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She has good advice for kids thinking about a career in weather forecasting.
“Observe the weather patterns and practice making your own forecast. Take a lot of science and math classes. But also become a person with interests beyond weather,” she said. “For example, try out for the school play or musical. Be a part of the world you live in, so you can better understand what people are thinking and feeling when it comes to the weather.”
Topper Shutt, WUSA 9
Topper Shutt built his own weather station when he was 8 years old and started predicting the weather when he was 10. He got his first job forecasting weather on TV in 1981.
“I think I have always known deep down this is what I wanted to do,” Shutt said. “Trying to figure out the future state of the atmosphere is a blast!”
Shutt grew up in the Washington area and went to high school at the Landon School in Bethesda. In addition to his TV job, he also helped start a company that puts weather stations in schools, so kids can track and learn about the weather.
He says that kids interested in weather should “learn the science of meteorology and learn some computer programming but also remain well-rounded with varied interests.”
Bob Ryan, ABC 7
Bob Ryan says he can’t remember a time he wasn’t interested in the weather.
“I think that’s just the way I was born,” Ryan said. “I always loved watching the sky, especially those friendly puffy cumulus clouds on a warm spring day and imagining what animal or face they looked like.”
Before he started predicting weather on TV, Ryan worked as a scientist studying clouds. He likes how the weather is always changing, and he enjoys helping people plan their day.
He says kids should follow their dreams and work hard. “If you love what you do, it will be fun,” he said. “I’m lucky to have had a career in a field that was my hobby when I was in school.”
Doug Kammerer, NBC 4
Doug Kammerer is the new kid on the Washington weather block: He joined NBC 4 in August 2010. But he isn’t new to the Washington area: He grew up in Northern Virginia, going to Herndon Middle School and Herndon High School.
Kammerer says he knew he wanted to be a meteorologist since he was about 8 years old. He says his favorite part is forecasting big storms.
“I love all kinds of weather — thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms,” he says. “I love them all.”
His advice to kids interested in weather is simple: “Learn as much as you can about it. Talk to those who are in the business. Contact your favorite weatherman and ask to check out the weather center. Try to forecast on your own — always a challenge, and always fun!”
Did you know The Washington Post has its own team of meteorologists called the Capital Weather Gang ? You can read the team’s forecasts and interesting weather stories at www.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang.
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