Weather or Not

March 2023

Today is March 23^rd.  I’ll bet you didn’t realize it but it’s World Meteorological Day.  Likely not widely known outside of the world’s small circles of climatologists and meteorologists. And other interested observers like me. It seems like I’ve always been a bit fanatical about the weather. My mom was scared to death of storms. Both thunderstorms and snowstorms. I got to watch her fret and panic with the approach of every storm system.  I felt sorry for her.  I think that drove me to try to understand why she was afraid. To understand more about what makes weather.

Despite growing up around this fear, I enjoy a good storm.  It’s just another way of connecting with nature and understanding how our earth is so much more powerful than we can even imagine.  We are just spectators, along for the ride. At least as far as weather is concerned. So for as long as I can remember I have been infatuated with meteorology. Even before I knew what that word meant. 

A hallmark day in my life was the day that one of our 3 local TV channels hired a meteorologist.  It was 1973 and Craig James was his name. Just the word “meteorologist” gave me a tingle. I was about 10 and from that point on until my second year of college, I wanted to be one. I got weather station for Christmas.  Had a variety of gauges and thermometers.  My own barometer.  I monitored humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure every day for several years. Writing them all down in a little notebook.  I think I still have the data. It was a passion.  Almost a fixation.

In 1982, the Weather Channel began on cable television. I know!  Crazy right?  I had to check the date to confirm it.  I can’t believe how long ago that seems!  Nonetheless, I was smitten. Through the 1990s and even into the 2000s, I was an avid viewer. Hooking my kids on the hobby as well. Jim Cantore was introduced in 1986. He became my new hero.  He was like a meteorological rock star! 

He’d forecast and give you cool explanations for weather-related phenomena.  He would even go out and chase storms. Constantly putting himself in harm’s way.  I loved it.  My kids loved it.  I even think my wife loved it.  I’d still watch TWC if it hadn’t gone the way of MTV and stopped being about its primary topic. But oh well. 

I took a different career path and did not officially become a meteorologist.  Nevertheless, I’m still a bit of an amateur version. I have an expensive and expansive weather station on my roof. My family affectionately calls it Dorothy, after the machine in the movie Twister. Which by the way, I have seen at least a dozen times. My Dorothy collects tons of data, and we monitor it all the time. I also have at least 6 apps on my phone that provide weather information to me. I may not be a meteorologist, but I guess I am still a fanatic!

Coming from Michigan you must stay on top of things.  It is a notorious location for its highly varied weather, where you can truly have 4 seasons in a single day.  You must spend a fair amount of time considering the weather before you make any plans. And that is true for every season.  Especially spring.  Especially in March. 

Last week for example we had a set of 70-degree days.  The Crocus’ and Daffodils were popping up everywhere.  But of course, it didn’t last.  This was followed by a whistling wind from the north.  Dorothy registered a 45-mph gust.  A cold front blistered through with a temperature drop of 30-degrees in a matter of minutes.  This was accompanied by a shot of thundersnow. 

The next morning, we awoke to ice covering everything and then 6 inches of icy snow. Of course, the power went out. It was out for 16 hours. Yes, Jim Cantore was in Chicago riding the storm out on TWC!  He’s still at it.

The following 2 days the temperature never rose above 20 degrees.  And then, to complete the circle, on the fourth day, out came the sun and melted it all away with a beautiful 60-degree day. Of course, everything turned into a dripping, muddy mire.  That’s why I normally spend March in Florida.

Yes, the weather certainly keeps you on your toes, no matter where you are.  And don’t even get me started about climate change. But I am delighted to note that my mother was always pleased about my weather infatuation.  She did everything she could to nurture it within me.  It helped me understand her a little better.  It certainly fostered my love of science.  And established a lifelong love of nature. Not just for me but my kids as well.  Not a bad legacy for her fears. I think she’s proud, up there above the storms.