National Weatherperson’s Day (February 5)

A illustration of TV weather news reporter at work

National Weatherperson’s Day on February 5 celebrates the meteorologists and weather presenters who help keep us informed and safe.

From daily forecasts to severe storm warnings, their work plays a big role in our everyday lives. This lesser-known February holiday is a great chance to learn more about how weather predictions work and show appreciation for the people behind them.

When Is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated every year on February 5th. The date honors John Jeffries, a pioneer of American meteorology born in 1744.

Who Invented It?

There’s no single person credited with creating the holiday. It developed as a way to recognize the important work meteorologists and weather presenters do to protect public safety.

The History of the Holiday

The holiday aligns with the birthday of John Jeffries, who recorded weather data in Boston from 1774 to 1816.

In 1784, he made history by collecting weather data from a balloon, one of the earliest examples of upper-atmosphere research.

Over time, National Weatherperson’s Day has come to recognize how forecasting has evolved, from handwritten logs to satellite technology and computer models.

Top 5 Facts About the Day

  1. John Jeffries is often called the first American weatherman.
  2. Weather forecasts first appeared on U.S. television in 1940.
  3. Dan Rather’s 1961 hurricane warning helped save lives.
  4. The Weather Channel launched in 1982.
  5. Tornado warning accuracy has improved significantly since the 1990s.

Coloring Page

If you’re celebrating with kids, this free weather coloring page is a fun way to mix creativity with science.

National Weatherpersons Day
Weatherpersons Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

  • Watch your local forecast and learn how radar maps work.
  • Build a simple rain gauge or weather chart with kids.
  • Try a science experiment like a tornado in a bottle.
  • Track daily temperatures for a week.
  • Send a thank-you message to a local meteorologist.

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Links to Resources

Related Holidays

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National Weatherpersons Day Feb 5