Aspiring weatherman predicts his future to be sunny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Zoe Deno

Editor-in-Chief

Hudson Valley Community College student Nick Timpanaro gets a head start on his ambition to become a weatherman through his own nightly Facebook Live weather show, “The Weather Deck.”

Known to many as The Alpine Lake Weatherman, Timpanaro began his interest in weather as a Weather Watcher Network member when he was 10. The Weather Watcher Network is a tip-off system for citizen weatherpeople to notify news teams about weather conditions on the ground. The photos, videos and information sent directly inform upcoming broadcasts.

To this day, Timpanaro consistently transmits weather data, using this system, to his home city Mechanicville.

Timpanaro’s Weather Watcher Network participation led directly to a friendship and mentorship under Chief Meteorologist for News10 ABC and community leader, Steve Caporizzo.

Caporizzo recently invited Timpanaro to the News 10 ABC’s station, responding to Timpanaro’s interest in the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing a professional weather broadcast.

Timpanaro toured the studio, was shown how graphics are made, met the news team and observed the weather-tracking equipment. Later that day, Timpanaro stood in on a live broadcast.

“I felt very amazed to be one [on the weather broadcast.] To have that opportunity. To let people know that this is what I do,” said Timpanaro.

Timpanaro considers this experience to have been a major highlight in his weatherman aspirations.

“It’s really helped me set a goal … I’m very motivated now that I’ve started college at Hudson Valley, taking classes that will get me to my degree program,” said Timpanaro.

The importance of weatherpeople to Timpanaro is rooted in a passion for public service, particularly during crisis.

“Weathermen are important because they let viewers know what’s going on. If there’s a tornado, a lot of people are going to turn to T.V. because weathermen are the people you can trust to know what’s going on in an area,” he said.

Timpanaro, currently an individual studies major, is working through his prerequisites to enter the physical science track, before transferring to UAlbany for Meteorology.

“It’s going to take a lot of work, but I’m gonna give it all I can. If I don’t do so [well] in a certain class going into the future, I’ll retake it. I’ll try to get extra help.”

Squaring his passions with reality, the possibility of not becoming a weatherman has crossed Timpanaro’s mind, and he’s prepared to pursue other career and degree paths.

One such obstacle confronting Timpanaro as well as the industry of traditional weather prediction and television is declining viewership among younger generations.

According to Nielson Holdings PLC, a data and measurement company that records statistics for the television industry, the top 10 shows of America’s 2017-2018 season included “Young Sheldon”, “Will & Grace” and “The Voice”.  The viewership ages ranged from 58.6 to 47.8 years old, with younger viewers preferring YouTube for their entertainment and quick-reference applications for their weather, according to ad-buying firm Magna.

Changes to climate and the increase in storm events, however, present a silver lining to the industry Timpanaro’s passions rest on.

The Weather Channel reported it’s highest ratings following the hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey. Despite facing a 74% devaluation of its brand in 2015, viewership peaked across all demographics, including a 7% increase in viewership by millennials. The Weather Channel’s digital footprint, and thus, connection to the millennial audience has grown as it’s television brand slowly declines, with the second and seventh most downloaded iPad and iPhone applications respectively.

Timpanaro’s style of social media weather presentation wasn’t an intended adaptation to the market forces, but they may be a manifestation of his generational savvy. Between extreme weather events and the digitization of the information economy, the weather industry will have a need for passionate experts like Timpanaro who believe it’s important provide not only what the weather is, but why the weather is.

To anyone who shares his passion for weather, Timpanaro implores them to pursue it. “Don’t give up … set a goal. Try to accomplish that goal. Take all the classes. Give it your best.”