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.

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326 Questions

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Last Answer on December 24, 2019

Best Rated

What's the minimum equipment a meteorologist would need to make weather forecasts? Would he need zillion dollar satellites no matter what, or are there cheaper alternatives?

Asked by ATL Sean almost 12 years ago

Interesting question. We have a pretty integrated system. The numbers I've seen suggest that the return on investment for weather operations, on a percentage basis, is one of the best of all government expenditures. But, to answer your question, you might be right, I wouldn't want to lose the daily weather balloons since that is where the forecast starts, and radar more readily saves lives...so, okay maybe the satellites, if you must take something!

what causes wind?

Asked by j. urbanowicz almost 12 years ago

Wind is the movement of air across the planet. Uneven heating of the earth's surface by the sun heats and cools areas differently. For example, land generally heats more quickly than water. As air over a coastline heats it becomes lighter and rises leaving less air over the land. Since nature is always looking to keep things in balance, air from the adjacent ocean moves in to equalize the imbalance, creating a sea breeze. The larger the air imbalance, or air pressure difference, the faster the air moves, creating a stronger wind. Great question!

What kind of career paths do TV meteorologists pursue other than doing the weather for a news station until they retire?

Asked by Tori almost 12 years ago

I know of a few who have started their own businesses, radar products or data services. Others have worked with the companies that provide graphics systems to television stations. There are more industries than you might think that hire meteorologists or meteorology consulting services. Power companies, trucking companies, aviation. Also weather research and teaching are options. Over the past few years more and more news anchors and reporters are leaving the business for public relations, media representatives and the like. Thanks, Tori!

What's your opinion of storm chasers? Weather-savvy thrill-seekers, or harebrained lunatics? (And have you ever done any storm chasing yourself?)

Asked by Mike c. almost 12 years ago

Excellent question, complicated answer. The short version is the storm chasers run the spectrum. Some are untrained and pose a real threat, others are doing valuable research. I know some local governments in tornado alley have proposed some sort of chaser licensing. Very limited for me, I'm more often tied to the studio during events. That said, I was recently invited by a high profile chaser, it would be fun and interesting! If you are interested, a Google search for storm chasing tours shows some good companies that offer some adventure. Do note there is usually a lot of driving, tiny motels and cheap food! Thanks, Mike.

do you think it's unwise for weather reporters to report on location in the middle of hurricanes etc? seems so dangerous and not at all worth it...

Asked by becca j almost 12 years ago

Excellent question, Becca, there is actually some discussion about that now in the industry. Some have suggested that credentials such as Seals of Approval might be taken away for unsafe behavior. One problem is that no one wants to be the first to do "less" coverage or pull back. It might take someone getting hurt before some action is taken. It is a tough call. I guess my message to people in the industry, especially reporters as opposed to meteorologists, is to try and learn some basics about storm structure and safety so they can be as prepared as possible.

I am job shadowing a meteorologist and I was wondering if there are any questions that I should ask?

Asked by Jackie over 11 years ago

A lot of meteorologists have some story as to why they got into weather, often times some big event sparked their interest.  Many of us are technology geeks so you probably can't go wrong asking about computers and phones and such.  Good luck!

Did you ever give a weather forecast that turned out to be SOOO inaccurate that it still haunts you to this day?

Asked by Bandito_II almost 12 years ago

I think the incident I regret the most was leaving the weather office unstaffed back in the mid 1990's when a tornado formed in our market in Virginia in the early afternoon between shifts. Interesting question, thanks.