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

When a major storm event is coming, do your TV producers encourage you to sensationalize it? Amp up the hype/severity/fear-factor, that sort of thing?

Asked by Moe-town about 12 years ago

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.

I want to study meteorology in college, but it is hard to find a school that is not so far away that offers it as a major. (in the NE) What kind of salary can i expect if I am not a meteorologist on TV, and am working directly for NWS or NOAA?

Asked by matt over 11 years ago

Hi Matt.  I'm actually not familiar with the payscale at the National Weather Service.  You can get a pretty good idea by looking at NWS and NOAA job postings online at http://www.weather.gov/careers.  Most jobs have a salary range attached to them.  You might also have luck contacting your local NWS office.  Click on your region at weather.gov for the closest office.  Good luck!!

What are questions you are asked most often?

Asked by Jackie almost 12 years ago

Is it going to rain?  Will the storms be severe?  What are the best apps for my phone?  What about global warming? Do people ever blame you for bad weather?  I recognize your voice, where do I know you from?  Thanks, Jackie!

I'll nominate myself for dumbest question but... why is the study of weather called "meteorology?" Unless we're in Russia, meteors don't exactly seem central to weather.

Asked by 2_Green_Thumbs about 12 years ago

Actually an excellent question. "Meteor" comes from the Greek for "raised from the ground, lofty, hanging", and "logy" is "account, explanation, study". A "hydrometeor" is any water or ice particle in the atmosphere, so "hydrometeorology" is probably a better choice. Hmmm...now I need new business cards...

Do u have to stop yourself from talking weather in social situations b/c other ppl think it's small talk?

Asked by bomb'chelle about 12 years ago

Never mind that...did you see what the Global Forecast System is doing over the plains at 384 hours!?! :) Usually what happens for me is once I get to the point in a conversation where I have to say, "Mostly cloudy tomorrow", or "Rain by mid-morning" people will giggle and say, "He sounds just like a TV Weatherman!" My favorite kind of interaction is when someone doesn't realize who they are talking with and makes some comment about the weather. Like in a elevator or the checkout line, they will say, "Boy, this is the worst hot spell in 100 years!" I usually play along and walk away wondering what they would think if they knew who they were talking with. :)

if a weather guy predicts a sunny day and a thunderstorm ensues, what can cause such an inaccurate prediction?

Asked by jameson about 12 years ago

Great question...complicated answer. A weather forecast is made up of many different data points. One of the most important data sets is the twice daily weather balloons that gather data through the height of the atmosphere. One of the weaknesses in the system is that there is an average of only one or two balloon launches in each state, 12 hours apart. The data from those balloons is used in computers that use mathematical equations that predict how the gases and water in the air will behave. Given that the balloon network has so many gaps in it, certain features can be missed. Also, since the data collected at the time of the balloon is not a perfect picture, the forecast 2, 3, 5 or more days out gets more fuzzy. Kind of making a copy of a copy of a copy on a photocopier.

Are TV executives a pain in the a** to work with? What about the news reporters and anchors? Nice people or a bunch of divas?

Asked by SlikStyle5000 about 12 years ago

Hahaha...can we talk about Global Warming instead?