What does being a storm chaser mean?
You can thank the storm chasers for the radio and TV warnings you hear. They ensure the sirens go off during an emergency- that's saying a lot if they keep you alive. According to bls.org, a storm chaser spends most of his/her career outside developing models of the weather. They don't just drive off towards the storm- there's a little bit more involved. They measure air pressure, temperature, and the wind speed. Storm chasing means producing maps and warning the local weather stations of the weather to alert the rest of the public. Storm chasers must also document their data via video or photography. They then use that documentation by either selling it to the public for profit, or selling it to weather stations for further research on the storm.
- Measure temperature, air pressure, and other properties of the atmosphere
- Develop and use computer models that analyze data about the atmosphere (also called meteorological data)
- Produce weather maps and graphics
- Report current weather conditions
- Prepare long- and short-term weather forecasts using sophisticated computer and mathematical models, satellite and radar data
- Issue warnings to protect life and property during severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-including-meteorologists.htm (visited April 19, 2013).