O.N KOUL
National Weatherperson’s Day is observed annually on February 5.The day commemorates the birth of John Jeffries in 1744 ,one of the America’s first weather observers ,began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774 and he took the first balloon observation in 1784.This is a day to recognize the men and women who collectively provide Americans with best weather ,water and climate forecasts and warning services of any nation. Many of us take weather information for granted .Turn on a light switch ,you will get light. Turn on your television or radio ,or check a web site and you get the weather forecast .It is easy to forget that around the clock ,dedicated meteorologists ,hydrologists ,technicians and weathercasters are vigilantly creating forecasts to help you plan your day, and issuing warnings to help keep you safe. The men and women at your local National Weather Services forecast office gather the raw weather data, analysts the data ,and study numerical computer models in order to issue the weather and River forecasts and warnings to protect life and property .Specialized marine and aviation forecasts help enhance the national economy. Spot forecasts help firefighters control wildfires and emergency management officials contain hazardous chemical spills. Extensive climate records help engineers ,architects ,researchers ,insurance companies and utilities .The primary mission of the National weather Service is to provide the American public with the best possible warning service to save lives .Recent severe weather statics show that we continue to improve our capability to warn the public of impending hazardous weather. Always celebrated on February 5,National Weatherperson’s Day also known as National Weatherman’s Day honors all individuals working in meteorology ,weather forecasting ,and broadcast meteorology. The day also recognizes volunteer storm spotters ,observers , and others who work in weather field. This annual holiday commemorates the birthday of Johan Jeffries ,born on this day in 1744.Dr Jeffries ,a scientist and a surgeon ,is considered one of the America’s first weather observers .He kept weather records from 1974 to 1816.Additionally ,he pioneered the field of ballooning in the United States and took his first balloon observation in the 1784.National Weatherperson’s Day is a special occasion that honors the professionals who work tirelessly to forecast and report on the ever-changing weather patterns that impact our lives.It is a day to recognize the meteorologists, weather reporters ,and forecasters who help us plan our daily activities and stay safe during extreme weather events .During this celebration ,those who work hard are honored as they accurately forecast and report the constantly changing and often unpredictable weather .Despite new technological advances ,meteorologists face challenges in predicting the weather .Even with the most state -of-the-art technology ,predicting ”Mother Nature ”and what path she may choose is a very daunting task. Knowing the weather forecast is valuable to us in so many ways. We often look at the forecast to plan our activities for the upcoming days. It affects what we do ,how we dress ,where we go, or even if we go at all. Being prepared for impending storms ,hurricanes ,or tornadoes saves lives. Thank your local weatherperson ,it may be the person you turn to on the news to keep you up to date on the latest weather and storms. Or it may also be the storm spotters who report to the National Weather Service .Their warnings alert us to more imminent dangers .Weather changes often impact our lives and livelihoods, so their dedication is valuable. Consider how weather affects our daily lives and how much you appreciate an accurate forecast whenever possible. Share your experiences doing an outstanding job in your area. The day also recognizes volunteer storm spotters ,observers ,and others who work in the weather field. It recognizes individuals in the field of meteorology, weather forecasting and broadcast meteorology ,as well as volunteer storm spotters and observers. The day has been celebrated for more than four decades. The day commemorates the birth of Dr.Johan Jeffrie ,one of America’s first weather observer. The national weatherpersons day has its origin in America and it is also celebrated in India because the weather forecasts and warnings and constantly changing weather conditions impact our daily lives and so forecasting and predicting weather conditions accurately is very important to all of us and it impacts our lives. So we attach much needed importance to observe the National weatherpersons day and regard those people who are doing challenging task of predicting weather for all of us as predicting and forecasting weather conditions is very much important to us as on the basis of accurate weather forecasts we plan our work and daily chorus. So people often watch TV’ and radio and in modern day watch internet and social media to be abreast of the weather so that they plan their work accordingly. In India the government, NGO’s and the people at large attach much importance to celebrating national Weatherperson’s Day and celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and fanfare.
This is a solemn occasion to honor weatherpersons such as meteorologists, weather forecasters and weather observers as their services are of much valuable importance to us as we plan our future days work accordingly. So all of us should observer National Weatherpersons day so that all those experts who are engaged in forecasting and predicting weather conditions are given due honor and respect because it is their forecasts and warnings which save our precious lives.
(The author is a columnist, social KP activist and Freelancer)