AKA “Snowstradamus” | Energy Meteorologist. Views are my own | 2023
@AMS_BPSM
Board Chair |
@psumeteo
‘19 | Wilmington, DE ➡️ Annapolis, MD ➡️ Boston ➡️ Denver
In May 2019 I officially became a meteorologist but was saddled with $130K in student debt.
I am beyond relieved to say that as of today, August 16, 2023 after 45 months of payments and lots of stress, I am officially debt free! Can’t wait to finally live my life to the fullest.
The average tornado lead time is about 13 minutes.
NWS Omaha was able to give people nearly 3x as much of a heads up. Very impressive stuff.
As devastating as it is to see this damage, consider this a major W for science and it undoubtedly saved many lives.
Extensive damage in Elkhorn, NE west of Omaha from Friday's (likely) long-track
#Tornado
. There was a 34-minute lead time with the warning thanks to
@NWSOmaha
who issued 42 tornado warnings, the most in 5 years from a NWS office. We're live on
@weatherchannel
Kyrie Irving leaves the Celtics, Celtics make the NBA finals.
KD leaves the Warriors, Warriors make the NBA finals.
KD and Kyrie win 0 playoff games with the Nets.
NBA poetic justice at its finest.
My time in an Uber last night:
Driver: I think the flooding here is due to the storm in the Atlantic
Me, a meteorologist: nah, Dorian is in Canada, that’s not it.
Him: it’s definitely that big storm in the Atlantic
If that doesn’t describe life as a meteorologist idk what does
TV meteorologists (and other anchors) are overworked and grossly underpaid for the service they provide to communities. For the cost of college and the coursework required for the degree, students need to think critically about if this is a viable career path for what is invested
The Five Guys on the Syracuse University campus is hiring, and they’re paying $17.85 per hour. That works out to $37K per year. Attention local TV station managers: If you are looking to hire our graduates, are you paying better than Five Guys?
NETWORKING THREAD
To all Meteorology students and professionals who are looking to make new connections in the field and maybe don't know where to begin...
This is the official
#wxtwitter
networking thread. Introduce yourself down below!
Those of you who have/had non-traditional meteorology jobs (not NWS or broadcast), please comment them down below
For students and early career professionals, I've found there is a severe lack of transparency for what opportunities are available in the private sector.
#wxtwitter
🚨CAREER UPDATE🚨
I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted an offer to join Wood Mackenzie in Boston, MA as a Meteorologist and Power Market Analyst! This is a role that combines my lifelong passion for the weather with my career interest in energy, business, and finance.
🚨CAREER UPDATE 🚨
In one week I will be moving to Denver and starting a new job as a Meteorologist at Xcel Energy! It is bittersweet to leave Wood Mackenzie and say goodbye to Boston, but pumped for the new opportunity and to explore a new part of the US. Exciting times ahead!
I just came across a TikTok of someone predicting a “Category-6” hurricane to hit Florida and the Carolinas on September 6. 🤦🏻♂️
This video has nearly 1 million views and over 63K shares. Lack of critical thinking and refusal to vet sources is a huge problem that isn’t going away.
Confidence is growing for a major, possibly historic Nor' Easter, 1/28-30. I've outlined how this storm is coming together as well the updated potential scenarios. All depends on how quickly and how far west the two pieces phase together.
As always, beware the western cutoff.
I’ll never understand why there’s a negative stigma against doing things alone like eating out or going to the movies. It’s not antisocial, sometimes it’s really relaxing to be by yourself and necessary in order to clear your head.
Looking at the NWS equivalents in other countries makes me realize we take our gov weather agencies for granted. Unless I am mistaken the US is far and away the best for free and publicly available info.
Like you think our radar coverage is bad? Compare it to every other country
The newest HRRR model is showing a Wind Chill of -25 at kickoff tomorrow night in Kansas City! This will undoubtedly go down as one of the coldest games in NFL history.
And we may follow it up the next day with one of the snowiest in Buffalo.
This is REAL football weather.
I can’t be the only one struggling to make sense of this graphic. I get the idea and understand there are limitations in what NWS can do but it’s so clunky and difficult to interpret. There has to be a better way to present this.
My favorite aspect of storm chasing hands down is visiting small, secluded towns in the US you would otherwise never see.
Chasers, please reply to this thread with hidden gems you've discovered over the years. Restaurants, landmarks, etc. I'd love to check them out.
Very disappointed to hear about
@mikeseidel
being laid off from The Weather Channel. He’s one of the best in the game and someone I looked up to growing up. Goes to show you how brutal the TV industry can be. I’m sure he will land on his feet in due time.
@DanielTurnerPTF
I'm a Meteorologist, this argument is totally disingenuous. The reason for that is because radar did not exist and the NWS did not have the same warning capabilities, therefore when tornadoes stuck, people were more likely to die. Simple. Nothing to do with the climate.
This looks like the next potential window for winter weather on the East Coast. Somewhat untraditional pattern with a Rex Block over the Hudson Bay and the jet stream undercutting it to the south.
Confluence over New England is a limiting factor, this screams Mid-Atlantic to SE.
Well, today’s the day: a lifelong dream 22 years in the making now becomes reality. You can now officially call me Meteorologist Andrew Markowitz! Thanks for everything Penn State.
Totally heartbreaking to hear about the 3 Oklahoma University Meteorology students who were killed storm chasing. My thoughts are with their loved ones and their peers.
To all current and future storm chasers: please do not underestimate the dangers associated with driving.
Tell me you’re a meteorologist without telling me you’re a meteorologist. I’ll go first: I won’t be sleeping when it’s dark out for the next 7 days.
#wxtwitter
The pattern for next week is looking about as textbook as you can get for an East Coast snowstorm. And if you look at historical analogs, which are based on similar patterns, you’ll see some of the all time greatest storms.
Far from a lock, but here comes the hype train.
Punxsutawney Phil literally makes one forecast, which is wrong most of the time, and dips, yet he is revered by most.
I suffered through 4 years of Calc, Physics, Thermo, Programming, etc. to get my Met degree and people think I’m paid to be wrong. Maybe I chose the wrong path.
Well, well, well: this is how you dial it up if you want a fast start to meteorological winter.
12z GEFS made a big move toward the EPS, depicting a -EPO, +PNA, and east-based -NAO to open December.
FEBRUARY 13 SNOW FORECAST UPDATE
One of the tenets of being a meteorologist is knowing when to admit you’re wrong. I have to say, this south trend caught me by surprise but the data is undeniable at this point. Significant snowstorm from Lehigh Valley to the Cape.
Rule of thumb: always blame the meteorologist first instead of reflecting on your own shortcomings. Even when the forecast was nailed from several days out.
Ida’s path deviated from what forecasters had predicted as recently as yesterday morning. However, we are confident we have taken every precaution and that we will weather this storm as we have others in the past. Please visit for more information.
I am excited to announce that I have accepted an offer to join Worldaware in Annapolis, MD in July as an Intelligence Analyst! My job will be to help clients mitigate risk of environmental threats. Thank you to
@psumeteo
and for all your support for helping me launch my career!
Your weather app is great on a clear day and for a very quick overview of the weather.
Your weather app fails to properly convey impacts from extreme weather events and areas of uncertainty.
That communication aspect is why you always need to trust a professional meteorologist
The GFS is forecasting 500 MB heights to be almost 4 standard deviations below the mean next Tue-Wed along the East Coast - a 1/1000 year event!
Classic +PNA/-NAO pattern.
For mid-October that means lows in the 30s to I-95. and the first lake effect snow event of the season.
Tomorrow is forecast to see the strongest -EPO (-3.87) on record! Unsurprisingly, this results in one of the coldest November patterns since 1950.
The EPO trends toward neutral next week, which provides a warmup. But the -NAO signal may bring some fun to start December ❄️
@AnaKasparian
This is quite the hot take, I’m sure the residents of Nashville thought this 2 years ago when a deadly tornado barreled down on the city late at night. TV meteorologists surely saved countless lives. Your app is decent enough on a clear day but fails when you need it the most.
A fair warning to everyone still in school: please do whatever you can to cherish and maintain your relationships. No matter what, post college they often naturally drift apart over time and it becomes exponentially harder to meet new people and date. It will never be easier.
This might be a hot take but I think it should become normalized to keep Christmas lights on all winter instead of just through the holidays. Would improve the vibe of winter to the average person instead of being cold, grey, and depressing. And makes snow look even better!
Why not…here is my opening stab at the 1/19-20 storm.
Trends today have been more favorable for a Mid-Atlantic snowstorm. Best odds of a plowable snow are just north of vort passage, currently favoring S of the PA Turnpike, including PHL-DC. There is a limit to northern extent.
@ReedTimmerAccu
I believe in the "meteorology plus one" principle. Having a meteorology degree and another specialized skill like comp sci, GIS, business/finance, etc. will open up a lot of doors for students. Weather risk is perhaps the most lucrative field of all the ones you've listed IMO.
CHASE MODE officially activated. No better way to celebrate 4 years of hard work and newly awarded Meteorology degrees than to spend the next two weeks storm chasing in the Plains.
@brandonsmith_wx
@tuckerweather
@mollcop_
Excited to announce that I’ve officially accepted an offer to work with
@accuweather
in State College as a forecasting intern this summer! Looking forward to taking this next step in my career as a meteorologist.
Trolling or not, someone with a “blue checkmark” posting fake model imagery to rile up vulnerable communities is not funny, it’s dangerous and sows further distrust in scientists. Idk what compels someone to do that, but this is why we Mets always have to play defense online.
Meteorology would not be nearly as fascinating if we were perfect all the time. Fully admit this storm was not my best work and I intend to do better in the future. Owning it, figuring out why you were wrong, and learning for next time is what separates the pros from amateurs.
#AMS2024
is rapidly approaching. As a bit of pregame prep so to speak, consider this to be the Official
#wxtwitter
Networking Thread.
Whether you’re a professional meteorologist, current or aspiring met student, or weather enthusiast comment down below and introduce yourself!
People are going to assume all the hotels in Baltimore are sold out already because of Taylor Swift and the script but little do they know it’s actually because of a weather conference
#AMS2024
@SportsCenter
@FB_FilmAnalysis
Best football game ever made, no question. Sad how in 2021 Madden still can't come close to this and probably never will.
This is a satellite loop for the ages. A few things stick out.
1. Classic sting jet signature responsible for 70+ MPH gusts.
2. A large plume of dust is being lifted in KS/CO
3. You can see snow cover still present in MN and ND where storms will develop
FEBRUARY 16-17 SNOW FORECAST
Fast mover but ticks all the boxes you want for a plowable snow in the Mid-Atlantic as a ULL tracks just south of the region. This strikes me as pretty similar to 1/19 with iso. 6”+
Baltimore and DC should get close to the seasonal average with this
Details TBD for 1/16-17. But I can tell you: if you're along and near I-95 the concern with this one isn't rain - if anything it would be suppression from the Arctic high. IMO, best setup for the coast in 2 years with the west-based NAO, -EPO, and budding western US ridge.
Here is your curb your enthusiasm post about the upcoming pattern for East Coast snow lovers:
Yes, there is a -NAO. But there are a few fundamental flaws
1. It’s east-based
2. Pacific pattern is meh at best
3. Avg highs for I-95 are 50+
Far from a cold/snowy look IMO.
I consider 19 years ago today to be the official start of my career as a Meteorologist. 7 year old me won a contest to do the weather on
@NBCPhiladelphia
with
@HurricaneNBC10
and it remains one of my fondest memories. Much of my success in life can be attributed to this moment.
This is the 2nd time in a week I’m watching
@spann
coverage and I’m particularly impressed with his ability to:
- Keep composure and keep his viewers safe after learning HIS HOUSE was damaged
- Point out local landmarks including neighborhoods and restaurants
Best in the game.
Once in a lifetime weekend! Crossed off multiple bucket list items between Balloon Fiesta, seeing the full annular eclipse, dabbling in New Mexico cuisine, and doing a self guided Breaking Bad tour
Thanks
@MatthewCappucci
(who took the pic), Tess, Jack, and more. See you 4/8/24!
FIRST CALL SNOW FORECAST
Miller Bs are always full of surprises. Tough forecast, but I see two areas of local maxima: the western area from the WAA and deformation bands and the eastern from the strengthening coastal.
Wild card is how early does the low transfer?
To the chagrin of some overzealous snow weenies, the past 24 hours have featured net warmer changes in the East on ensemble guidance due to strengthening of the -PNA. Below is an outline of our three step pattern progression over the next two weeks to a more classic look by 12/12
You will never have to derive equations in the real world, and frankly I couldn’t now if I tried, but what differentiates a scientist from an amateur is understanding the HOW and the WHY. Ultimately, this makes you a better forecaster, communicator, and critical thinker.
🔥 HOT TAKE 🔥 - Unless you're going into a sector in Meteorology where you have to understand the fluid dynamics of the atmosphere like a weather model developer or something, you SHOULD NOT have to take such advanced Math just to get a degree in Meteorology. I have spoken to
This is alarming and not the only dystopian aspect of Project 2025
I work in the private sector and we rely heavily on NWS weather data. Defunding NOAA would make it harder for the public to receive free, timely, and accurate forecasts.
Yes, there is bloat in govt but not here.
Dubai just saw 1-2 YEARS worth of rain in a little over a day.
I'm seeing even reputable sources attributing this to cloud seeding. IMO this is disingenuous. There could be minor net benefits, but the actual cause of this is merely basic synoptic meteorology, as outlined below.
Here is part 2! Clearly you can see the storm rotating right in front of us. This is just southwest of Annapolis, MD right where there was a confirmed tornado
@NWS_BaltWash
#MDwx
@capitalweather
Here are my initial thoughts on the January 6-7 snowstorm.
This is not a blockbuster storm for various reasons, but it will be a solid hit for the interior.
There may be subtle adjustments to our track due to factors outlined in pic 2.
Looking like a mix for I-95.
No, it’s not easy to get a meteorology degree - one could say it’s almost comparable to what’s needed to become an engineer.
That being said don’t let this discourage you from pursuing your dream. I have NEVER been asked to use hardcore math while working in private sector.