Celebrate World Meteorology Day with Candice King
NIU STEAM reached out to NIU alum Candice King, Emmy nominated chief meteorologist at Rockford’s WTVO Channel 17, WQRF Fox 39 and MyStateLine.com, to find out what it’s like to work as a meteorologist.
Question: Tell us about yourself…
Answer: My name is Candice King. I was born and raised in northern Illinois, and grew up on a dairy farm in Ridott, IL. Weather and farming go pretty much hand in hand and can have a very big impact on the daily life of a farmer. I remember while growing up I would always wonder why on one day it would rain, and then the next it was sunny and dry. While I was interested in weather, it wasn’t the first thing I wanted to study when I was younger. I wanted to become a nurse. But when I was in junior high school, the movie Twister came out and it was right there in the movie theatre that I decided I wanted to study meteorology.
Q: How did you come to study and later work in meteorology?
A: At first, I thought it would be ‘fun’ to be someone who was on TV, but then I quickly realized that I didn’t really like being in front of people speaking. So, there were a few other meteorology career paths that I thought about while I was in school studying meteorology. But one day I started an internship with another local TV station during my last year of college, and I really enjoyed it. The station had a weekend spot open up, and I quickly moved into that position. That was back in 2005.
Q: What does a typical workday look like for you?
A: My schedule is usually 1:30 p.m. to about 11 p.m., depending on what is going on with the weather. Some days I need to come in earlier, and some days I need to stay later. We have an editorial meeting around 1:45 p.m. that I attend daily to give an update with the forecast. That usually doesn’t last too long. Once finished, I head back into the weather center to start my day. I spend a couple hours working on the forecast, looking at current weather data, satellite/radar, surface observations, etc. Once I’m done with that, I then begin to look at forecast weather models to put my forecast together. I try to be done with everything around 4:30 p.m., leaving me with just a little under 30 minutes to get ready for the 5 p.m. newscast. We have a 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. during the week. In between shows I will make any changes or adjustments to the forecast, if needed, and update weather stories on the website.
Q: What are some of the skills, knowledge and education needed to be a successful meteorologist?
A: To work as a meteorologist, it’s very helpful to have good communication skills, along with the ability to remain calm during what can be very stressful situations. Education is also important for preparing for a career in meteorology. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University. It is a four-year program. Before attending NIU, I received my Associate of Science Degree at a community college where I grew up. While I was there, I was able to get most of the required math and physics classes I needed before starting my meteorology courses. There is a lot of math and science involved in earning a meteorology degree.
Q: What are some parts of your work that might surprise people?
A: One thing that may surprise people about being on TV is that even the guys have to wear make-up. And depending on what market you are in, most of the people on TV do their own hair and make-up. Meteorologists put a lot of time and effort into their forecasts – it’s not as easy as some may think. And all of us put our own forecasts together, no copying.
Q: What are some ways your work challenges you?
A: I would have to say one of the challenges with my job is with difficult forecasts, such as a big winter storm or other severe weather. Winter precipitation can sometimes be challenging to forecast because of the range of temperatures that can occur, or a subtle change in the storm track.
Q: What are some struggles you face in your work? And how do you handle them?
A: Another challenge can be some of the negative comments we receive, either on the forecast or how we dress/look. With forecasts, I usually take my time to look through all the data I have available to me, look back at previous storms that may have had similar storm tracks, overall atmospheric conditions, etc., to see what the outcome of those storms were. While no two storms are alike, it can help give me a little more of a clear idea of what could happen. I will also discuss the forecast with the other meteorologists at the station to get their input. When someone makes a comment about the forecast, or perhaps even has a suggestion, I will try to talk with them about it – go through the process of the forecast and see if any compromises can be made (like if they want something adjusted on a graphic, or anything like that). As for the negative comments I receive about my appearance, I try not to let them impact me too much. I usually just delete them and move on.
Q: What advice would you give to students interested in working in this field?
A: My greatest advice to anyone who would like to pursue a career in meteorology, or any study, is don’t give up! If it’s your dream, follow that dream! I can almost guarantee there will be struggles and bumps along the way, but don’t let those define who you are. Sometimes those bumps and struggles can make us grow even stronger in our field, knowing that we can overcome whatever obstacle we may face.
Q: World Meteorological Day on March 23, 2022, has the theme “Early Warning and Early Action.” What does that mean to you?
A: To me, this means being more prepared for the weather events we may face. Understanding and knowing where you live in your county, where that county is located in your state, and having an overall awareness of weather and climate. And when it is time to take action, take it! Don’t wait until it is too late. For severe weather, that means having multiple ways to receive watch/warning alerts. Having a severe weather plan, practicing that plan, and then implementing that plan when needed.
I also think it means we must understand how our climate is changing, because it IS changing. It’s so very important to understand how our weather patterns will change in the future, and what that means for the overall climate of our world and for the generations that follow us. We need to be more aware of what we’re doing now and how it will have serious impacts to come.
