Jump to content
  • Member Statistics

    17,502
    Total Members
    7,904
    Most Online
    Weathernoob335
    Newest Member
    Weathernoob335
    Joined

What does it take to be a good forecaster (for your area)?


tblevins

Recommended Posts

In light of the current discussion surrounding the ongoing blizzard/not blizzard in the northeast and the model hugging by some to predict the outcome, I was thinking tonight, what characteristics make up a good weather forecaster.  I'm certainly not versed in the sciences like many on this forum, so this is more of an amateur look at the subject.  Here's my list:

 

- understand your own limitations:  know your blind spots and lack of knowledge, 

- know the model biases for your area:  how many models are available now?  some can do a great job with certain environments and areas, some can be downright awful. There are some on these forums that  have said to get rid of model <x>.  But in some cases, that model has been spot on with regards to the outcome

- Know your micro-climate:  what can go wrong with a particular forecast?  proximity to a particular region (ocean, mountains, etc)

- know your audience:  if you announce a 10% chance of snow 10 days out in NYC, then no one will notice..if its somewhere south of I-40, its a promise or guarantee

- understand the statistics:  if a model is showing a 50 year storm, then be very cautious...even if all the models have latched on to the solution, does it mean its really going to happen?  The likelihood is very slim based on statistics...it might actually turn out to be a 5-10 year storm.

 

Also, its interesting to "handicap" those who attempt to forecast the next event on these forums.  Some hang on to every positive outcome that may exist for winter weather and some grab on to the most negative of predictions, even if its an outlier model.  

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...