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.
Difficult to say with out a picture, Robert. The bulges are likely rising air or convection which was probably a cumulus cloud, perhaps some distance behind the mountain. Thanks.
We're all pretty fascinated by the atmosphere and how complicated it is, and we've studied to understand it. Since we can't just see storms in action any time we want, like studying rocks, or animals or something we can't find whenever we want, it is pretty exciting when a storm pops up. I will admit that some folks might temporarily forget the serious nature of a strong storm but that all goes back to being fascinated. Thanks!
Great question, Mary. Thunderstorms, the primary component of hurricanes, run on warmth. Warm water is the fuel, warming the air above it, and releasing stored heat as it changes between liquid and gas (water vapor). Warm water equals fuel, cooler water equals less fuel.
I’ve certainly missed a forecast or two. Generally biggest busts, as we call them, come from the inability to continuously monitor many parameters of the atmosphere. Weather balloons, the foundation of the forecast, are sent up twice a day on a relatively sparse network so things slip through and change. Forecast models increasingly use satellite and radar to make forecasts. I create my own forecast and I would say most television stations have trained meteorologists. The National Weather Service does maintain an online chat service for core partners where we can communicate and share information if needed. Thanks!
Audiologist
Veterinarian
CPR Trainer
You’re right, Dillard. They usually don’t test during weather events and may not have been a test. Last night in my area one small town did hit the sirens because of a lowering cloud base. It was on the leading edge of a thunderstorm and could have been the beginning of something called a QLCS tornado. You can certainly check with your local county EMA folks. Thanks!
If you’re curious I’d contact your local county emergency management folks. Good luck!
It depends on where they come from. The Climate Prediction Center has a verification webpage. https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/verification/summary/ Sometimes perception comes into play as well. It a dry spell is forecast but there is one large event that can skew what people think. The Farmer's Almanac does claim to be very accurate but those folks don't share their method so it is tougher to evaluate. Good question, thanks.
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