A Google search for the most famous meteorologists of all time turned up a list of over 50 individuals, only five of which were TV personalities. Jim Cantore (The Weather Channel), Owen Daniels, and Dr. Reed Timmer (The Discovery Channel) were the only American television meteorologists mentioned in the list. Helen Willets is on the BBC and Dr. Tomàs Molina is from Spain. All of the top meteorologists have science degrees ranging from meteorology to physics. Most of the top individuals were scientists.
Today, our definition of a meteorologist is someone like Al Roker, a television personality whose college degree is in communication. Another lovable character was Willard Scott. He had a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from American University. His bio says that he “was an American weather presenter, radio and TV personality, actor, narrator, clown, comedian, and author, with a career spanning 65 years. He is best known for his television work on the Today show as weather reporter who also presented a tribute greetings segment for people celebrating their 100th or above birthdays. He was the creator and original portrayer of Ronald McDonald.”1
It’s hard to put them in the same category as Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686-1736), the German engineer and physicist who gave us the Fahrenheit scale. He developed his skills as a glassblower in order to make altimeters, thermometers, and barometers. “In addition to giving lectures in Amsterdam on the subject of chemistry, Fahrenheit continued to work on developing meteorological instruments. He is credited for creating very precise thermometers. The first ones used alcohol. Later, he used mercury due to superior results.”2
Whether the weatherman or woman is a professional or just a personality, this is their day to be recognized according to the National Day Calendar. This is National Weatherperson’s Day. The date was chosen in honor of Dr. John Jeffries, born on this day in 1744. Though he was a scientist and surgeon, he was also a keen weather observer, keeping meticulous records from 1774 to 1816. “Jefferies pioneered the field of ballooning in the United States and took his first balloon observation in 1784.”3
Before we go any further, let’s admit it. Those predicting the weather take a lot of grief from the rest of us. I have often commented that if the rest of us were as accurate at our jobs as the forecaster, we would have been fired a long time ago. However, we forget that weather prediction isn’t an exact science and weather patterns and atmospheric conditions can change very quickly. Their predictions are based on that which is unpredictable.
About the only thing a weather forecaster could announce with 100% accuracy is that “it is certain that we will have some weather today.” What that weather might be is out of our hands.
One of my favorite meteorological text books is the book of Job. Job 28:23-27 says, “God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. (24) For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; (25) To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure. (26) When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: (27) Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.” Job 37 speaks extensively about God’s control of the weather.
Even the “experts” who hold degrees in science are just personalities making the best judgment calls they can make based on the evidence before them. At any moment, the Lord could change it all and only He can explain why He would chose to do that.
So, today, we take the best suggestion that is presented. We might need a heavy coat. We might need our umbrella. We might need a shovel. It’s February so it’s doubtful we will need sunscreen or bug repellant. Either way, know that the Lord brought the weather whether you like it or not.
1https://www.ranker.com/list/notable-tv-meteorologist_s)/reference
2https://www.thoughtco.com/famous-meteorologists-3444421
3https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-weatherpersons-day-february-5
