let's say,
working at the National Hurricane Center,
there are still so many different roles and specializations.
That's a great point.
So what does that journey look like?
How does someone actually end up working in a place
like the National Hurricane Center?
Well, it often starts with a spark of interest.
Maybe as a kid, you were fascinated by storms.
Yeah.
Or always checking the weather forecast.
So you have that initial interest, and then what?
Well, that interest usually translates into a focus
on math and science in school.
And then by the time you're in college,
you're taking those core meteorology courses,
calculus, physics, all that good stuff.
So a solid academic foundation is key.
Absolutely.
And a lot of aspiring meteorologists
also seek out internships or research opportunities
while they're still in school.
That hands-on experience is really invaluable.
I bet those internships are pretty competitive.
Oh, they can be, for sure.
But the people who really thrive in this field
are those who are driven by a genuine desire
to learn and contribute.
They're really passionate about weather
and using that knowledge to make a difference.
So you've got the education, you've got the experience,
and you've got the passion.
What's next?
Well, then the job hunt begins.
And as we've discussed, the NWS is obviously a major employer,
but it's not the only option.
Right.
We talked about the military, the private sector,
research labs, all these different avenues to explore.
Exactly.
So let's say you do land that dream job
at the National Hurricane Center.
What kind of work might you actually be doing?
Yeah, give us a glimpse into the day-to-day life
of a hurricane hunter.
Well, first of all, it's important to know
that not everyone at the Hurricane Center
is flying into storms.
There are all these other specialists
who are focusing on different aspects of hurricane forecasting.
So what are some of those specialized roles then?
Well, you've got people analyzing satellite data.
You've got people running those complex computer models.
And then you have others who are focusing on communicating
those forecasts to the public and to emergency management
officials.
So it really is a team effort, just
like the National Weather Service as a whole.
Exactly.
And during hurricane season, things can get really intense.
You know, you're working long hours under pressure,
constantly monitoring that latest data,
and making decisions that could really
affect millions of lives.
I can only imagine.
It must be incredibly demanding, but also very rewarding
to know that you're playing such a crucial role.
It is.
There's definitely an adrenaline rush that comes with it,
tracking those powerful storms, and knowing that your work is
helping keep people safe.
I bet.
And on that note, let's talk a little bit more
about the communication aspect of meteorology,
because it's not just about the science.
It's about getting that information out
to the people who need it.
You're absolutely right.
Effective communication is so crucial,
especially when we're talking about hazardous weather.
And this is where those TV weather casters we mentioned
earlier really play an important role.
They're often the face of meteorology
for the general public.
For sure.
There are the ones explaining those complex weather patterns
in a way that everyone can understand.
And they're also the ones relaying those lifesaving
warnings from the National Weather Service.
Exactly.
And it takes a special set of skills
to be able to do that effectively.
You have to be able to break down complex information,
be comfortable on camera, and connect with your audience
in a way that builds trust.
Definitely.
And we can't forget about social media these days.
A lot of meteorologists are using platforms
like Twitter, Instagram, even TikTok
to share weather information and engage with the public.
That's a great point.
Social media has totally revolutionized the way
we communicate about weather.
It allows meteorologists to reach a much wider audience,
share information quickly, and even
dispel rumors and misinformation.
Speaking of misinformation, it seems
like we're constantly bombarded with conflicting weather
information these days, especially online.
So how can our listeners sort through all that noise
and figure out who to trust?
That's such an important question, especially
in our information-saturated world.
Here's a pro tip.
Look for sources that are credible, transparent,
and backed by scientific evidence.
This is the National Weather Service,
reputable news organization.
Meteorologists who are clearly communicating
their credentials and expertise.
Exactly.
And be wary of sources that are making sensationalized claims,
relying on clickbait headlines, or just lacking
that scientific rigor.
It's all about critical thinking and media literacy.
But even with the best information,
weather can be pretty unpredictable.
Even the most sophisticated models
can't always get it 100% right.
That's true.
Weather forecasting is a complex science.
And there's always going to be some degree of uncertainty
involved.
But that's part of what makes it so fascinating.
We're constantly learning and improving.
And even with those limitations,
we've made some incredible strides in our ability
to predict and understand weather patterns.
And those advancements have undoubtedly
saved countless lives.
It's really remarkable when you think about it.
It really is.
And speaking of remarkable, we can't forget about all
those incredible volunteer weather observers
that we have across the country.
These folks are out there contributing valuable data
to the NWS, which helps improve forecasts and warnings.
Yeah, absolutely.
They're the unsung heroes of meteorology,
often putting themselves in harm's way,
to provide that critical information
during severe weather events.
Right.
They're the storm spotters, the skyworn volunteers,
the people taking daily measurements of rainfall
and temperature.
They're a vital part of this whole weather enterprise.
And what's really cool is that anyone
can get involved with these citizen science projects,
like Cochor HS, which is the community-collaborate
rain, hail, and snow network.
Exactly.
It's a great way to contribute to scientific research
and learn more about weather and climate.
You might even discover a passion for meteorology
that you never knew you had.
That's the beauty of science, right?
Right.
It's for everyone.
And there's always something new to learn.
Now, let's shift gears a little bit
and talk about the future of meteorology.
What are some of the trends and challenges on the horizon?
Well, one of the most exciting areas of advancement
is in computer modeling.
As technology continues to evolve,
we can create these more and more sophisticated models that
can simulate weather patterns with incredible accuracy.
So better forecasts, more lead time for warnings,
and a deeper understanding of how weather systems work.
Precisely.
And with this increasing amount of data
that we're getting from satellites, radar, surface
observations, we have a much more comprehensive view
of the atmosphere than we ever have before.
It's amazing.
It sounds like we're really on the cusp of some major breakthroughs
in forecasting.
But it's not just about the technology, is it?
There's also this growing focus on understanding
the human impact of weather and climate change.
That's a crucial point.
Meteorologists are playing this increasingly important role
in helping communities prepare for and mitigate
the effects of climate change.
Everything from sea level rise to more extreme weather events.
So it's not just about predicting the weather anymore.
It's about helping people adapt and thrive in a changing world.
Exactly.
And that requires collaboration across disciplines,
from social scientists to engineers to policymakers.
It's truly an interdisciplinary field.
It sounds like the future of meteorology
is full of possibilities.
But before we look too far ahead,
let's bring it back to National Weather Person's Day.
Great idea.
It's a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication
of everyone who contributes to our understanding of weather,
from those researchers who are pushing the boundaries of science,
to those broadcasters who are communicating those forecasts,
right to our living rooms.
Absolutely.
And on that note, we want to give a special shout out
to all the amazing meteorologists out there,
especially those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes
at the National Weather Service.
Your work truly makes a difference.
Couldn't agree more.
And to all those aspiring meteorologists up there,
the future is bright.
The field needs you.
We need those passionate individuals who
are ready to tackle the challenges
and embrace all those opportunities that lie ahead.
It's amazing to think about how far we've come,
from those early observations with people like John Jeffries,
to these incredibly complex forecasting systems
that we have today.
It really highlights the importance of science
and technology in our lives.
Absolutely.
And the role of those dedicated individuals
who make it all happen.
They're the ones who are constantly pushing the boundaries,
improving our understanding, and ultimately,
helping to keep us safe.
So speaking of dedicated individuals,
we've talked about all these different career
paths within meteorology, from the National Weather Service
to the private sector and research.
But for anyone listening who's maybe feeling inspired
and thinking about a career in this field,
what advice would you give them?
Well, first and foremost, I would say,
nurture that curiosity.
Read books, watch documentaries, explore online resources,
maybe even set up a simple weather station in your backyard.
Oh, that's a great idea.
Get some hands-on experience learned by doing.
Exactly.
And as you start progressing through school,
make sure you focus on those STEM subjects, science,
technology, engineering, and math.
Those are really the building blocks for any career
in meteorology.
Because at its core, meteorology is a science.
So a strong foundation in those subjects is crucial.
Absolutely.
And don't be afraid to reach out to working meteorologists.
Network, ask questions, seek out mentors.
Most people in this field are so passionate about their work.
And they're usually more than happy to share
their knowledge and experience.
I love that.
Finding a mentor can make such a difference,
especially in a field like meteorology.
Now, we can't wrap up this National Weather Person's Day
celebration without acknowledging those unsung heroes,
the volunteer weather observers.
Oh, you're so right.
They are out there in all kinds of conditions,
collecting that valuable data that
helps improve those forecasts and warnings, the storm spotters,
the sky-worn volunteers, the citizen scientists who
contribute so much to our understanding of weather.
And you know what's really cool?
Is that anyone can get involved.
Citizen science projects like Cochlear AFH,
the Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network,
are a fantastic way for people to contribute
to real scientific research.
Exactly.
You don't need a fancy degree to make a difference,
just a passion for weather and a willingness to learn.
I think that's a great takeaway for our listeners.
Meteorology is a field that's accessible to everyone,
whether you're pursuing it as a career,
or you just have a casual interest in the weather.
There's always something new to discover.
There are always ways to get involved.
Couldn't agree more.
So the next time you check that forecast,
take a moment to appreciate all the incredible work that
goes into it, from those early pioneers like John Jeffries,
to all the modern-day meteorologists and volunteers
who are dedicated to understanding and predicting
our ever-changing atmosphere.
Well said.
And to wrap things up, we want to encourage
all of our weather enthusiasts out there
to follow meteorologist Rob Jones.
You can find him on Instagram at meteorologist on TikTok
at TV Meteorologist.
And on YouTube, just search for Rob Jones Hurricane.
He's got some great content.
You can also find the Meteorology Matters podcast
playlist there as well.
And one final thought to leave you with,
every time you step outside and you feel the wind on your face,
or you marvel at that stunning sunset,
remember that you are experiencing the awe-inspiring power
of our atmosphere.
Take a moment to appreciate the science behind it all,
and maybe even consider how you might contribute
to our understanding of this incredible planet we call home.
That's a perfect note to end on.
Thanks for joining us for this special Meteorology Matters
episode in celebration of National Weatherperson's Day.
We'll catch you next time.