Weather Complaints

From Sean K. We are sick of the rain. Can't you do anything about it?

     I always find this question very interesting. The short answer is of course, "no", but it's amazing how often we are asked. Our sports guys are not asked intercede on local games or to try and influence the outcome of a big match.
 
     I've never heard a newsperson asked to intervene on an election result or try and make a news event not occur. But if you are a weather person, expect requests and sometimes demands that the weather be changed. If it didn't happen 10 times a day you could just write it off as folks trying to make cleaver chit-chat.

     I think if I could somehow alter the weather, I'm not sure I would. The responsibility would be incredible. Think about it. Seems everyone wants something a little bit different. The guy who owns the car wash would like rain every few days to keep him in business. Coaches attempting to get games and practice in don't want rain. The farmer, who is praying for a shower, doesn't mind if it pours rain, even on Saturday, but the folks who are hoping for a weekend camping trip want it dry.

     I hear from roofers and auto body repairmen who know a big hailstorm would be good for business. We receive calls from anglers and hunters who want it warmer, but not too warm and can you turn down the wind?, is also popular. If you think most don't like the cold, then you haven't met the folks who sell fireplaces, coats, and heaters. The colder the weather the better. Kids wanting a day or two out of school ask with excitement, Do you think it will snow enough so we can get out of school?

     Farmers who plan to spray fields and boaters contact me about when the winds will die down. Ask a local heat & air company what 100-degree weather does for business. Last year I had a guy out fixing our air conditioning who actually thanked me for the recent round of hot weather. In all my years of meteorology, I have not met anyone who likes ice. Even if I did control the weather, I don't think it would be possible to make everyone happy.

     In life you need to make your own sunshine, no matter what the weather is doing.
 
If you have a weather question for Dan, send it to: askdan@kjrh.com