How Credible Is Weather Information Online Or In Social Media?

Weather is popular and fascinating. I have been a self-proclaimed “weather geek” since my sixth grade science project. Ironically, that project launched my career. I love all of the enthusiasm and interests surrounding weather. It is one of the few sciences that people experience. You never hear banter about nuclear engineering or quantum physics while standing in line at the grocery store, but conversations about weather are common. Meteorology is a quantitatively rigorous science steeped in dynamics, thermodynamics, physics, calculus, chemistry, statistics, and more. However, the end products (model output, Apps, maps, and forecasts) are accessible to everyone. These days, weather information is distributed by a variety of sources online or in social media. How do you know it is credible?

The nation’s largest professional society in the weather field, the American Meteorological Society, just debuted its Certified Digital Meteorologist program to help with that question. The AMS, founded in 1919, says it “Advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society.” It is also the organization that has long issued the now defunct AMS Seal of Approval and the current Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation. When you see a TV meteorologist with these designations, it indicates that they have rigourous training or education as a scientist and communicator. The AMS also has a Certified Consulting Meteorologist program so the CDM program is the latest addition.

According to the AMS website, “The Certified Digital Meteorologist (CDM) designation is granted to meteorologists who meet established criteria for scientific competence and effective communication skills in their weather presentations on all forms of digital media.” Clearly, this is an attempt by the Society to address the inconsistency in weather information available to the public on digital formats.

Professionals and enthusiasts often succumb to wishcasting, hyperbole, or clickbait posts based on one deterministic model run many days out. How does the public know what to consume? The website goes on to say, “Meteorologists who qualify for a CDM include those who produce graphical information, produce content in a digital format, and/or provide independent consultation on a digital format like a private website or social media.”

The National Weather Association is the other major weather organization in the United States. NWA also has a professioanl broadcast seal and was first to adopt a digital seal program. According to the NWA website, “The National Weather Association Digital Seal of Approval program began in 2014 with the goal of distinguishing scientifically based credible weather content on the internet from all others.” At the time of writing, only four people were listed on their website as holding the NWA Digital Seal.

Even before the NWA debuted its Digital Seal, I floated the idea of some type of digital seal during my tenure as President of the AMS (2013). However, I could not gain much traction. Common retorts included:

• Many people do not understand the TV seals so why bother.
• Some meteorologists with Seals still distribute questionable information or hyperbole.
• It will drive a wedge between the professional meteorologist and weather enthusiast communities.

The numbers from the NWA Digital Seal, now almost ten years old, suggest that naysayers may have valid points. However, the AMS is a larger organization and may be able to move the needle on their CDM program. As we transition to the winter season, I am reminded of all the bad snowstorm information that gets posted. Often times, people reading the posts cannot distinguished weather the information is credible, wishcasting, or a carelessness for the sake of re-shares or followers. Let’s see if the CDM gains traction.

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