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.
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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Chef
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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.
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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.
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I haven't personally experienced that but I know of stations where the culture sort of suggests that type of behavior. One of the problems with that type of thing is once you raise the level just a bit there is often a "keeping up with the Joneses" type of competition that kicks in and it escalates over time. Often times reporters in the field will feel the need to raise the level of urgency to make live shots more interesting. Great question, it is a growing problem.
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