There are certain stereotypes associated with being the “weather girl,” but after serving as Washington and Lee’s broadcast team’s weather forecaster, I can assure you that it is certainly not as easy as it looks.
In order to provide viewers with the most accurate weather forecast, I have to analyze atmospheric simulations and find the most accurate weather predictions possible. By analyzing the satellite radar composite, predictions for a five-day forecast, current conditions, and regional conditions, I am able to provide viewers with a well-rounded look at weather conditions for a geographical area in both the immediate and short-term future.
In addition to the requirement of simply forecasting the weather, weather girls must be experienced writers. There are no screenwriters or specific researchers for weather persona, you must do it all yourself. I am responsible for finding accurate data, as well as prioritizing what to tell viewers in an intelligent manner while maintaining a solid knowledge base.
On-air experience is another necessary attribute of a weather forecaster. There is no teleprompter for a weather forecaster; therefore you have to constantly think on your feet. Remembering all of the data and conditions, while presenting it in an upbeat and personable manner can be a difficult combination. It is important to remain poised and smiling, while presenting the information and creating a script for yourself while on air.
Looking presentable is another important factor for anyone on air. But there is one important wardrobe requirement for a weather forecaster, do not, under any circumstances, wear green. If a weather forecaster were to wear green, they would blend right into the green screen and become one with the graphics, which would be very bad. Additionally, it is important to look presentable because statistics have proven that if anchors or on air persona go on air looking disheveled, viewers will spend less time listening to the information they are presenting, and more time analyzing their appearance.
While all of these components comprise an ideal weather girl, perhaps the most important attribute is the ability to go with the flow. Teleprompters fail, graphics go astray, timing becomes off, and people forget things, but the most important aspect that I have learned from my experience as a weather girl is to keep going no matter what. I have stumbled over words, mispronounced cities, been a victim of technical difficulties, but during a live broadcast, the show must go on. Ad-libbing, which is essentially the ability to think and speak on the fly, is an essential trait that I have picked up, because even if your mind, or the screen, happens to go blank you must keep going and do the best you can.
So, next time you are watching the weather, make sure to remember not only what the weekend forecast is, but how much goes into each forecast!
