If you failed in your duties up at work – constantly – what would happen, I wonder?
Why then do meteorologists get a free pass? All… the… time…?
Feb. 23: A group of geniuses at Environment Canada predict yet another “Snowmaggedon”. In total, 10 cm. The result?
- Old people panic. Even though most of them barely leave the house.
- People fill up on gas. And sell a kidney to pay for it!
- Municipalities call in extra staff and fire up their salting trucks and equipment. On the people’s dime, of course.
- Grocery stores fill up with panicked shoppers who fear they won’t be able to leave their homes the next day.
Friday, Feb, 24: “Snowmaggedon” arrives.. in the form of rain.
The experts haven’t made such a miscalculation in their predictions since the great 2011 Groundhog Day blizzard, which didn’t live up to its hype. (Instead of the feared 30 cm, Toronto got a manageable 13 to 17 cm of snow back then.)
But none of this surprises me; my dogs have a better chance of accurately predicting the weather than the modern forecaster. Of course, modern-day weather patterns are unpredictable – to say the least – thanks in part to an ecosystem under constant attack by man-made pollution.
But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t be a weatherman for all the money in this messed-up world.
I get treated bad enough as a bellman, thank you very much.
I know what you mean. The other day, they predicted a rain front would come through at 10 P.M. that night but that the day would be nice. Well, at 7:45 A.M. as I was driving the dogs to doggy day care as I was going to be on a day trip, it started to SLEET! I just about freaked out. They were a little more than 12 hours off in their predictions that they had just made 30 minutes before on the early morning news.
Weather forecasters don’t have a great rep or track record, do they?
I guess meteorologists are held in universally low esteem. They are consistently wrong here, as well. And the same thing happens. Everybody panics and what’s the end result? A few flurries that melt as soon as they hit the ground. Embarrassing.
Then there was the time a few years ago when they predicted an inch of snow. No big deal, right? Except that the weather front stalled right over us and we got over a foot of snow. The roads were unprepared as were the drivers. I ended up having to stay in a hotel that night because I couldn’t get home from work. Jackholes.
I have to agree with you, my friend!
When will people understand that being a TV weatherman is all about looking good in a suit and having a noun for a last name.
Very true…
I forgot that!
Wouldn’t mind being a weatherman in California. “The weather will be great. Back to you guys”
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I agree,; that would rock!
And what about the time Mayor Mel Lastman brought out the army to help us, Torontonians, deal with the snow in 1998 (or was it 1999)? Fun!
Mr.Bellman, I read this a few days back and I just know it was you filling in for the front desk officer at the time.
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A businessman had a tiring day on the road. He checked into a hotel and, because he was concerned that the dining room might close soon, left his luggage at the front desk and went immediately to eat. After a leisurely dinner, he reclaimed his luggage and realised that he had forgotten his room number.
He went back to the desk and told the clerk on duty, “My name is Henry Davis. Could you please tell me what room I am in?”
“Certainly,” said the clerk. “You’re in the lobby.”
That does sound like me….
Thanks for sharing!
I wanted to be a meteorologist as a kid…you get to point things at maps and talk about the weather. Seemed cool back then…
I’m sure it was… back then!
You are right: what a deal. People just accept / assume you are wrong….maybe they are just entertainers/ clowns/ wish fulfillment people? Funny post.
Glad you liked it!
Seriously, its the only job in the world where you can be completely wrong 75% of the time and face no consequences. I’m just thankful that doctors, surgeons, and the like are held to higher standards.
Me too, Aaron!
Trust me when I say this, but even forecasters agree with this as a meteorologist told me this. “Forecasters can be wrong 99.9% of the time, and still have job the next day”.
They certainly can!
I used to know a meteorologist in the Denver area. I kinda got turned off when he referred to himself as “the talent!” No lie……
I don’t blame you , Susie!
A weatherman, i can’t even understand that term lol.
Loved your post.
That term baffles me too!
For sure, this post was actually insightful and with humor, great point about the man-made pollution!
We’ve really messed this planet up, haven’t we?
That’s right my friend, let us hope we realize our mistakes and make up for them, the weathermen can keep guessing the weather lol.
You’re right! We need to concentrate on cleaning up this mudball we call home.