We've heard of National Doughnut Day and National Cheesecake Day, but what about National Weatherperson's Day?
We celebrate this unofficial holiday each year on Feb. 5 to recognize the achievements and advancements of the sciences in meteorology.
It's also a time to thank countless weather observers who not only send in reliable and credible weather info to the weather center, but contribute to timely reports that can save lives when severe weather strikes.
We thank our weather observers for all the work you do. It is impossible to have eyes on the ground in every location, so your reports matter!
It is no accident that Feb. 5 is National Weatherperson's Day. The holiday falls on the birth anniversary of John Jeffries, thought to be one of America's first weather observers.
Jeffries was born on Feb. 5, 1744 and recorded daily weather observations in Boston. In 1784, Jeffries took the first weather balloon observation in London.
National Weatherperson's Day is also a day to honor people in meteorology and those who contribute to the science of observing and forecasting the weather.
Just this year, Spectrum Bay News 9 performed upgrades and replacements for Tampa Bay's number 1 radar known as Klystron 9. This is a huge upgrade that will benefit our viewers during times of severe weather.
Here at Spectrum Bay News 9, our weather team has been with you through the ups and downs of Tampa Bay weather. We have many partners dedicated to forecasting and weather safety.
Most meteorologists say they had a strong interest in the science from a very young age. Our team at Bay News 9 is no different.
Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay has been with Bay News 9 from day one. The image below is with Meteorologist Alan Winfield, who served as Chief Meteorologist when Bay News 9 first launched on the air.
You can still catch Meteorologist Alan Winfield on Bay News 9 from time to time.
Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay said he has been interested in weather since he was a child. He started radio when he was 17 years old, then moved into the television business in his mid-20s.
Clay is very knowledgeable about radar meteorology and is an expert with Klystron 9.
The picture below is Mike Clay with the original Klystron from our Klystron 9 radar.
Meteorologist Brian McClure has been in the business for over 20 years and has been through a lot while working at Bay News 9.
Some days have been bright ones for Brian.
While on other days, it seems like there is a dark cloud over him, especially in 2006 when he broke his arm. At least Brian was still smiling!
Our meteorologists have one thing in common and it's that we all love talking about the weather, sometimes a bit too much.
Assemble our team outside of the office for a holiday party and you may regret it! However, it's been awhile since this happened. We can blame the recent pandemic for that one.
Meteorologist Juli Marquez loves taking her conversations about the weather into the classroom. Juli says speaking and educating kids about weather inside the classroom is one highlight of her job as a meteorologist.
Like the rest of our team, Meteorologist Josh Linker also loves to talk about the weather, which is no suprise that he has been with Spectrum Bay News 9 for over 20 years.
Josh said, "It has always been fascinating to me. Being able to give our viewers the right, easy-to-understand info to help them make important decisions motivates me each day."
Meteorologist Diane Kacmarik has worked as a meteorologist in various parts of the country, but she joined the Bay News 9 team in 2004. She started her career with Bay News 9 just in time for the hectic 2004-2005 hurricane season.
The staff looks forward to her Christmas cookies every season.
Meteorologist Nick Merianos is the most recent hire for the Spectrum Bay News 9 weather team. You will often see Nick Merianos share his passion for meteorology on-air and on social media.
Nick became interested in weather when he was a young kid. He has a homework assignment from kindergarten that reads in messy handwriting, "when I grow up I want to be a weatherman."
Merianos was featured in local papers and in local Boston TV news regarding his passion for weather. Today, the passion is a reality, and he truly enjoys living in the Tampa Bay area.
Nick spends a lot of his time educating others about the weather.
Over the last year, Nick has created over 40 highly produced weather explainers to help educate children on the whys of weather. The series is called Weather Explained, and you can check them all out here.
As we have said before, we appreciate you trusting us as your source for weather information.
We hope you all have a happy National Weatherperson's Day, and if you are looking for an actual forecast for the days ahead, you can read about it here.