DEAR SUN SPOTS: Why do the weathermen and women give a seven-day forecast? They are never right and always change the forecast the next day. Heck, they can’t even get two days right, and all three stations never say the same thing. They all have Doppler radar, but I don’t see what good it is.

This has been on my mind since the first of the year. Thanks. — B. Gallant, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots submitted your query to Charlie Lopresti, chief meteorologist at WGME Channel 13. Here’s what he had to say.

“‘Meteorologist, the only job you can get paid to be wrong.’ That’s a common comment I get from viewers from time to time, and I can find the humor in it as well. Most say it jokingly as they understand the complexities of weather forecasting, and the variability in weather we receive here in Northern New England. But, every now and then the person making the comment doesn’t understand the science of meteorology.

“I respectfully disagree with B.’s opinions. If there is no value in weather forecasts, it would have no place in our society. The science of meteorology and forecasting has come a long way over the past several years. It’s a fact that weather forecasts are now more accurate than ever due to advances in computer modeling, satellites and Doppler radar.

“Due to huge advances in computers since the early 1990s, computer modeling can now help a forecaster determine, with a high level of accuracy, the overall weather pattern through seven days. What will never be exact will be the details such as exact timing of a front, timing of a sea breeze, the placement of a small thunderstorm, the exact rain/snow line, etc.

“I also respectfully disagree with B.s comment about Doppler radar. Doppler radar has many uses, one of which is being a great tool for nowcasting (weather within the next six hours) and short-term forecasting of severe thunderstorms. This tool can be useful to a forecaster in many ways, including determining movement and intensity of thunderstorm cells. It can also be used to determine whether a cell is rotating (first step in tornado development), rainfall intensity, and hail cores. Doppler radar is a crucial tool in giving the public advanced warning of severe weather.

“The science of meteorology is not an exact science and never will be. Often in winter, I’ll have a forecast out for a foot of snow 36 hours before the storm even forms. A change in track of 50 miles may often mean the difference in a foot of snow and an inch of rain. Given the complexities of our atmosphere, I’m often impressed with how far the science has come, and accurate forecasts have become. Of course every now and then, a “busted” forecast is a good reminder that it will never be exact.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are in need of a few plastic pallets. If you have one, would you please contact us? Thank you! — David and Mary Crane, dmcrane@roadrunner.com, 240-2884

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have 65 small white smocks. Perhaps a daycare or children’s program would like them to protect children’s clothing for painting and other projects. Take some or all. — Pat, pat.gavula@portlanddiocese.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to No Name’s question about tattoo artists (July 3), I would highly recommend Altered Image. I recall an artist in the Brunswick location that did amazing portraits; they looked like actual photos.

Unfortunately I don’t recall his name, but I’m sure if No Name called the shop she could find out. Altered Image is at 14 Thomas Point Road, Brunswick, 729-8282. — Sally, sally.tietjen@yahoo.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link