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Joanne Simpson became the first woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in meteorology in 1949. Her pioneering research on clouds, hurricanes, tropical convection, and satellite meteorology helped transform atmospheric science. #NationalMeteorologistsDay 🌩️ #Meteorology #WomenInSTEM

A split-panel tribute graphic honors pioneering meteorologist Joanne Simpson. On the left, a black-and-white portrait shows Simpson seated at a desk writing on weather charts, with diagrams of tropical cloud structure and a hurricane image behind her. Text at the top reads, “Honoring the Legacy of Pioneering Meteorologists,” followed by: “From exploring the skies to understanding the storms, Her work continues to inspire.” A caption identifies Simpson (1923–2010) as the first American woman to receive a PhD in meteorology and notes that she revolutionized the understanding of tropical clouds and hurricanes.

On the right, a modern hurricane research scene inside a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft shows scientists monitoring radar and weather displays while flying near a hurricane visible through a window. The hashtag #NationalMeteorologistsDay appears along the bottom.

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📅 Celebrating #NationalMeteorologistsDay 🌪️ After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Ted Fujita studied patterns of destruction left behind by catastrophe. He later conducted groundbreaking research into tornadoes, downbursts, and severe storm damage. #Meteorology #SevereWeather #Tornado

A split-panel tribute graphic honors pioneering meteorologist T. Theodore “Ted” Fujita. On the left, a sepia-toned portrait shows Fujita studying weather maps at a desk, with a chalkboard behind him labeled “Tornado Intensity” and a chart listing the Fujita Scale categories F0–F5 with associated wind speeds and damage descriptions. Text reads: “Honoring the Legacy of Pioneering Meteorologists” and “From understanding tornadoes to saving lives, His work continues to guide and protect us.”

On the right, a modern storm-chasing team works beside a “Doppler on Wheels” radar vehicle as a tornado touches down beneath dark storm clouds over open plains. One researcher points toward the tornado while another monitors radar displays. The hashtag #NationalMeteorologistsDay appears along the bottom.

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LOL! If you must know, I believe this was the original image used as the basis for what appears on that monitor.

Today is National Meteorologists Day. Embrace the Science. Honor the Experts. #NationalMeteorologistsDay

A promotional graphic for National Meteorologists Day shows two meteorologists inside a modern forecast office analyzing a large weather display featuring a powerful low-pressure storm system over the eastern United States, complete with isobars, fronts, and heavy precipitation bands. One meteorologist points toward the display while the other studies the forecast thoughtfully. Large windows reveal towering cumulus clouds and bright sunshine over a distant city skyline. Smaller monitors show a temperature map and seven-day forecast. Bold text reads: “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9.” Along the bottom, the graphic says: “Embrace the Science. Honor the Experts.” followed by “#NationalMeteorologistsDay.”

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Mississippi Twisters Silver Linings, May Colorado Snow & the NWS is Hiring!

Thanks to fellow meteorologists @graceyweather.bsky.social and Kerrin Jeromin for promoting National Meteorologists Day (May 9) in their Weekly Weather Brief! Their discussion of it begins at 8:00 into the video. Check it out! lnkd.in/epuTxKvJ #NationalMeteorologistsDay

youtube.com

YouTube video by Weekly Weather Brief

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Weather forecasting touches nearly every sector of society—helping protect lives, support the economy, and keep communities informed. Celebrate National Meteorologists Day on May 9 and help recognize the people behind the forecast. #NationalMeteorologistsDay #Meteorology #Weather #Science #STEM

A large promotional infographic for National Meteorologists Day highlights the broad societal impact of meteorology across multiple sectors. At the top center, a meteorologist sits at a workstation surrounded by numerous weather displays showing radar, satellite imagery, hurricanes, and forecast models while pointing at a large radar image. Dramatic skies frame the scene, with bright sunlight breaking through clouds on the left and lightning-filled thunderstorms on the right. Large text reads: “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9” and “Embrace the Science. Honor the Experts.”

Text on the left states that meteorologists turn data into forecasts that help communities make informed decisions every day, while text on the right emphasizes that weather forecasting impacts lives and the economy.

A middle banner reads: “Making a Difference Across Every Sector,” followed by eight illustrated panels representing different industries and areas affected by meteorology:
• Public Safety — police vehicles under stormy skies
• Agriculture — a tractor in farm fields at sunset
• Transportation — an airplane on a wet runway
• Energy — power lines and wind turbines
• Business & Economy — a city skyline and financial growth imagery
• Construction — workers at a building site
• Maritime — ships on rough seas
• You — a family walking together in rainy weather

Each panel includes short descriptions explaining how weather forecasting supports those sectors. Along the bottom, bold text reads: “Behind Every Forecast Is a Meteorologist — Meteorologists Make a Difference.” The hashtag “#NationalMeteorologistsDay” appears beneath the slogan.

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During WWII, women stepped into Weather Bureau roles as men left for military service. Pioneers like Virginia Tredinnick helped open doors for future generations of atmospheric scientists. www.nationalmeteorologistsday.com #NationalMeteorologistsDay 🌩️ #WomenInSTEM #Meteorology #Weather

A commemorative graphic honoring pioneering meteorologists contrasts historic and modern upper-air observing work. On the left, a black-and-white image shows Virginia Tredinnick releasing a large weather balloon beside an “Aero-Meteorological Instruments Corporation” crate, representing her service as an Assistant Weather Bureau Observer during World War II. On the right, a modern female meteorologist in blue field gear stands outdoors holding a laptop displaying atmospheric sounding data near a mobile weather observing vehicle with a radar dome on top. Mountains and a partly cloudy sky fill the background. Large text at the top reads, “Honoring the Legacy of Pioneering Meteorologists.” Smaller text says, “From launching weather balloons to advancing forecasting — Their work opened doors and inspired generations.” A plaque at the lower left reads: “Virginia Tredinnick (1916–2000) — Assistant Weather Bureau Observer During World War II.” The hashtag “#NationalMeteorologistsDay” appears along the bottom.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 07/05/2026

Tomorrow is National Meteorologists Day. Take a moment to recognize the scientists behind the forecast. www.nationalmeteorologistsday.com #NationalMeteorologistsDay

A promotional graphic for National Meteorologists Day shows three meteorologists collaborating at a severe weather workstation. A woman seated at a computer points toward a radar display showing an intense supercell thunderstorm with bright red and purple reflectivity, while two male colleagues observe closely. A large wall display behind them shows additional weather radar and warning data. The meteorologists wear dark blue professional attire in a dimly lit forecast office environment. On the left side of the graphic, bold text reads: “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9.” Below it are the phrases “Embrace the Science. Honor the Experts.” and the hashtag “#NationalMeteorologistsDay.” Above the text is a weather-themed icon featuring a cloud, sun, raindrop, snowflake, and lightning bolt.

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Pioneers like William Hallet Greene helped break barriers in meteorology—but there’s still more progress to be made. May 9 is National Meteorologists Day—a day to celebrate the scientists behind the forecast and the ongoing effort to build a stronger, more inclusive future for meteorology.

A commemorative graphic honoring pioneering meteorologists blends historical and modern weather science imagery. On the left, a sepia-toned portrait of William Hallet Greene shows him seated at a desk writing in a ledger beneath antique weather instruments and a historic War Department weather map. On the right, modern meteorologists monitor severe weather radar displays inside a forecast office while a large tornado is visible outside the windows in the distance. Large text at the top reads, “Honoring the Legacy of Pioneering Meteorologists.” Smaller text below says, “From telegraphing weather observations to forecasting severe storms — Their work broke barriers and paved the way for future scientists.” A plaque near Greene reads: “William Hallet Greene (1864–1942) — First African American to Serve in the Nation’s Weather Service.” The hashtag “#NationalMeteorologistsDay” appears along the bottom.

𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 07/05/2026

Meteorologists work in: aviation • research • military • emergency management • and more Not just on TV. www.nationalmeteorologistsday.com #NationalMeteorologistsDay

A promotional graphic for National Meteorologists Day shows a meteorologist standing outside a National Weather Service forecast office at sunrise or early morning, preparing to release a large white weather balloon with an attached radiosonde. He wears a dark polo shirt and looks upward toward the balloon against a sky filled with scattered altocumulus clouds. A weather radar tower rises behind the building on the right. Large blue text on the left reads: “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9.” Beneath it are the phrases “Embrace the Science. Honor the Experts.” and the hashtag “#NationalMeteorologistsDay.”

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 06/05/2026

May 9 honors James Pollard Espy, America's first official meteorologist. 📖 Pioneer of American meteorology 🌩 Early storm theory A legacy that still shapes forecasting today. www.nationalmeteorologistsday.com #NationalMeteorologistsDay

A commemorative graphic for National Meteorologists Day features a painted portrait of James Pollard Espy on the right, shown as a 19th-century man in formal dark attire. Behind him are stormy clouds and a faint historical weather diagram. On the left, bold text reads “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9.” Below, three highlighted points describe Espy’s contributions: “Pioneer of American Meteorology,” noting his early use of scientific methods in forecasting; “Early Storm Theory,” recognizing his development of foundational storm theories; and “A Legacy That Still Shapes Forecasting Today,” emphasizing his lasting impact on modern weather science. At the bottom left, a radar dome sits beneath a dramatic sky at sunset. The image includes Espy’s name and life dates (May 9, 1785 – Jan. 24, 1860) and the hashtag #NationalMeteorologistsDay.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 05/05/2026

Weather affects everything. Safety. Travel. Agriculture. Energy. Meteorologists help communities prepare—every single day. #NationalMeteorologistsDay

A television meteorologist stands in a studio in front of a green screen, smiling and pointing toward a weather display. He wears a navy suit and tie and gestures confidently as if presenting a forecast. In the foreground, a monitor labeled “StormTracker Live Doppler Radar” shows a line of intense storms with heavy rain and lightning stretching across part of the eastern United States. Large text on the left reads, “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9,” followed by the tagline, “Embrace the Science. Honor the Experts.” The hashtag #NationalMeteorologistsDay appears at the bottom. Studio lighting equipment is visible overhead, emphasizing the broadcast setting.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 04/05/2026

Maybe meteorologists weren’t on the set of Star Wars—but if they were, they’d be providing critical decision support behind the scenes. Because when it’s time to roll, “Never tell me the odds” isn’t an option. May 4 → #MayThe4thBeWithYou #StarWarsDay May 9 → #NationalMeteorologistsDay

A cinematic, Star Wars-inspired scene shows a meteorologist seated at a mobile workstation on a desert film set. In the foreground, the meteorologist—wearing a jacket labeled “METEOROLOGIST”—speaks into a handheld radio while monitoring multiple screens displaying radar and satellite weather imagery. Behind them, a large spacecraft resembling the Millennium Falcon sits surrounded by film crew, cameras, and equipment, suggesting an active movie production.
At the top of the image, bold yellow text in a Star Wars-style font reads: “THE FORCE HELPS… BUT THE FORECAST DECIDES WHEN YOU ROLL.”
At the bottom, additional text reads: “CELEBRATE NATIONAL METEOROLOGISTS DAY — MAY 9” followed by the hashtag “#NationalMeteorologistsDay.”

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 03/05/2026

A meteorologist isn’t just someone who talks about the weather. They’re scientists. As we approach National Meteorologists Day on May 9, it’s worth recognizing the breadth of the profession and the depth of expertise behind something we rely on every day. #NationalMeteorologistsDay

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 02/05/2026

Weather impacts every aspect of our lives—from safety to the economy. Behind every forecast is science, training, and expertise. Join us in celebrating National Meteorologists Day on May 9. #NationalMeteorologistsDay

Promotional graphic for National Meteorologists Day showing a meteorologist releasing a weather balloon in an open field under a sky filled with cumulus clouds and bright sun. An instrumented weather station stands nearby. Overlayed text reads “Celebrate National Meteorologists Day — May 9.” In the upper left, a stylized weather map displays a low-pressure system with isobars and fronts.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 02/05/2026

Meteorologists do more than deliver forecasts. That’s why I’m proposing National Meteorologists Day on May 9—the birthday of James Pollard Espy (1785 – 1860)—a pioneer of American meteorology. Learn more + resources: NationalMeteorologistsDay.com #NationalMeteorologistsDay

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 24/07/2025

My latest Retrospect covers the Jasper #tornado of 1927—photographed by 16-year-old Lucille Handberg who went on to attend the State Teachers College in St. Cloud (now @stcloudstate.bsky.social my alma mater) making her the 1st #stormchaser to attend that school: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/CD8K2...

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 22/05/2025

Thanks to @ametsoc.org for featuring me in the April issue of BAMS with a quote from my Clear Skies Ahead podcast interview on how I came to write my biography of Cleveland Abbe. Listen to the podcast at: blubrry.com/clear_skies_... Get a copy of my book at: press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...

"I realized that this was a story of a very complex and multifaceted individual that hadn't fully been told up until that point. There was only one book-length biography about Abbe, which was published in 1955 and was written by one of his sons, Truman Abbe, and published by a vanity press. It was a very valuable tool to me in writing a biography of Abbe, but it was far from being objective. So, I thought the time was right for an objective, complete biography of Cleveland Abbe and I pitched the idea to AMS, which at the time had a robust book publishing program. I ended up putting together a proposal, sent it off, and a few months later, heard back that AMS was interested in publishing this book. And it was at the Annual Meeting in 2018 in Austin where I signed the contract. My goal was to have it ready for the Centennial meeting in 2020 in Boston, because I knew that was going to be a big meeting, a lot of history was going to be discussed there, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity."

- SEAN POTTER-meteorologist, science writer, and weather historian in St. Joseph, Minnesota—on how he came to write the biography of Cleveland Abbe. For more, listen to the Clear Skies Ahead podcast, with new episodes released every month.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 18/05/2025

For anyone interested in reading my Retrospect column about the St. Louis tornado of 1896–mentioned in the Forbes piece by Dr. Shepherd–this link should take you to the full text: www.tandfonline.com/eprint/THT9Q...

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 17/05/2025

A great writeup on why we need a well-funded and fully-staffed NWS. Without weather radars, models, and warnings, we might as well be back in 1896, when a devastating tornado on May 27 cut a 10-mile path of destruction through the heart of St. Louis, killing 255 people and injuring 1,000 others.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 28/04/2025

Confused about the difference between a severe weather watch vs a warning? Just think of it in terms of... tacos! 🌮🌪🌩

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 15/04/2025

On this anniversary of the sinking of #Titanic, I spoke with @wgem.com in Quincy, Illinois, about the role weather and other environmental factors played in the disaster on that clear, calm, and bitterly cold night in the North Atlantic 113 years ago. www.wgem.com/2025/04/15/t...

wgem.com

Titanic: The science behind the disaster

A likely thermal inversion the night of April 14, 1912 may have created a superior mirage. This would have led to a false horizon, potentially masking icebergs in the distance.

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Reposted by 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛

Marshall Shepherd @drshepherd2013.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

Inspired by my earlier thoughts today, a childhood bee sting, and something a colleague Paul Walsh said, my weekend thoughts in Forbes dot com offers advice for aspiring scientists right now. And perhaps for seasoned ones too. www.forbes.com/sites/marsha...

forbes.com

Passion or Pragmatism - Advice For Aspiring Scientists Right Now

As the research and federal landscapes shift, some students are questioning the viability of scientific careers. Here's some advice.

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 11/02/2025

I'm honored to be featured in the latest episode of the @ametsoc.org podcast Clear Skies Ahead: Conversations About Careers in Meteorology and Beyond. Check it out! 😎🌪️🌦️❄️⚡ blubrry.com/clear_skies_...

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 26/11/2024

ICYMI here's the @amswxband webinar I recently participated in: "Sharing Scientists' Stories: A Conversation with Meteorologist Biographers." It was great hanging out with Jim Fleming and Jonathan Martin as we discussed our books about meteorologists! amsweatherband.org/index.cfm/weat…

𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 30/09/2024

Looking forward to taking part in this upcoming @amswxband webinar with fellow meteorologist biographers Jonathan Martin and Jim Fleming and moderated by Mona Behl! Join us Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7 PM ET. Register in advance at: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 13/09/2024

A #weather report of “Error, Library, Gumbo, Ensign” might leave you scratching your head, but to a weather observer in 1888 it made perfect sense. To learn more check out my latest feature article in @WeatherwiseMag—"Cracking the Weather Code. tandfonline.com/eprint/K855QVF…

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𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 10/07/2024

In my latest Retrospect column for @WeatherwiseMag, I discuss the role weather played in the #Chicago Race Riots of 1919. The first 50 clicks on the link below get free access from @tandfonline: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 @seanpotter.com · 25/05/2024

#OTD 180 years ago painter-turned-inventor Samuel #Morse sent the first official message via telegraph—"What hath God wrought?"—from the U.S. Capitol in #Washington to B&O Railroad's Pratt Street Station in #Baltimore, forever changing how humans communicate.