The Weather

Well hello!

It’s been a while, and I suspect you aren’t reading this at the exact moment it was written. The algorithm—whatever mysterious being it is—will decide that. For the record, I’m writing this on January 25, 2026, as snow falls heavily during what is a fairly rare winter weather event for Pittsburgh.

Despite not loving it, I spend a good amount of time on social media. Mostly, it’s because I like keeping up with people—friends, colleagues, and those who share common interests, whether that’s radio, church, or something else entirely. Lately, though, I’ve found it harder to share the space. Not impossible—just… louder.

You might be thinking, “Uh-oh, Eric’s about to get political.”
Nope. I may be led to the water, but I won’t drink it—not this time anyway.

Let’s deal with something safe: TV weather coverage.

First things first: does anyone reading this not understand that weather forecasting is not an exact science?

In the days leading up to the storm currently falling outside my window—before it even formed—we were told that something like this was possible. Given recent winter track records, skepticism is understandable. But what often gets lost is how many variables go into a forecast. I don’t pretend to understand all of them, but I do understand the science behind it, imperfect as it may be.

When storms are possible—or even probable—what also tends to appear are what KDKA-TV meteorologist Ray Petelin aptly calls “Social-Mediarologists.” These are often well-meaning amateurs armed with home weather stations, software, and access to forecast models. Sometimes they’re surprisingly accurate. Sometimes they’re not. The problem is that their information tends to be presented with the same confidence—and perceived authority—as data coming directly from the National Weather Service.

“But aren’t they giving us information without the hype?” you might ask.

Not exactly. In some cases, they’re creating it.

Additionally, much of the hype people blame on “the weather folks” actually comes from the news side of the operation—sending reporters to grocery and hardware stores to ask shoppers how they’re preparing for impending doom. That kind of coverage makes people either anxious or excited, and either way, they stay tuned. When the storm finally arrives, viewers are left either overjoyed or deeply unimpressed.

And this is where the inexact science part really matters.

Forecast models often show what could happen—frequently worst-case scenarios. But weather can change quickly. A cold front may not arrive as expected. Moisture might not overtake drier air in time. When that happens, we hear plenty of “But they said…” and the ever-popular, “Joe DeNardo wouldn’t let this happen!”

Then again, some people just like to complain—especially when they’re snowed in and have nothing better to do. My advice: Look to your TV weather guy or gal, they won’t steer you wrong!