National Weatherperson’s Day
The meteorologists on TV are like real-life superheroes, predicting the weather to keep us safe and helping us plan our outdoor activities.
Quick! Look out the window and see what the weather is like at the moment! Go on! Go look. Is it doing what the weatherperson said it would before you left the house this morning? It might be, or it might not be.
History of Weatherperson’s Day
Many people are not aware that the history of measuring weather in the United States of America goes back as far as 1774. John Jefferies is credited as one of the first people to make weather observations and record them in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. He did this every day and helped to make it something of importance.
Jefferies was also the first to fly in a hot air weather balloon over the city of London in 1784. This flight had the purpose of collecting scientific data on the weather at higher altitudes. This was valuable information for scientific study in the field of meteorology. There are many throughout the years who have made a mark on the field, but Jefferies was the first in this long line.
In fact, the date on which Weatherperson’s Day is celebrated, February 5, was chosen because it is the birthday of John Jeffries, who was born on this day in 1744.
Weatherperson’s Day helps to honor those who work in the field of meteorology from the storm spotters to the people you see on camera. And although predicting the weather and informing others about it is a fairly modern career, it has made a great deal of progress in recent years.
Most city television and radio stations have not just one weatherperson like they used to in the past, but they have a collection of highly trained meteorologists that form a weather team. Their accuracy has become a thing of pride and highly competitive with others in the field. And this is the day to celebrate those weather people!
How to Celebrate Weatherperson’s Day
Don’t think that celebrating Weatherperson’s Day needs to be an event filled with dry scientific orations! Instead, it can be filled with exciting discoveries by young people and old people alike. Try out some of these interesting ideas for observing and enjoying the day:
Visit a Science Museum
Start with the basics and pack up the kids and head over to the local science museum. There are sure to be many exhibits to help explain the weather on our planet, and some may even give local explanations and examples.
The National Weather Museum and Science Center, located in Norman, Oklahoma, is the only center in the United States that is dedicated to the preservation of weather artifacts. It serves as a place to learn about weather and science and highlights weather research.
Watch Weather Related Science Programs
Don’t want to head out with the family? Hit up Netflix or another favorite streaming service and take some time to watch shows about storms and those who chase them. It is also possible to find weather-related movies or, for those who do want to learn more, a great idea is to try watching some documentaries. There are sure to be many weather-related options!
Join a Storm Chasing Group
Feeling adventurous? One interesting activity might be to contact any of the storm chasing groups and see what they are all about and what can be learned. Of course, chasing storms can be dangerous and some have even been known to take lives, so make sure to not go alone and receive all the safety training or advice that they may have to give. Caution and information must go hand in hand to make the experience one of a lifetime, in a positive way.
Enjoy Some Weather Focused Entertainment
Hollywood has certainly used the weather as a topic for films over the years. Enjoy celebrating this day by watching one of these movies, whether a comedy or drama, as a tribute to weather people everywhere:
- Aeronauts (2019). This was based on a true story of two hot air balloon travelers who risked their lives to travel to record heights in 1862 over London. It’s based on the story of meteorologist James Glaisher and a pilot who kept him alive. Starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.
- Twister (1996). Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt star in this film, one of the most famous weather movies ever made. It features the stories of some brave storm chasers who followed an outbreak of tornadoes in Oklahoma, USA.
- The Perfect Storm (2000). Based on the true story of the infamous storm that lasted from October 28 until November 2, 1991 and caused more than $200 million in damages, this nail biting weather film stars George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg.
- The Day After Tomorrow (2004). Certainly with a sci-fi bent, this film stars Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhall, and imagines what would happen if another ice age was caused by the earth’s climate change issues.
Take the Kids on a Weather Station Tour
Have a child who is a budding meteorologist? Contact your local television station and see if the weather team there can help you make a huge impression on your child. They may have time to offer a tour of the station or even a shot at the green screen! They may just take that childhood phase and turn it into a future career!
Show Appreciation to Weatherpeople
This is a great time to take the opportunity to tell the local weather people how much they are appreciated and how helpful they are on a daily basis! Have a classroom full of kids write them a bundle of thank you notes. Or make a call into the local radio station and have them pass on the message of how much the weatherperson there is appreciated.
Whatever activities are chosen to enjoy and celebrate Weatherperson’s Day, be sure that it includes watching the day’s forecast and also simply looking out the window. No one wants to be unprepared for the weather!
