Storytelling with Weather
Melissa Constanzer, a professional broadcast meteorologist with AccuWeather, will run for miles in temperatures ranging from 9 degrees above zero to 97 degrees above zero.
That wide spectrum of commitment to getting outside combined with her thorough knowledge and passion for weather is why she is our Wonder Guide for episode 14.
Melissa and her husband Matt at the Mainland Ice Caves, Apostle Islands, Wisconsin.
Stories that Help Everyone
Despite her vast knowledge of math and science, Melissa knows that her main job is to tell a story with weather. A story that will help others know more about their environment and be able to stay safe and healthy.
When you watch a meteorologist like Melissa you may assume that she’s following along on script written by others. But most often that’s not the case.
She’s the one picking the graphics, the sequence, the emphasis – in other words, telling a story to us that keeps our attention and keeps us informed.
Green Screen Choreography
And she does all of that while using multiple monitors, mirrors, touch screens – while keeping it all smooth and steady on live television.
It’s a lot to juggle but Melissa’s confidence with all the many tasks is why she’s been a successful meteorologist in Wisconsin, Alabama and now at AccuWeather.
Terms and More Terms
Our conversation ranges widely and we dig into the many fascinating terms around weather including: transpiration, vortex, corn sweat, Dixie Alley, density, Blue Norther and a weather phenomenon I had never heard of before; graupel.
It’s All Science and Math.
For anyone interested in a career in meteorology be sure to keep up that STEM side of your education! Melissa prefers physics and earth science to biology. That understanding, combined with observing the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, is what led her to become a meteorologist.
Hurricane Katrina
Melissa was deeply affected by the power and destruction of Katrina and feeling motivated to help people, decided to pursue meteorology.
“The more information you can give them, the more power they have to make the proper decision.”
Every Region Has Difficult Town Names
Quick, say Minocqua, Conshohocken and Gautier three times fast! Chances are you can’t do that and you mispronounced them all. Enter the meteorologist who needs to learn to say all of those names with ease. Melissa expanded her fondness for geography as a young student to an ever expanding vocabulary for towns as a weather reporter. By the way, Minocqua is in Wisconsin. Conshohocken is in Pennsylvania and Gautier is in Mississippi.
Let’s Talk Weather
Melissa also knows that weather is the common bond between people – a topic that builds community. She describes her most important mission as helping people get out and discover reasons to love where they live. She knows, first hand, that this will make you a happier person.
Melissa and Matt are expecting their first child any day!
Hurricanes, Ozarks & Water Spouts, Oh My!
We also talk about the water cycle, all kinds of clouds, the jet stream and exactly why hurricanes travel in the direction that they do! (Hint: it has to do with the sun’s energy hitting mostly at the equator.)
Melissa’s passion for weather, her command of the science and her need to simply unplug and go outside is a great gift to all of us so be sure to listen to all of episode 14!
Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away
In Where Art Meets Nature with DJ Shark we analyze the multiple award-winning song, Blown Away by Carrie Underwood. The metaphors of thunderstorms and tornadoes dominate this compelling and moving story about a girl’s struggle with an abusive and alcoholic father.
3 x 3 Main Street Challenge
Since Mobile, Alabama was a stopping point for Melissa’s career we are going to start at a BBQ Restaurant at 3103 West Main Street called McMillan Bar-B-Que. And we know it’s great food because they don’t have a website.
Just 3 minutes away is John Dotson Park at 320 Thompson Blvd, Chickasaw, AL 36611.
Just 30 minutes away is the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Under 3 hours away is Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.
Remember that the 3 x 3 Main Street challenge is something you can do right now! Look at a map for where you are right now and see what amazing, fun and exciting outdoor options are near you!
There’s No Planet B
Let’s get some of the outside inside! Time to get some plants into your home environment. It’s good for you and your loved ones on so many levels. Here’s a great list of benefits and plant suggestions!
One of our indoor plants…with a spooky friend.
