When I first got into weather forecasting I thought it would be simple - we check the data, we make a prediction, the forecast is either accurate or it's not. However, over the years, I've grown to see that among the people who want my opinion are some who have no understanding of the most basic weather maps, and some who know more than I do.
Most people just want the basics - hot or cold, wet or dry.
Waikato resident Helen Ryan told me she likes to shop around for her weather. "I usually refer to a couple of forecasts, to make comparisons, mostly online. I have also been known to check out the Sky weather channel, as restricted as it is only giving a two-day forecast. In addition, I watch the national news weather at least four to five times per week, so I have all bases covered."
But reading the maps? Like many other New Zealanders, Ryan mostly just wants the forecast. "Ninety-five per cent of the time I am solely reliant on what you and other forecasters predict. I suppose I need to break that habit and try to read a map - maybe I'm too lazy!"
When it comes to the farming community, many prefer the maps and want less of the generic banter.
