The Best Ways to Celebrate National Weatherperson’s Day
In case you haven’t heard today in National Weather Person’s Day in the United States. There is some good history to how this
started all thanks to the man pictured right John Jeffries. Today celebrates his birthday in 1744.
History via NWSFO St Louis, MO
Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers, began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774 and he took the first balloon observation in 1784. This is a day to recognize the men and women who collectively provide Americans with the best weather, water, and climate forecasts and warning services of any nation.
Many of us take weather information for granted. Turn on a light switch, you get light. Turn on your television or radio, or check a web site and you get the weather forecast. It’s easy to forget that around the clock, dedicated meteorologists and weathercasters are vigilantly creating forecasts to help you plan your day, and issuing warnings to help keep you safe.
I’ve been fascinated with the weather since I was 6 years old and while it might be easy to celebrate today for myself. I think it’s better to celebrate the field I work in and love… Meteorology. Most Meteorologists work tireless hours 24/7 365. Weekends, middle of the nights sometimes 24 hours straight. The weather doesn’t really have a schedule or know it’s the weekend or a holiday. The weather happens 24/7 and so a Meteorologist but be a 24/7 profession. Now we take our fair share of jokes about our profession. Sometimes personally but sometimes only because we love it so much and we want it to get better. I know I do!
Just remember we are right more often than not. Read my blog on this topic–> Perspective on the accuracy of Meteorologists.
Well, today to celebrate National Weatherperson’s Day I encourage you to do something about it. Here are 5 ways you can help make our science even better.
Collect rainfall data by joining CoCoRaHS(Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.)
For more on joining go here…..
Become a COOP Observer. Collect weather data and help with forecast and climate data research.
Join the Ping project for crowd-sourcing precipitation types. This is super easy grab a smartphone app and report what’s falling at your location.
More information and app downloads…..
Become a trained Skywarn spotter and help report severe weather. This is one of the most important things you could do and it literally could help save lives.
Information on training and joining a Spotter group like the First Warn Storm Spotters.
