We've heard of National Doughnut Day and National Cheesecake Day but what about National Weatherperson's Day?
This unofficial holiday is celebrated on Friday, February 5, and is set to celebrate the advancements of the sciences in meteorology. This holiday falls on the birth anniversary of John Jeffries. He is thought to be one of America's first weather observers.
Jeffries was born on February 5, 1744. It is reported that Jeffries recorded daily weather observations in Boston. In 1784, Jeffries took the first weather balloon observation in London.
National Weatherperson's Day is also a day set to honor people in meteorology and those who contribute to the science of observing and forecasting the weather.
While broadcast meteorologists are some of the most visible people in the field of meteorology, there are many more who are dedicated to keeping us informed and safe.
We're not using National Weatherperson's Day to pat ourselves on the back. We're using this day to introduce ourselves to those who may be new to the Spectrum News brand.
Here at Spectrum Bay News 9, our weather team has been with you through the ups and downs of Tampa Bay weather. We have many partners dedicated to forecasting and weather safety.
We thank all of our volunteer weather observers, partners at the National Weather Service, and other government agencies for their dedication. We also thank you, our loyal viewers and followers, for your trust in us each day.
Most meteorologists say they had a strong interest in the science from a very young age. Our team at Bay News 9 is no different.
Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay has been with Bay News 9 from day one. The image below was taken with Meteorologist Alan Winfield, who served as Chief Meteorologist when Bay News 9 first launched on the air. You can still catch Meteorologist Alan Winfield on Bay News 9 from time to time.
Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay said he has been interested in weather since he was a child. He started radio when he was 17 years old then moved into the television business in his mid-20s. Clay is very knowledgeable about radar meteorology and is an expert when it comes to Klystron 9.
The picture below is Mike Clay with the original Klystron from our Klystron 9 radar.
Meteorologist Brian McClure has been in the business for more than 20 years, and he has been through a lot while working at Bay News 9.
Some days have been real bright ones for Brian.
While other days, it seems like there is a dark cloud over him, especially in 2006 when he broke his arm. At least Brian was still smiling!
Our meteorologists have one thing in common and it's that we all love talking about the weather. Sometimes a bit too much.
You assemble our team outside of the office for a holiday party and you may regret it!
Meteorologist Juli Marquez loves taking her conversations about the weather into the classroom. Juli says speaking and educating kids about weather inside the classroom is one of the highlights of her job as a meteorologist.
Like the rest of our team, Meteorologist Josh Linker also loves to talk about the weather. Josh said, "It has always been fascinating to me. Being able to give our viewers the right, easy to understand info to help them make important decisions is what motivates me each day."
Meteorologist Diane Kacmarik has worked as a meteorologist in various parts of the country, but she joined the Bay News 9 team in 2004. She started her career with Bay News 9 just in time for the hectic 2004-2005 hurricane season. The staff looks forward to her Christmas cookies every season.
Meteorologist Nick Merianos is the most recent hire for the Spectrum Bay News 9 weather team. You will often see Nick Merianos share his passion for meteorology on social media.
Nick spends a lot of his time educating others about the weather. During the pandemic, he created lesson plans and at-home experiments so parents can use them while they home school their children.
As we have said before, we appreciate you trusting us as your source for weather information.
We hope you all have a happy National Weatherperson's Day and if you are looking for an actual forecast for the days ahead, you can read about it here.