Alondra, 21 asks:  What excites you the most about your job? What keeps you motivated?
 
Although there are several things in this field that excite me, one of them at the forefront is the challenges forecasting. Weather is always changing, from day-to-day to seasons to unique weather events.  There is always new experiences and challenges and no two days are ever the same. This means that the learning and growing never stops.  From employing all of your skills to forecast each unique weather event to learning and employing the latest research findings and new technologies...the challenges and developments is the only constant.  Although I enjoy these things greatly and they truly are my favorite, my passion is communicating this science to the community and partners. The science of meteorology can be a thrill and its phenomena quite impressive, but it is useless if people don’t understand clearly what is going to happen and how to stay safe.
 
Liset asks:  How can high school and college students better prepare during school to be a meteorologist? Both academically and life skills wise.
 
I highly recommend that you focus on your science and math classes in high school as these will give you a strong foundation for the meteorology courses. If you can complete advanced courses such as pre-calculus, earth sciences and/or computer science, they will give you a great lead. For communicating science, polish your writing and oral skills in the English class.  Every structure needs a solid foundation and this is your foundation. 
 
While in college, try to get a degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. Some of the requirements will vary depending on what you want to focus your career on. If you want to be on T.V., then you will need a Broadcast Meteorology degree. If you want to work for the National Weather Service, you will need these basic requirements (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/meteorology-series-1340/). If you want to be a researcher, you should focus on getting a doctoral degree. It is important to mention that you do not need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology to get a master’s or doctoral degree in the same field. You can check this list of degree programs in meteorology or atmospheric sciences and their requirements:
https://nwas.org/membership/committees/education/colleges-universities/
 
Overall, the most important thing you can do to prepare yourself is challenge yourself.  Be uncomfortable and don’t fear challenges.
 
Anonymous asks:  What do meteorologists do for fun at work?
 
I always say that you are never too old to play with balloons! :) 
One of my favorite and fun things to do while at work is to release weather balloons. The weather balloon is released twice a day from different parts of the world and at the same time. It has an instrument attached to it called a radiosonde, and it collects measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed and wind direction as it moves up into the sky. Its data is relevant to understand the current environment and also for the computer models that are used for weather forecasting. You can watch a short video here:
https://twitter.com/IshaRenta/status/1257997560125456384
 
Other than that, every team has its own dynamic and it always provides laughter even in the most stressful of times.

 
Anonymous asks: What advice would you give your younger self?
 
I would say: “Be persistent and stay focused on your goals. It will not be a straight line from point A to point B. There will be curves and dangerous turns, but you have to keep aiming at that goal. Make sure you put in the work and don’t settle for anything less than perfection.  Strive for the highest grades and be fearless about getting experience and exposure to the field. Don’t forget to always give your best and put your heart into everything you do, because everything that is done this way will bounce back to you in blessings. Most importantly, always be thankful to those that have extended themselves in support to you, and make sure you pay it forward to those coming behind you.”
 
 
Anonymous asks:  Can meteorologists predict how cold a winter will be? How far ahead can you predict the weather?
 
Before I answer the question, I would like to clarify that weather and climate are not the same. Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any given time and place. While climate is the long term average of the weather in a given place. Climate is the usual weather you expect, while weather is what you get.
 
Now back to the question:
Meteorologists use seasonal *climate* predictions or outlooks to determine how a season will be compared to the normal (average) temperature and precipitation. These are useful to look at the winter season and determine if it will be colder or warmer than normal, or wetter or drier than normal for a particular region. You can check the latest winter outlook from NOAA in this website: https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/us-winter-outlook-cooler-north-warmer-south-with-ongoing-la-nina
 
For the second question: Skillful *weather* predictions can run out to about 7 to 10 days depending on your source. Climate predictions can be used to predict longer periods, like seasons, years or decades ahead.
 
Anonymous asks:  Where are the best places to live on earth in terms of fewest natural disasters?
 
Based on several online resources, it seems like Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are the safest places on Earth due to their geographical position away from major weather related events, and also no earthquake activity.  Keep in mind that the average temperature over these regions can go from 50°F in winters, to 110°F in summers, so it can get very hot. 
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a25230/safest-place-on-earth/
 
 
Anonymous asks:  What major or focus do you need to study to become a meteorologist?
 
A college degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology or Broadcast Meteorology will help you become a meteorologist. An Atmospheric Sciences or Meteorology degree should have all the courses needed, but if you want to be on T.V., you should study Broadcast Meteorology, which includes the communications courses needed and the green screen experience.  But again, as I answered in another question, math and science are your foundations in either path you take.
 
Anonymous asks:  Other than weather forecaster on TV, what other jobs do meteorologist hold?
Meteorologists can become weather forecasters or researchers for the federal government, such as the NOAA (National Weather Service), NASA, the Navy or the Air Force, and others. In the state governments they are employed within their departments of natural resources, air quality or the state climatologist office. Private companies also hire meteorologists, some examples are:

• Insurance providers (risk management and mitigation)
• Energy providers
• Emergency management organizations
• Consulting firms 
• Agricultural businesses 
• Transportation industry (aviation, highways) 
• Weather instrumentation (development and sales) 

There are also meteorology professors that teach and do research educational institutions.
I found this good resource of meteorology careers here: https://www.weather.gov/media/bro/outreach/pdf/CareerOpportunitiesMeteorology.pdf
 

American Meteorology society
https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/index.cfm/publications/glossary-of-meteorology/
 
Glossary of Meteorology
https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Welcome
 
The National Severe Storms Laboratory
https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/thunderstorms/
 
National Geographic/Weather
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/weather/
 
National Weather Association Colleges and Universities
https://nwas.org/membership/committees/education/colleges-universities/
 
Weather Resources for Teachers
https://www.teachervision.com/all-kinds-weather
​

Many people only know meteorologists as the people who gives you the daily forecast on the local news, however, the vast majority of meteorologists work at universities, private companies, and the government, where they conduct research, consult, and teach.  

In order to pursue a  career in meteorology, a degree in meteorology/atmospheric science is needed.  In addition to meteorology courses,  students should expect to take calculus, physics, and chemistry courses as well.  Depending on the career path  chosen after graduation , a minor in computer science, communication, geography, social sciences, physics, or math could be beneficial..  Continuing on to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree or Ph.D. is advisable, especially if students are interested in going into a specialty field in meteorology.  

So,  besides forecasting the weather in a news broadcast what can you do with a degree in meteorology?  There are plenty of options!  A list put together by the National Severe Storms Laboratory shows the variety of options  available, from working for an airline company to being a research meteorologist!(https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/people/jobs/careers.php).  

• An operational forecaster analyzes weather conditions and issues forecasts or alerts the public of severe weather for their area.
  
• A research meteorologist studies more specific areas of weather like severe weather or climate change. They can also develop tools like radar or weather models to help other meteorologists in their jobs.
  
• A meteorologist in the military makes weather observations and forecasts for missions around the world.
  
• Airlines use meteorologists to help pilots know what the weather will be like when they take-off, land,and while in the air.
  
• Electric companies ask meteorologists if a heat wave is coming so they have enough power ready to run lots of air conditioners.
  
• Road crews ask meteorologists how much snow might be coming so they can make sure they have enough trucks ready.
  
• Meteorologists tell fruit and vegetable farmers to turn their sprinklers on when a cold snap is coming to help protect crops.
  
• Meteorologists work with city managers when their town is in the path of a hurricane, if nearby rivers or streams could flood, or if a tornado is coming.
  
• What if there is a thunderstorm headed for a football stadium full of people? Meteorologists help people in charge of stadiums, arenas, shopping malls and hospitals make critical safety decisions.
  
• Radio and television stations use meteorologists, both behind the scenes and on the air, to analyze weather data and present it to their audience.
  

In addition to these positions , meteorologists are needed to teach the next generation of meteorologists as well.  Deciding to pursue a degree in meteorology is the first step, once you decide to do that, you can narrow your focus by determining where your interests lie.   Do you like  teaching,  doing research or do you prefer  to be on TV and share your knowledge in front of a camera?

​

​As a child on the island of Puerto Rico I was always curious about animals, insects, plants, trees, and many other things related to nature.  When Hurricane Hugo (1989) threatened to impact the island, I was impressed by the satellite images and graphics presented on TV. I wanted to know more about what it was, why should we prepare and moreover why everyone was so scared? That is the moment when my curiosity and dream of becoming a meteorologist was born. The constant threats of tropical cyclones to Puerto Rico kept me on my toes every season as I grew into a teenager and fueled my interests into high school. I remember looking for maps in the newspaper to track the position of the storms and paying lots of attention during the weather segment on TV. In 1998 Hurricane Georges made direct impact to my home island further reinforcing my fascination with weather and passion to protect and inform citizens.
 
I was a diligent student in school who loved the challenge of math and always ensured I maintained good grades. I was driven by the dream of working with the experts at the National Weather Service’s (NWS) San Juan Forecast Office. Upon graduation, it was time to apply to college and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  However, to my surprise, there were no meteorology degrees available in Puerto Rico. Devastated, yet undaunted, I had to rethink my college choices. I started on the social sciences path at the University of Puerto Rico, but quickly realized that I was not enjoying those classes. Seeking something that aligned with my skills, I changed to a degree in mathematics which turned out to be the best choice I could have made. I struggled with the chemistry classes, but enjoyed my calculus, physics and especially differential equations. I pushed myself beyond what I thought my capabilities were. I enrolled in the harder classes, and had some doubt and stumbles along the way. But I sought help from the professors when I needed it and they were always there to reassure me and encourage me.
 
While in college, I found out about a group doing weather and climate research and quickly joined them. Through them I learned about weather, modeling, and research and attended my first conference. I also learned about other opportunities such as graduate school and summer internships which turned out to be the key turning point in my career path. The upcoming summer I was admitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Educational Partnership Program - Undergraduate Scholarship Program. With this scholarship, I was able to intern in two different NOAA facilities for 10 weeks during the summer. One was the Environmental Modeling Center in Maryland, and the other one in the Hurricane Research Division (HRD) in Florida. During this time I was also admitted to the graduate program in Atmospheric Sciences at Howard University in Washington, DC.  Finally, my dreams were becoming reality. 
 
I returned to HRD for two additional summers while pursuing my graduate degree, also participated in internships at the National Science Foundation and the NWS Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office, and spent 30 days at sea in a NOAA research cruise. All these experiences were a great foundation for my first full time job with the Department of the Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division as a Research Meteorologist. There I worked on modeling and observations of the low levels of the atmosphere and also set up weather stations at Navy facilities during testing of new radar technologies, among other tasks. I then returned to the NWS Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office, but this time as a full time meteorologist where I would do weather forecasts, give briefings and interviews, issue watches and warnings, and plan or attend outreach events for the community and our media partners. This was my dream job since I was a child, a different location but with the same mission, and I was on the top of the world. 
 
Around the same time I began working on my non-profit organization Semilla Cultural (semillacultural.org) or “cultural seed”, to promote and preserve the Afro-Puerto Rican genre known as ‘bomba’.  Bomba, a combination of dancing, singing, & percussion, is important to me as it gives me a vehicle to bring Latin culture and positivity to the forefront of society. Through this adventure I developed and polished leadership and other soft skills that would be useful in my scientific career path. Still growing and always looking for more challenges, I decided to apply for a position at the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research as a Management and Program Analyst for which I was hired. In this role I manage critical programs, lead people, am involved in the science policy process, and perform research and development analysis.  It is yet another step in my journey and I am enjoying every minute of it. 
 
Being rooted in public service, there are several things that set the meteorology field apart. One of these is the schedule and it can be difficult for some. While in the NWS Forecast Office, I worked on a rotating shift schedule, meaning that I did not have a consistent schedule. Sometimes working weekends, holidays and overnight shifts was challenging, especially as a mother of two little girls. There are also challenges that you get as a forecaster with the rapidly changing weather and the high pace push to get information and warnings out immediately. But that stress also brings a great feeling of satisfaction from serving the community and partners. That gratification is invaluable and simply irreplaceable.
 
The public service aspect of the meteorology field also brings about cultural matters, especially when your culture allows you to see things differently and you can identify barriers. Many of us come from an area where English is the second language, and I am no exception. While at the forecast office I noticed there were no services or collaborations with the Hispanic community. I used my cultural knowledge and took the initiative to connect with local Spanish media, attended Hispanic community events, and created a website with weather and safety information in Spanish (weather.gov/lwx/espanol). Now this community has access to hazardous weather and safety information in their own language (with still things to improve). In this instance, being a Latina in STEM paid off. The diversity I brought to the team removed a barrier from part of the citizens we serve.
 
One thing that was immediately apparent in the workforce was the lack of diversity in this field, particularly females, and especially Latinas. I am a strong believer that representation inspires youth. You can show them that someone like them can achieve what you have, and make them feel welcome into this field. Also, having a more diverse workforce can harvest diverse solutions and ultimately improve services (published studies have demonstrated this). I enjoy doing my part to inspire Latinas through outreach. I cherish the opportunity to visit schools or events where others can see and listen to the experiences of Latina woman scientist. Being able to speak and answer questions provide experiences that, both the community and I will never forget, even more when they can identify with you. 
 
My path has not been straightforward, I have doubted myself and my decisions, and I have struggled. But I suppressed those doubts and I remained focused on my goal of becoming a meteorologist. My journey has been supported and inspired by amazing leaders, colleagues and mentors in the field, and by my family and friends as well. To them, I owe a lot for who and where I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful. As a Latina, I am committed to my purpose of paying it forward through mentoring and serving the community through science and culture. It is my goal to see many other women, especially Latina women, in this field.