May 29 was an extra special day at Lake Street School.
NBC Connecticut Chief Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan visited Lake Street to talk to fifth graders about reporting the weather, what forecasting is, how he learned to love math and why he finds weather so interesting.
For fifth grader Nixon Perez, a budding meteorologist who delivers weather forecasts at Lake Street School each morning, it was a chance to meet his favorite meteorologist and to get some tips and encouragement from a seasoned pro.
Hanrahan’s visit to the school was a surprise for Nixon, 11. Not only did he get to meet his favorite meteorologist, Nixon introduced Hanrahan to his classmates. Later, he had a chance to meet one-on-one with Hanrahan to talk weather.
Nixon and Ryan Hanrahan talk weather
Fifth graders peppered Hanrahan with great questions about forecasting, weather and his job. Hanrahan also talked about weather models, weather balloons, and what he is thinking each time he goes on the air.
“No one cares what the weather is going to be,” Hanrahan explained. “They care about how it impacts them.”
He also talked about how technology has enabled forecasting to be much more precise with local forecasts, although there are always variations between forecasts and what actually happens.
After his visit with fifth graders, Hanrahan sat down with Nixon to talk about weather, how he puts together his forecasts and crafting and refining messages for his audience.
Nixon will continue his weather forecasts next school year at Vernon Center Middle School. Nixon met VCMS’s new principal, Melissa Luke, during the VCMS Evening of Exploration and told her about what he does at Lake Street School. Luke hired him on the spot.