National Weatherperson's Day (February 5)

One weird holiday on February 5 is National Weatherperson’s Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!

History of National Weatherperson’s Day

Originally called National Weatherman’s Day, this weird holiday occurs on the birthday of John Jeffries, who is considered to be the first weatherman in the United States.

John Jeffries was born on February 5, 1744. He was both a surgeon and a scientist, and he began keeping weather records in Boston from 1774 to 1816. In 1784, he became the first person in the world to collect weather data from a weather balloon (which was over London).

We often use the term “weatherman” to refer to two different occupations: a meteorologist and a weather presenter.

A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the Earth’s atmosphere, including weather, which occurs in the troposphere. They use mathematical models to predict weather on a day-to-day basis, and can work in a variety of positions, including government organizations, private consulting, educational institutions, and more.

Weather presenters are people who announce the predictions made by meteorologists on the radio, internet, or television. A weather presenter takes the scientific data and makes it simpler for the everyday person to understand, so people are aware of any weather alerts or threats to their area.

Many weather presenters are also meteorologists and do their own calculations, but they do not have to be so. There are no set qualifications for being a weather presenter; some weather presenters are simply given the title by their employers.

It wasn’t until 1940, weather presenters first began appearing on television broadcasts in the United States and a few other countries. More and more countries joined in by having daily weather reports, including France in 1958.

In 1961, the weatherman Dan Rather reported that there would be a hurricane, which saved thousands of lives as people were able to prepare in advance for it.

The Weather Channel was established in 1982 and began broadcasting weather reports 24/7.

Accuracy for predicting the weather has improved significantly over the years, most notably between 1993 to 2008. Tornado warning accuracy, for example, increased from 43% to 72% at that time. Errors made by the Tropical Prediction Center’s 24-72 hour tropical storm forecast have decreased more than 50%.

These numbers come from the National Weather Service, which also said:

“The primary mission of the Weather Service (NWS) forecast office is to provide the American public with the best possible warning service to save lives. Recent severe weather statistics show that we continue to improve our capability to warn the public of impending hazardous weather.”

Ideas for National Weatherperson’s Day

Here are some ways you can celebrate the weathermen today and appreciate the weather.

Paper Plate Weather Craft

Photo Credit: intheplayroom.co.uk

Learning about the weather is one of the classic early years topic for children. This simple craft helps them to look at the different weather each day. After making it on National Weatherperson's Day, they can have fun changing it each morning to show the correct weather outside.

How To Make A Rain Gauge

Photo Credit: www.steampoweredfamily.com

Part of National Weatherperson's Day means embracing the weather, even rainy days. With this Earth Sciences activity kids will get excited for rain as they learn how to make a rain gauge. A wonderful STEM activity and chance to study and learn more about the weather and nature.