TV Meteorologist

TV Meteorologist

Kevin Selle

Wichita Falls, TX

Male, 55

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.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

326 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on December 24, 2019

Best Rated

There was a video two months or so ago on weather.com that showed temperatures in the southeast would be below normal this summer. Well that video was totally wrong because in NC weather.com says the average temperature in June is 84 degrees but it

Asked by Ricky over 10 years ago

Hi, Ricky. There isn't a great deal of skill on long range forecasts of that nature. That said, summer is still pretty young. Still time to verify and as of this writing, it looks cooler in the east heading into July. Thanks!

I'm a pilot and trying to learn to read the clouds. I often see cumulus clouds in the summer here in Indiana. Sometimes the bottoms are a little gray and the bottoms are often fairly flat, instead of being puffy like they are everywhere else. Why?

Asked by sampsont over 10 years ago

Great question. The bottom of the cloud is the point where the water vapor in the warmer rising air cools to the point where it condenses (kind of like the condensation out the outside of a glass of water with ice) and turns into a visible water droplet. The darker gray is an area of higher moisture and less sunlight gets through. Happy flying!

1.) What is the hardest thing about being a meteorologist?
2.) What are personable qualities that you think are important to have to be a meteorologist?
3.) How do you become a meteorologist?
4.) Is there any skills that a meteorologist should have?

Asked by Monkeyangelgirl about 11 years ago

Great questions. I'll answer as a television meteorologist. A National Weather Service meteorologist or someone in research or private industry would have much different answers.

1. The most difficult thing lately is the increasing number of places to put weather information and the 24 hour nature. TV, website and social media mean there is little "off" time.

2. Good time management, the 5:00 news starts right at 5:00! Able to explain things simply. Enjoy visiting with people.

3. There are a number of good colleges that offer degree programs in Meteorology.

4. Good math and science skills/interest are a big help.

Thanks!



How do you tell when a hurricane or tornado hits??

Thanks you for using your time!!!

Asked by Danica over 10 years ago

Not sure I understand the question, Danica. Both are characterized by strong wind.

I'm not scientifically knowledgeable, but I've wondered why California and the southwest with the major drought problem couldn't siphon ocean water into Death Valley and the Salton Sea, let it evaporate and come down as rain?

Asked by flcfly@gmail.com over 10 years ago

Creative thinking. Probably a huge cost to transporting that water but even if you could get it there the prevailing atmospheric winds would carry the water vapor to east, away from the areas that need it. Keep thinking!

I have a question about global wind patterns. I understand the Coriolis Effect and its effect of turning winds in the northern hemisphere to the left. Why, then, do the Prevailing Westerlies in the northern hemisphere turn to the RIGHT?

Asked by Melinda over 11 years ago

Great question, Melinda.  In addition to the Coriolis Effect there is vertical motion known as a Hadley cells, rising and sinking air, creating something of a "loop". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadley_cell  Hope that helps Thanks!

Are you chummy with other meteorologists in your market? Is there really all that much difference between the way each of you gives the weather for the same region?

Asked by FB about 11 years ago

Some cities are more competitive than others but in general I think we are usually friendly with each other. I had lunch with a competitor a few weeks ago. And, to beat that, I married one of the meteorologists from a competing station when we met at a live event! Sometimes managements frown on hanging out with "the enemy". We all draw from the same sources of forecast data. The differences can come from time spent in the market, preference for one computer forecast model over another in a given situation and overall experience. Usually the biggest differences will come during bigger events, like a snow storm or tropical weather, or there is no agreement among the different computer forecasts. Great question, thanks!