Capital Weather Gang - The inside scoop on D.C., Maryland and Virginia weather and beyond from PostWeather

Posted at 01:41 PM ET, 03/12/2013

Storm names: In defense of Snowquester

By Jason Samenow

On March 1, when Capital Weather Gang Twitter follower Phil Yabut suggested “Snowquester” as the name for the potential storm in the D.C. area on March 6, I knew we needed to look no further.

By Jason Samenow | 01:41 PM ET, 03/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Capital Weather Gang, Winter Storms

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 02/11/2013

Bill Nye “the science guy” fumbles storm explainer

By Jason Samenow

To educate viewers on the science of the recent mega-blizzard that socked New England, MSNBC’s Craig Melvin brought onto his program noted “science guy” Bill Nye . What followed was the one of the most flawed discussions of meteorology I’ve ever witnessed on a national network.

By Jason Samenow | 12:36 PM ET, 02/11/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, U.S. Weather, Media

Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 12/13/2012

Meteorologist fired after responding to Facebook comment on her hair

By Jason Samenow

After disparaging remarks about her hair-style were posted to Facebook by a viewer, TV meteorologist Rhonda Lee fired back. That action, and others, say station management, resulted in the termination of her on-camera position at KTBS-TV in Shreveport, La.

By Jason Samenow | 01:19 PM ET, 12/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 08:02 AM ET, 12/13/2012

The Weather Channel introduces index for rating winter storms

By Jason Samenow

First it gave them names, now it’s assigning them numbers. In its continued aggressive push to help viewers identify and understand storms, the Weather Channel this morning is unveiling a new numeric system for rating the impact of winter storms.

By Jason Samenow | 08:02 AM ET, 12/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Winter Storms

Posted at 02:24 PM ET, 12/12/2012

The National Weather Service winter media workshop

By Kevin Ambrose

The National Weather Service invited members of the local media to attend its annual Winter Media Workshop held Tuesday in their Sterling, Virginia office.

By Kevin Ambrose | 02:24 PM ET, 12/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Capital Weather Gang, Latest, Government, Media

Posted at 04:41 PM ET, 12/04/2012

Celebrities headline 2013 Showtime series on climate change

By Jason Samenow

Showtime is trumpeting a “documentary event” on its network slated for 2013 that will provide in-depth perspectives on climate change. Called Years of Living Dangerously, the series will involve some of Hollywoods top producers and several A-List actors

By Jason Samenow | 04:41 PM ET, 12/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Climate Change, Media

Posted at 01:43 PM ET, 11/15/2012

AccuWeather celebrates 50-year anniversary

By Jason Samenow

AccuWeather, the State College, Pa. based weather forecasting company, turned 50 years old today. It’s a company that I’ve criticized occasionally, yet deeply admire for its passion in providing useful, entertaining weather information and its innovation.

By Jason Samenow | 01:43 PM ET, 11/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 09:39 AM ET, 11/07/2012

National Weather Service: Just say no to Athena

By Jason Samenow

The National Weather Service has officially rejected the Weather Channel’s new winter storm naming scheme asking employees not to use the terms in forecasts and statements.

By Jason Samenow | 09:39 AM ET, 11/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Government

Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 10/09/2012

NWS employees barred from attending major weather conference at last minute

By Jason Samenow

One day before one of the nation’s biggest annual weather conferences, approximately 80 National Weather Service employees were told they could not travel.

By Jason Samenow | 03:46 PM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Government, Media

Posted at 03:12 PM ET, 10/03/2012

AccuWeather reiterates: above normal snowfall for Washington D.C. and Baltimore this winter

By Jason Samenow

AccuWeather said it in August and they’re saying it again: The region’s in for a bigger snowfall.

By Jason Samenow | 03:12 PM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Winter Storms, Media

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 10/03/2012

TV weathercasters criticize unilateral action by The Weather Channel on storm naming

By Jason Samenow

TWC’s failure to coordinate with the rest of the meteorological community on storm naming is being viewed by many as self-serving and not in the interest of coordinated weather communication.

By Jason Samenow | 10:54 AM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 03:32 PM ET, 10/02/2012

Marketing professional slams Weather Channel storm naming initiative

By Jason Samenow

One of the more convincing criticisms of the Weather Channel’s new storm naming initiative I’ve encountered originates from Chris McMurry, public relations director for MGH, a Maryland-based advertising agency. His thoughtful blog post - headlined “At the Weather Channel, It’s Marketing First, News Second” is worth reading.

By Jason Samenow | 03:32 PM ET, 10/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Latest

Posted at 01:07 PM ET, 08/30/2012

Watch: Nick Kosir pieces together a weather rap

By Jason Samenow

Rapping weatherman Nick Kosir’s latest rap. Watch.

By Jason Samenow | 01:07 PM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Humor, Media, Humor

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 08/30/2012

Pa. native Erica Grow to join WUSA weather team

By Jason Samenow

Meteorologist Erica Grow, who grew up in Bethlehem, Pa, will join Topper Shutt, Howard Bernstein and Anny Hong as part of WUSA9’s weather team this September.

By Jason Samenow | 12:32 PM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 03:27 PM ET, 07/02/2012

Weather Channel to acquire Weather Underground

By Jason Samenow

The world of private sector weather services appears to be consolidating as corporate giant the Weather Channel announced plans to acquire the San Francisco-based Weather Underground.

By Jason Samenow | 03:27 PM ET, 07/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 06/13/2012

Overcoming the tornado false alarm problem

By Jason Samenow

Last week, I argued that the National Weather Service needs to confront the tornado false alarm problem. 75 percent of tornado warnings are false alarms in the U.S. My commentary generated a thoughtful discussion on how to address the issue. Readers put forward some great suggestions.

By Jason Samenow | 02:35 PM ET, 06/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, U.S. Weather, Thunderstorms, Media

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 06/11/2012

Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: First ever all weather sports championship?

By Jason Samenow

A handful of college and professional sports team derive their names from weather. But when the Miami Heat clashes with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA finals Tuesday, it would appear to be the first championship level weather confrontation.

By Jason Samenow | 10:49 AM ET, 06/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Humor, Media, Latest

Posted at 04:18 PM ET, 05/18/2012

Richard Knabb, Weather Channel expert, named director of National Hurricane Center

By Jason Samenow

NOAA has named Richard Knabb, the Weather Channel’s tropical weather expert, the next director of the National Hurricane Center. He will start work June 4.

By Jason Samenow | 04:18 PM ET, 05/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Tropical Weather, Government, Media

Posted at 04:02 PM ET, 05/10/2012

Prince Charles tops list of TV weather cameo appearances

By Jason Samenow

From time to time, TV stations try out the viewer-pleasing gimmick of inviting a celebrity into the studio to do the weather. Today, Prince Charles made headlines for broadcasting the weather on BBC Scotland.

By Jason Samenow | 04:02 PM ET, 05/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Humor, Media, International Weather

Posted at 01:18 PM ET, 05/03/2012

IMAX camera finally catches a twister: Tornado Alley review

By Jack Williams

Studying scary storms such as tornadoes offers has its perks: people are willing to buy tickets to watch your work; such as in the IMAX film “Tornado Alley.” It’s now showing at two Smithsonian Museums.

By Jack Williams | 01:18 PM ET, 05/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Thunderstorms, Media

Posted at 03:52 PM ET, 05/02/2012

Weather Channel celebrates 30 years on-air

By Jason Samenow

On May 2, 1982, a new cable network called The Weather Channel revolutionized television weather coverage and vastly expanded the reach of weather information across the U.S. Today, it’s celebrating 30 years on-air.

By Jason Samenow | 03:52 PM ET, 05/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Technology

Posted at 01:54 PM ET, 04/30/2012

Tim McCarver isn’t crazy: the home run and global warming connection

By Jason Samenow

Over the weekend, baseball announcer Tim McCarver became the source of ridicule when he blamed global warming as a reason for the increase in home run totals in recent years. But it was the criticism of McCarver rather than McCarver’s comment that was over the top.

By Jason Samenow | 01:54 PM ET, 04/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Climate Change, Media

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 04/04/2012

AccuWeather debuts 25 day weather forecasts

By Jason Samenow

No it’s not an April Fools’ joke: Accuweather is pushing the limits of weather forecasting and issuing detailed predictions extending 25 days into the future effective today. Consider me highly skeptical about their value.

By Jason Samenow | 11:14 AM ET, 04/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, U.S. Weather, Media, Science

Posted at 10:40 AM ET, 02/27/2012

Washington D.C. weather: Is it a forecasting nightmare?

By Don Lipman

Whether it’s extreme heat, extreme cold, blizzards, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, droughts, floods, or just plain high winds, Washington experiences an incredible range of weather conditions. But is D.C. weather really more difficult to forecast than elsewhere or is that just an urban myth, perpetuated by mean-spirited cynics?

By Don Lipman | 10:40 AM ET, 02/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Lipman, Media, Local Climate

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Bad reporting: Diane Sawyer, ABC claim tornadoes in South Monday struck with “no warning”

By Jason Samenow

At least 25 tornadoes ripped through five states in the South Sunday into early Monday, destroying homes, killing two people and injuring more than 100 in Alabama.

By Jason Samenow | 12:50 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, U.S. Weather

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 01/23/2012

Global warming activists launch misguided campaign against skeptical TV weathercasters

By Jason Samenow

If you present the weather on TV and you reject global warming is the result of human activities, the spotlight on you is hotter than ever. But the attention is a colossal waste of energy.

By Jason Samenow | 01:30 PM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Climate Change, Media, Latest

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 12/15/2011

Two devastating graphs for D.C. snow lovers

By Jason Samenow

Data plotted on two graphs paints a pathetic picture for Washington, D.C. snow lovers this winter.

By Jason Samenow | 02:35 PM ET, 12/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Local Climate, Media, Winter Storms

Posted at 11:35 AM ET, 12/15/2011

Weather gifts for the holiday season

By Jason Samenow

We frequently get asked what gadgets, books, and more we’d recommend for the weather enthusiast. In this post, each of the Capital Weather Gang members offers an idea or two.

By Jason Samenow | 11:35 AM ET, 12/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 02:49 PM ET, 12/14/2011

Capital Weather Gang interview with Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel

By Jason Samenow

Watch the Washington Post’s Jason Samenow interview Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore, in Washington, D.C. to commemorate his 25 years covering weather.

By Jason Samenow | 02:49 PM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, U.S. Weather

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 12/14/2011

White Christmas news and views

By Jason Samenow

Capital Weather Gang’s winter weather expert yesterday became the grinch who announced White Christmas odds in D.C. are even lower than usual this year. Does he still think that today, do others agree, and is global warming changing the odds of a White Christmas?

By Jason Samenow | 01:02 PM ET, 12/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Climate Change, Local Climate

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 12/09/2011

Nike Weatherman shoes by Kevin Durant: a hot, electrifying forecast for your feet

By Jason Samenow

If you thought the Air Jordans were the rage when they were released in 1985, wait until you get wind of the Nike Weatherman KD IVs.

By Jason Samenow | 02:15 PM ET, 12/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Humor

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 12/06/2011

Wednesday night snow potential: other view points

By Jason Samenow

Meteorologists and media outlets have been posting their thoughts on Wednesday night’s snow potential, so I thought I’d pull them together and offer some commentary.

By Jason Samenow | 01:04 PM ET, 12/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Winter Storms

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 12/05/2011

AccuWeather, WeatherBug, ABC7 update winter outlooks

By Jason Samenow

Capital Weather Gang released its winter outlook in early November, and Thursday winter weather expert Wes Junker updated our outlook for December. In short, for the winter we’re predicting near to slightly below normal snowfall and near normal temperatures. Over the last few days, several other outlets have tweaked their outlooks, which more or less continue to be consistent with our outlook predictions.

By Jason Samenow | 01:00 PM ET, 12/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Winter Storms, Media

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 11/29/2011

Jim Cantore to speak in Washington, D.C. on December 14; Press Club event open to public

By Jason Samenow

The Weather Channel’s (TWC) superstar meteorologist Jim Cantore is coming to Washington, D.C. on December 14 to speak at the National Press Club (NPC). He’ll discuss his 25 years covering weather on TWC in a luncheon talk

By Jason Samenow | 05:07 PM ET, 11/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 06:36 PM ET, 10/20/2011

Verizon weather line, 936-1212, is dead

By Jason Samenow

The process was drawn out, dramatic, and confusing, but it’s finally over: Verizon has officially pulled the plug on the local weather line for good.

By Jason Samenow | 06:36 PM ET, 10/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 10/12/2011

NASA preparing for Earth-observing satellite launch

By Jason Samenow

On October 27, NASA will launch the next generation weather and climate satellite. Known as the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (or, to save some syllables, NPP), the satellite spacecraft, roughly the size of mini-van, will orbit at an altitude of 512 miles above the Earth’s surface. The data it beams back to Earth will help improve understanding of both global change and weather prediction.

By Jason Samenow | 03:24 PM ET, 10/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Government, Climate Change, Media, Science, Space

Posted at 02:16 PM ET, 08/29/2011

Hurricane Irene hype: over the top media coverage or justified?

By Jason Samenow

A Category 5 intensity debate is swirling around a category 1 storm: was Irene overhyped by media or were the media prudently sounding the alarm in the spirit of public safety?

By Jason Samenow | 02:16 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Media, Tropical Weather

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Weather dream: I heard from my new weather prof!!!

By Scott Zakheim

Well the results of my last, first pre-class tuschy-kissing correspondence are in, and they’re not all bad. I got my summer reading (score), was told that my lack of on-camera experience is gonna be a problem (womp), but was then put onto a prof who could be my on-camera coach and has a similar last name to…the Caps high-scoring Russian winger

By Scott Zakheim | 07:00 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Weather Dream, Humor, Media, Latest

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 08/18/2011

An alternative to The Weather Channel: Weather Nation TV, interview with CEO Paul Douglas

By Jason Samenow

Many long-time viewers of the The Weather Channel have lamented a transition from exclusive live weather programming to more taped programs and documentaries, sometimes referred to as “weathertainment.” And some have called for an alternative - a channel where you can get live current weather reporting all the time. Enter Paul Douglas, Founder and CEO of Broadcast Weather. Douglas has a launched a new national weather network called Weather Nation TV. Paul graciously responded to questions about this network over email.

By Jason Samenow | 10:50 AM ET, 08/18/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Latest

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 08/17/2011

Weather Dream: Counting down the days to Meteorology 101

By Scott Zakheim

Having obtained full forgiveness from his instructors after his first weather education fiasco, Scott Zakheim takes his next step in pursuit of TV weather stardom.

By Scott Zakheim | 07:00 PM ET, 08/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Weather Dream, Latest, Humor

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 08/16/2011

Weather dream: Apology letter to professors and responses

By Scott Zakheim

Here’s the latest in Scott’s reality blog series documenting his quest to be a famous weatherman. In his last post, Scott colorfully described his first foray into weather education which did not end well. In this latest post, Scott apologies to his professors and receives their responses. Was he forgiven?

By Scott Zakheim | 01:45 PM ET, 08/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Weather Dream, Media, Humor, Latest

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 08/11/2011

NBC4’s Chuck Bell in TV weather blooper: Failure or good recovery?

By Jason Samenow

In a recent weather segment, NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell encountered some major technical difficulties. Watch the video in this post. Did he recover well or fail?

By Jason Samenow | 06:00 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Latest, Humor

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 08/11/2011

My TV weather inspirations, and keeping it real

By Scott Zakheim

Here are the latest two entries in this reality blog series about blogger Scott Zakheim’s quest to be a famous weatherman.

By Scott Zakheim | 12:15 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Weather Dream, Latest, Media, Humor

Posted at 10:45 AM ET, 08/10/2011

Daring to dream big: I want to be a famous weatherman

By Scott Zakheim

Please join me in welcoming Scott Zakheim, who is a pursuing a dream to become a famous television weatherman. In an exclusive partnership, Scott will be documenting his journey right here. On his personal blog, the very early phase of this quest is already “on the record” so you can read ahead if you want. But stay with us and we will get you caught up in the next week or so. Then Scott will post original updates right here. Here are his first two entries, somewhat abbreviated. Go Scott go!

By Scott Zakheim | 10:45 AM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Humor, Latest, Weather Dream

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 07/28/2011

Weatherman Nick Kosir raps forecast while jumping off a bridge

By Jason Samenow

Almost a year ago, I wrote the “rapping weatherman” Nick Kosir - whose catchy rhymes had gone viral on YouTube - landed himself a big market gig in San Francisco. But after two days on the job, he walked away, fleeing for a position in the much more remote Twin Falls, Idaho. I hadn’t heard anything about Kosir since. But last night, he shot me an email, with a link to his latest rap - originating from a 500 foot bridge that he base jumps from . It’s gimmicky, but give him props for originality...

By Jason Samenow | 06:30 PM ET, 07/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Humor

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 07/08/2011

Weather Channel rates Washington, D.C. hottest city in Northeast

By Jason Samenow

The Weather Channel came out with its rankings of the hottest cities by region Thursday, and D.C. was tops in the Northeast. The other winners, by region? Northwest: Medford, Oregon; Midwest: Wichita, Kansas; Southeast: Montgomery, Alabama; South-central: Laredo, Texas; Southwest: Yuma, Arizona

By Jason Samenow | 02:15 PM ET, 07/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Latest, Local Climate

Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 06/24/2011

Running scared from Jim Cantore

By Dan Stillman

What is it about Jim Cantore that makes people run the other way?

By Dan Stillman | 03:15 PM ET, 06/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Humor, Media, Latest

Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 06/22/2011

Should technical science journals have plain language translation?

By Jason Samenow

A short essay in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society caught my attention today. Written by atmospheric scientist Alan Betts, it advocated technical journal articles in the atmpospheric sciences be complemented by a mandatory non-technical version for the lay reader. What a refreshing idea!

By Jason Samenow | 02:45 PM ET, 06/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, Climate Change

Posted at 02:04 PM ET, 06/10/2011

CNN interview on weather modification & tornadoes: the rest of the story

By Steve Tracton

Just after the devastating Joplin tornado outbreak two weeks ago, I was asked and agreed to do an interview for CNN addressing the seemingly timeless question: Can we do anything to control these devastating demonstrations of Mother Nature’s fury, especially of course, when pitted against the people and infrastructure that dares to get in their way? The interview was motivated by my recent post, Killing killer tornadoes before they strike: Is it possible? What I found most interesting from this experience was less from what was aired than what was not.

By Steve Tracton | 02:04 PM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Tracton, Thunderstorms, Media, Capital Weather Gang, U.S. Weather

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 04/19/2011

North Carolina tornadoes were no surprise

By Jason Samenow

Meteorologist Mike Smith, CEO of WeatherData (an AccuWeather company), is rightly criticizing news media for claiming that tornadoes are unpredictable and that Saturday’s deadly twisters in North Carolina were a “surprise.”

By Jason Samenow | 01:30 PM ET, 04/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest, Media, U.S. Weather

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 04/12/2011

If only we had weather talk radio...

By Jason Samenow

The improv outfit 12AngryMascots produced this entertaining parody of sports talk radio, substituting weather as the subject matter...

By Jason Samenow | 03:00 PM ET, 04/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Humor, Media, Latest

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 03/15/2011

Climategate shaped TV weathercasters’ views

By Andrew Freedman

The unauthorized release of thousands of emails between several prominent climate researchers in late 2009 - a scandal often referred to as climategate - caused a significant minority of television weathercasters to become increasingly doubtful that manmade climate change is occurring, and that climate scientists and the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are reliable sources of information, according to a recent study.

By Andrew Freedman | 11:00 AM ET, 03/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Freedman, Climate Change, Latest, Media

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 03/11/2011

Joe Bastardi hired by start-up firm WeatherBell

By Jason Samenow

Less than three weeks after resigning as AccuWeather’s chief long-range forecaster, Joe Bastardi announced Friday that he has accepted the position of chief forecaster at WeatherBell, a fledgling weather consulting firm.

By Jason Samenow | 04:30 PM ET, 03/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Latest

Posted at 08:15 PM ET, 12/08/2010

Flashback: John Lennon does the weather

By Jason Samenow

Today marks the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death. Check out this short clip (h/t Steve Tracton) showing Lennon doing the weather with Tom Brokaw giving the back story

By Jason Samenow | 08:15 PM ET, 12/08/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 11/24/2010

Howard Bernstein & Topper Shutt winter outlook

By Jason Samenow

The start of meteorological winter (December 1) is just one week away and it appears the last of the region's winter outlooks has been released. Like the ones that came before it, the outlook of Howard Bernstein and Topper Shutt of WUSA-TV9 follows the tired format of recapping last winter with all sorts of dramatic snow B-roll, talking about what La Nina is, and concluding by predicting less snow.

By Jason Samenow | 12:30 PM ET, 11/24/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:30 PM ET, 11/23/2010

Doug Hill & Doug Kammerer winter outlooks

By Jason Samenow

We published our winter outlook several weeks ago, predicting modestly above average temperatures and around average snowfall. Since then, a number of television forecasters have released their outlooks. The latest two, issued yesterday, come courtesy chief meteorologists Doug Hill at ABC7 and Doug Kammerer at NBC4. The one thing all of these outlooks have in common is that none of them are predicting above average snow in the mid-Atlantic region. Want a winter prediction for above average snow in this region? Check the Old Farmer's Alamanac.

By Jason Samenow | 07:30 PM ET, 11/23/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Media

Posted at 10:45 AM ET, 09/17/2010

Trick play: Statue of Liberty tornado photo

By Dan Stillman

Twitter has become an invaluable tool for reporters trying to stay on top of a story. But as the Huffington Post detailed last evening, Twitter can also trip a reporter up, especially in the heat of a breaking story.

By Dan Stillman | 10:45 AM ET, 09/17/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 08/31/2010

Re-living the emotions of Katrina at the Newseum

By Dan Stillman

I got a chance over the weekend to see the Newseum's new "Covering Katrina" exhibit, which chronicles media coverage leading up to, during, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's deadly and destructive landfall along the Gulf Coast in 2005. Even if you weren't directly affected by Katrina, the exhibit's display of newspaper front pages, a video of TV storm coverage, and artifacts such as a store owner's anti-looting sign are vivid reminders of the emotions that stirred inside many of us five years ago.

By Dan Stillman | 01:30 PM ET, 08/31/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Media

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 08/04/2010

The great weathercaster switch of 1980

By Capital Weather Gang

Bob Ryan's decision to move from Channel 4 (WRC-TV) to Channel 7 (WJLA-TV), where he debuted on May 17, might seem like a bombshell. After all, Ryan had been at WRC for a full three decades. But his arrival in D.C. back in 1980 was a major event of its own, with implications for both local and national weathercasting.

By Capital Weather Gang | 10:30 AM ET, 08/04/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 07/30/2010

Weather with 'attitude' - that's the point (sort of)

By Dan Stillman

Our weather gang here was subject to a bit of criticism recently.

By Dan Stillman | 10:30 AM ET, 07/30/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Media

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 07/14/2010

The curious case of Tom Sater

By Jason Samenow

In July 2005, FOX-5 morning meteorologist Tom Sater mysteriously disappeared from the airwaves. Five years later, DCRTV reported Sunday that Sater has re-emerged on D.C.'s television scene.

By Jason Samenow | 11:30 AM ET, 07/14/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 10:45 AM ET, 03/01/2010

Under-the-radar goodbye for Bob Ryan at 4

By Dan Stillman

No hoopla, no sentimental retrospective. Just an emotional but low-key, couple-minute segment at the end of Friday night's newscast, pushed to after midnight by Olympic coverage. Such was the NBC4 farewell for Bob Ryan.

By Dan Stillman | 10:45 AM ET, 03/01/2010 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 09/17/2009

Anchor to Weatherman: Keep Plucking That Chicken

By Capital Weather Gang

* Our Full Forecast | Poll: A Cup of Climate With Your Weather? * Actually, that's not what FOX-5 (New York City) news anchor Ernie Anastos said to meteorologist Nick Gregory at the end of his weathercast last night. Replace the "Pl" in plucking with an "F" and there you...

By Capital Weather Gang | 01:00 PM ET, 09/17/2009 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 09/03/2009

Yet Another Sign TWC Has Jumped the Shark

By Dan Stillman

* Full Holiday Forecast | Beach Forecast | Outside Now? Weather Wall * * Obama Should Give Climate Speech | Response to Rebuttal * Weather Channel Launches New Site: TheWeatherChannelMusic.com ... song collections include "PM Edition Country Classics" and "PM Edition Evening Romance" (no joke)....

By Dan Stillman | 01:00 PM ET, 09/03/2009 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Media

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 08/14/2009

BOOM! Weather Channel, Madden NFL 10 Hook Up

By Jason Samenow

* Summer in Cruise Control: Full Forecast | Blue-Hour Photography * Lost amongst the news that Michael Vick signed with the Eagles and that the Redskins laid an egg in in their first preseason game was the revelation that EA SPORTS will incorporate weather in the latest release of its...

By Jason Samenow | 01:30 PM ET, 08/14/2009 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 03/13/2009

Newspapers Dying; Weather Page Already Dead?

By Dan Stillman

* Showery Saturday? Full Forecast | Superstorm of 1993 * In case you haven't heard, newspapers are dying a slow death. Actually, in some cases not so slow. As reported this week by TIME, the Rocky Mountain News has closed up shop, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, San Francisco Chronicle and...

By Dan Stillman | 11:00 AM ET, 03/13/2009 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 11/21/2008

NBC Fires Weather Channel Environmental Unit

By Andrew Freedman

Some on-camera meteorologists also let go * New (11/24) commentary: Weather Channel Cuts Earn Mixed Reviews * NBC Universal made the first of potentially several rounds of staffing cuts at The Weather Channel (TWC) on Wednesday, axing the entire staff of the "Forecast Earth" environmental program during the middle of...

By Andrew Freedman | 05:00 PM ET, 11/21/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media, Media

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 11/11/2008

PM Update Off; Storm Watch Tour with Doug Hill

By Jason Samenow

In honor of Veteran's Day, PM update is off. See Matt's full forecast for the weather details through the weekend. Is your evening free? Consider attending the 2008 Storm Watch Tour featuring Doug Hill and the ABC 7 Weather Team at 7 p.m. tonight at Northwest High School in Germantown,...

By Jason Samenow | 03:30 PM ET, 11/11/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 11/09/2008

Weatherman Unfazed by Falling Piece of Map

By Capital Weather Gang

You know when someone is counting or calculating something, and you start shouting out numbers to confuse and annoy them. Seems like this guy -- Francis Wilson, called the "coolest man in the world" by singer Rod Stewart -- wouldn't be bothered in the least......

By Capital Weather Gang | 12:00 PM ET, 11/09/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 10/08/2008

NBC Subtracts Weather Plus

By Capital Weather Gang

NBC will reportedly phase out Weather Plus, its 4-year-old digital cable network that features local and national weather 24/7. The service airs on digital cable systems nationwide and on the digital channels of some NBC affiliates, including Washington's NBC4 (WRC-TV). Weather Plus content also appears on the Web sites of...

By Capital Weather Gang | 07:00 PM ET, 10/08/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 08/13/2008

Is That a Snake in Your Pocket? Or...?

By Dan Stillman

A python gets frisky with a Des Moines, Iowa, meteorologist making an appearance at a state fair. (Hey, what can I tell ya? This is what you get on a slow weather day.)...

By Dan Stillman | 01:00 PM ET, 08/13/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 07/11/2008

Is Your Kid the Next Jim Cantore or Bob Ryan?

By Jason Samenow

If your child is a budding TV weathercaster, get out your camcorder and starting filming. The Weather Channel (TWC) is seeking video weather forecasts from kids under the age of 18 and has $100 gift prize packages for the best in three categories: "most creative," "most entertaining," and "most likely...

By Jason Samenow | 01:15 PM ET, 07/11/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 08:00 PM ET, 07/06/2008

It's Official: Weather Channel to NBC

By Jason Samenow

The Associated Press reports NBC Universal and two partners will acquire The Weather Channel for $3.5 billion in cash. In addition to the cable T.V. network, the deal includes weather.com and Weather Services International (WSI). WSI operates the Web site Intellicast.com, develops television weather graphics and forecasts for private business....

By Jason Samenow | 08:00 PM ET, 07/06/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 06/25/2008

The Weather Channel's Changing Face

By Dan Stillman

A video tribute to the changing look and slogans of the Weather Channel, from its debut in 1982 to the HD days of 2008....

By Dan Stillman | 07:00 PM ET, 06/25/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 06/13/2008

Time Warner Out in Bidding for Weather Channel

By Jason Samenow

Reuters is reporting Time Warner has withdrawn its bid for The Weather Channel, leaving a group lead by NBC Universal as the lone bidder. See also the New York Times TV Decoder blog....

By Jason Samenow | 06:30 PM ET, 06/13/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 06/12/2008

FOX Weather: Fair and Balanced?

By Dan Stillman

FOX has a new weather Web site with an interactive weather map and pretty sweet radar. Not surprisingly, though, most storms are shown moving to the right....

By Dan Stillman | 07:00 PM ET, 06/12/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 06/08/2008

NBC and Time Warner Battle for Weather Channel

By Jason Samenow

Just over a week ago, we wrote about rumors that NBC Universal and a group of investors had won the bidding competition for The Weather Channel. A more recent news report from Reuters suggest it's not over and that Time Warner remains in the game: "[T]he two sides are negotiating...

By Jason Samenow | 12:00 PM ET, 06/08/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 10:45 AM ET, 06/04/2008

Planet Green: On the Air and at Nationals Park

By Dan Stillman

Planet Green will be coming to a boob tube near you starting at 6 p.m. this evening, and to tonight's Washington Nationals game (weather permitting). The new cable network, which replaces Discovery Home, dubs itself "the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network." Keep reading for more on Planet Green....

By Dan Stillman | 10:45 AM ET, 06/04/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 06/02/2008

Weather Channel to NBC Universal?

By Jason Samenow

The TV gossip site NewsBlues reports NBC and an investment consortium has acquired The Weather Channel (TWC). DCRTV suggested as much last Friday. This news has not been confirmed by a major news outlet or an official source, but the NY Times indicates the winner of the bidding war for...

By Jason Samenow | 07:00 PM ET, 06/02/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 05/28/2008

Weatherman Van de Graaf Plays Manilow

By Jason Samenow

ABC-7 Forecaster Brian van de Graaf impersonates Barry Manilow last week... [Courtesy DCRTV.]...

By Jason Samenow | 07:00 PM ET, 05/28/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 05/20/2008

Meteorologist: 'Monkey Wanna Nanner?'

By Dan Stillman

Kansas City TV weathercaster monkeys around with flying monkey. Oh yeah -- presents weather forecast, too....

By Dan Stillman | 07:00 PM ET, 05/20/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 05/07/2008

Weather Channel Price Drop

By Jason Samenow

Buying the Weather Channel may not demand $5 billion, but a mere $3.5-4 according to Saturday's Virginia Pilot. Second-round bids for the network are due tomorrow, and NBC and CBS will likely make offers according to Reuters. In completely unrelated and highly salacious Weather Channel news, there's this: Weather Channel...

By Jason Samenow | 07:00 PM ET, 05/07/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 04/19/2008

City Paper Names Best Local TV Forecast

By Jason Samenow

After a 21-year hiatus, Washington City Paper has put together a "Best of DC" issue. But this isn't your father's best of edition but rather an irreverent and edgy assessment of some of DC's finest people, places and things. In assessing the TV forecasts, City Paper smartly consulted the detailed...

By Jason Samenow | 12:00 PM ET, 04/19/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/23/2008

AccuWeather's Jim Kosek: Weather Idol?

By Jason Samenow

Sometimes going over the top gets you noticed. When surfing YouTube yesterday, I stumbled upon a video forecast for the D.C. area by Accuweather meteorologist Jim Kosek which shocked me when I hit the play button... My reaction???...

By Jason Samenow | 11:00 AM ET, 02/23/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 02/09/2008

A Stitch in Time & Weathermen at Channel 9

By Jason Samenow

As Channel 9 (WUSA) meteorologist Howard Bernstein stitches his busted face back together, the Channel 9 promotions department is reportedly stitching up the profile of Chief Meteorologist Topper Shutt based on input from you, our readers. DCRTV.com, a blog covering local media, reports Channel 9/WUSA meteorologist Howard Bernstein "got busted...

By Jason Samenow | 11:45 AM ET, 02/09/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/08/2008

Could YOU Survive? Two Tales That Astound

By Camden Walker

Extreme weather yields aftermath, but also miracles Humans have been put to the test this week. Violent tornadoes in the South. Heavy snow in the West. Story number one comes out of Tuesday's tragic tornado outbreak that killed more than 50 people. An 11-month old baby covered in mud and...

By Camden Walker | 11:00 AM ET, 02/08/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 01/29/2008

Readers' Choice: Topper on Top

By Jason Samenow

Last week, The Capital Weather Gang rated the evening weathercasters, and Doug Hill (WJLA-7) earned the highest score, with Topper Shutt (WUSA-9) last in the standings. But when we asked you, our readers, who your favorites were, the tables turned. More of you mentioned Topper as your favorite evening...

By Jason Samenow | 11:00 AM ET, 01/29/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 01/11/2008

Mediarology: Got $5 Billion?

By Steve Scolnik

Apply directly to the forehead! Raid the piggy bank, weather fans. Today's WaPo has a front-page business section article discussing the previously-announced potential sale of The Weather Channel. Landmark Communications, current owner of TWC, was founded as a newspaper company over 100 years ago in the Norfolk area, so the...

By Steve Scolnik | 12:46 PM ET, 01/11/2008 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Media

Capital Weather Gang: Media