‘Doppler’ Dave Speelman: Happy Weatherman’s Day!

by ABC-7 Meteorologist Dave Speelman

If the groundhog can get its own day, why can’t the weather people? Every February 5th is National Weatherman’s Day which honors weathermen, and woman who work hard to try and accurately predict the often fickle weather. Despite major technological advances and supercomputers, forecasting the weather is still a tricky and ever changing business. Knowing the weather is important in many ways. It affects how we dress, where we go, and even if we go. Space launches are made or delayed depending upon the weather. And, knowing the weather can save lives. The most obvious example is knowing when and where hurricanes or tornados may hit.

According to the Air Force News, Weatherman’s Day “commemorates the birth of John Jeffries, one of America’s first weathermen”. Jeffries was born on Feb 5, 1745. He kept weather records from 1774 to 1816. It’s also documented that Jeffries flew in a balloon across the English Channel in 1785. Some argue he was the first American to fly. Since flying and meteorology are intertwined this could very well lead us to believe this was the beginning. Jeffries was quoted as saying ballooning could “lead…to a full investigation of the nature and properties of the atmosphere”.

But Jeffries was more than a weather observer or “weatherman” he was a Boston physician as well.

So, February 5th is a big day for us weather people. Give us some slack for at least one day.

While we know why this day was created, we do not know who initiated it or when. I found not documentation in congressional records to confirm that this is truely a national day. If you have any information about this holiday, please email me.