Episode 11: YouTube Meteorologists – Can You Trust Them?

In this episode of the Weather Whys Podcast, host Ed Oswald dives into the world of YouTube meteorologists. YouTube has allowed passionate weather enthusiasts to share their expertise with a broad audience. Learn about traditional meteorologists’ job challenges and how some turn to YouTube to make a name for themselves. However, it’s vital to avoid ... Read more

Episode Transcript

Ed Oswald (00:01):
Welcome to another episode of the Weather Whys Podcast, where we
answer the why's and what's of weather.
I'm your host, Ed Oswald.
We've got another greatepisode for you today.
Today's subject?
YouTube meteorologists.
Stay tuned, this is a good one.

(00:21):
YouTube has made it easy foranyone with a passion to reach
an audience of like-mindedpeople and share their expertise.
Look at us!
We created a whole channel devotedto weather stations, and now we
have hundreds of subscribers.
It's kind of mind-blowing.
You can find videos on just aboutanything weather there , but the
biggest growth has been in YouTubemeteorologists, and by my count, several
dozen popular channels now exist.

(00:43):
There is no method that YouTubeuses to verify the expertise of
these meteorologists, other thanyour reactions to it, whether
watching, liking, or subscribing.
It's up to you to determine ifyour YouTube weatherman knows
what they're talking about.
This drives meteorologists nuts.
It's not easy to get a job,and schools produce more
meteorologists than available jobs.

(01:04):
The degree is not enough anymore, andmany get their first job as a result of an
internship or networking while in school.
Making things difficult, thereare only two main employers in the
United States, NOAA and AccuWeather.
Then there are broadcast and privatesector meteorologists, but not many.
It's a field that's difficultto break into, even more so
as a broadcast meteorologist.

(01:24):
On YouTube though, thatdoesn't matter as much.
Crack the algorithm, and youcan make a name for yourself,
and possibly some money too.
Some say social media meteorologistsare more concerned with views and
reactions in the actual science.
Is that true?
Well, it's YouTube, so yes.
But before I get hate mail, that'snot completely accurate either.

(01:45):
Some are actual meteorologists.
The freedom of YouTube also allowsfor far more detailed analysis,
and for weather enthusiastslike myself, I appreciate that.
But there are some using thatfreedom and less helpful ways.
So how do you avoid the clickbait?
First, before you even watch thevideo, look at the thumbnail.
Yes, it is meant to draw you in.
We redesigned ours for that exact reason.

(02:07):
But if it's purely there to get youto click and promises, "the worst
storm ever," chances are the videois going to be just as overhyped.
Next, and we hope you've done thiswith us too, check their channel page.
Do they provide any informationon their experience?
Expertise?
That's a great sign.
While you're on the channel,go through past videos and see
what they're talking about.

(02:28):
How's their track record?
Are there any videosintroducing themselves?
Watch those too.
And whatever you do, like a doctor,always got a second opinion.
I don't know about you, butduring bad weather, I like to
hear more than one forecast.
Of course, like anything,you use your best judgment.
Weather warnings come fromofficial government sources only.

(02:49):
Always follow these instructionsabove anything you hear on

social media (02:51):
even your YouTube weatherman will tell you that.
We'd like to hear from ourlisteners: which YouTube
meteorologists do you watch, if any?
Send us an email or reply inthe comments on our show page.
Thanks so much for listening, andwe'll see you again in a few weeks.
Weather Whys is a productionof the Weather Station Experts

(03:12):
and the Weather Whys Company.
Today's episode was produced by DerekOswald and myself from our studios
here in West Lawn, Pennsylvania.
If you'd like to learn more aboutWeather Whys, please visit our website
at weatherwhys that's W H Y S dot show.
Our website has links to thisepisode and past episodes.
We'd also love to hear from you.
You can email us [e-mail].

(03:36):
We may respond to yourcomments in a future podcast.
Don't forget to subscribewherever you listen to podcasts.
Again, thanks for listening, andas always, stay weather wise.