Alerts
start beeping at five-second intervals. The colors on the radar swirl
incessantly. And we’re on in five…four….three…two….one…
Predicting
the weather proves to be a major challenge. Not only because even the experts
barely understand the mysteries of nature, but also because an incorrect
prediction could result in tragedy.
Meteorologists
study the weather – the past and the present, precipitation and drought, storms
and calms – and use the data to predict the future. This concept only works
when certain conditions cause the same weather every time, which, unfortunately
is not the case.
To
predict the forecast, meteorologists analyze weather patterns from at least the
last few decades. Weather prediction does involve a bit of guesswork, but with
luck, and usually a degree in atmospheric sciences this process is fairly
accurate.
Meteorologist
Chuck McWilliams has a bigger challenge because he attempts to predict weather
in Nebraska. “Weather is something that changes
regularly. In winter, we forecast for snowstorms and spring/summer for thunderstorms.
This tends to keep things from becoming monotonous,” said McWilliams.
While McWilliams enjoys his career, he said, “Most work in
meteorology (be it in television or with the National Weather Service) is shift
work. The lack of a regular work
schedule can play havoc with one's sleep schedule and occasionally presents
challenges with scheduling family activities.”
While
many, like McWilliams predict weather, others with a degree in meteorology
study storms, track their progress and alert those potentially in danger. While
Hollywood has greatly dramatized the life of storm chasers in movies like
Twister and Night of the Twisters, the life of a storm chaser is more dangerous
than the average.
People
need meteorologists; otherwise who would tell them whether they could go on a
picnic or go to the movies, whether they really should go boating, or just stay
inland.
One
last word of advice, McWilliams mentioned, “The bulk
of meteorology is comprised of mathematical equations (such as the equations of
motion,) and most universities require several Calculus courses as well as
coursework in Partial Differential Equations.”