The Dangers of Storm Chasing

Do you enjoy watching severe weather unfold?  If so, you may be interested in taking up storm chasing, either as a career or as a hobby.  Storm chasing is defined as the pursuit of severe weather.  This severe weather most commonly includes tornadoes, but many storm chasers often observe, photograph, and film thunderstorms, floods, hail, and hurricanes.

While storm chasers have a wide range of reasons for doing what they do, you will find that many love the excitement.  For many, storm chasing, especially in severe weather, acts as a rush.  With that in mind, there are other storm chasers who do so for the amazing pictures and video documentation they are able to get.  These pictures and videos may be kept for personal use and viewing only or they may be sold to new organizations or weather agencies.  In fact, the money is another one of the many reasons why storm chasing is a popular activity.

As previously stated, there are a number of different reasons why you may wish to become a storm chaser, either for personal or professional purposes.  With that in mind, it is also important to focus on the dangers.  As exciting as storm chasing can be, it is important to remember that danger does exist.  In fact, storm chasing is considered one of the most potentially dangerous activities enjoyed by many.

One of the many dangers that surround storm chasing is the situations that you may find yourself in.  It is important to remember that the weather is unpredictable.  The weather can, literally, change at a moments notice.  This is particularly the case with tornadoes and tornadoes are the most sought after weather events by storm chasers.  This means that you and other storm chasers are always at risk.

Speaking of risks, you maybe curios as to exactly what those risk are.  Generally speaking, you will find that it all depends on what type of weather is being sought after.  For instance, if tornadoes are the storm of choice, you will find that there are an unlimited number of risks.  When in the middle of a super cell thunderstorm just about any cloud in the area has the ability to spurn a tornado. This means that you are never safe.  If you are unexpectedly caught inside a tornado, serious injury and death is always a possibility.

As for hail storms, the risks also depend on the storm in question, as well as your location.  For example, cities and towns in the Midwest are more likely to experience severe hailstorms.  These hailstorms have the possibility to damage your vehicle, including your windshield.  That is why if you do plan to storm chase hailstorms, it is important that you do so safely and in the proper vehicle.

Although there are an unlimited number of risks associated with storm chasing, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t an activity that you shouldn’t enjoy.  With that in mind, it is important to remember that not everyone is the ideal candidate for storm chasing.  Since storm chasers often find themselves in unpredictable situations, they need to be quick on their feet and be good at solving difficult, unexpected problems.  If these are qualities that do not describe you, you may want to enjoy the weather from inside the safety and comfort of your own home.

In addition to having good reflexes and good problem solving skills, storm chasers are always urged to prepare.  Having a plan in place, for all types of situations, is the best way to safely enjoy storm chasing, whether it be for a career or a hobby.  Storm chasers are advised against entering into severe weather without constant weather updates.  These weather updates may be able to come from a portable television or wireless internet, a weather radio, or a traditional news radio station.

If, after taking the above mentioned points into consideration, storm chasing is still an activity you would like to enjoy, it is advised that you start developing a plan.  Storm chasing is always best with another individual, as well the proper equipment.

Should You Have a Weather Related Career?

Are you interested in finding a new job or are you interested completely changing careers?  If you are, you may want to take the time to examine weather related careers, also commonly referred to as meteorology jobs.  If you enjoy the weather, whether it be researching the weather or watching it unfold in front of your eyes, a career in meteorology may be perfect for you. 

As nice as it is to know that you can have a career in the field of meteorology, you may be wondering if it is right for you.  After all, weather related jobs, such as positions for meteorologists, often have specific requirements, including training, on the job experience, as well as education.  The decision to work in the field of meteorology is not an easy one.  It is also not a decision that you can simply make overnight, especially if you do not have the proper training and education, such as a degree in meteorology.  With that in mind, it is a decision that can pay off for you in the end.

One of the many signs that you may at least want to examine a weather related career is if you have a love for the weather.  Are you a weather enthusiast?  You may be if you regularly find yourself researching the weather.  Do you always tune into the weather casts on your local news or national news?  Are you concerned with the ways that weather impacts our lives?  Are you curious as to what the impact global warming can have on our weather?  If you are, a weather related career may be perfect for you.

In addition to researching weather, do you like to get out and work in the field, even if just as a hobby?  If you regularly find yourself outdoors examining the wind direction, wind speed, temperature, or if you enjoy checking the rainfall or snowfall totals for the day, you might.  If so, you are already performing many of the job responsibilities performed by meteorologists.  What does this mean?  It means that you can turn a simple hobby into a professional, moneymaking opportunity.

Another one of the many reasons why a weather related careermay be a good idea for you is if you are interested in making serious money.  Although most weather related careers, including meteorologists, do make an average income, it is a nice steady income.  It is more than possible for you to raise a family, buy a home, and vacation in popular vacation destinations, when working in a field related to weather.  This is important to know, as many individuals are afraid that they will end up stuck in a dead-end job.  This is something that shouldn’t be an issue when you have the proper training, schooling, and a great job.

Should you decide that a weather related career is right for you, you may be pleased with all of your options.  Although we often associate weather related jobs and careers with meteorologists, it is important to remember that becoming a meteorologist isn’t your only option.  Other weather related careers include working for the Armed Forces, working as a meteorology or earth science teacher, either for college or high school.  You may also enjoy working as a weather writer, either on a freelance basis or a fulltime basis.

As outlined above, there are a number of reasons why you should at least consider a career in the field of meteorology, especially if weather is an issue that is of great interest to you.  With that in mind, you may still be unsure about your career path.  If that is the case, you may want to take the time to do a little bit of research.  Researching available weather related job positions is a great way to determine if a career in meteorology is really right for you.  Many job listings will outline all needed requirements, including training and education, as well as provide a detail summary of the job in question, including job responsibilities.