As a forecaster for the National Weather Service (NWS), Rick Smith spent a lot of time analyzing data.  The NWS forecast office is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year to keep you posted on everything from what to wear to the beach to when you should take shelter from a storm. 

Forecasters like Rick spend most of their time analyzing data from computer models, satellite pictures, radar, and other sources to prepare forecasts for each county in their region.  They also make forecasts for TV broadcasts and airports, so planes can travel safely, and decide when to issue weather alerts and warnings. 

Rick says, "Local experts impact everyone's lives every single day.  People need and want to know what the weather will be like.  But forecasters really make a difference in severe weather.  That's when our warnings save lives."

Rick loves being a forecaster.  His interest in the weather started when he was just a kid.  At first he was scared of storms, and then he was fascinated by them. 

Rick thinks the NWS forecast office is an interesting and exciting place to work, and he says it's always challenging.  He says the hardest part about being a forecaster is the complexity of the atmosphere and the unpredictability of the weather, especially when hazardous weather is forming.  Rick knows that people depend on warnings from forecasters to keep them safe in bad weather, so he feels a strong sense of responsibility for his work.  That's a big reason why Rick and the other forecasters work very hard to make accurate predictions that help keep everyone safe.

Rick advises anyone interested in this career to start early in school.  Do your math homework, and pay attention to science class- you will use math and science every day as a forecaster.  Rick also encourages curiosity.  He says, "Do whatever you can to learn more... go out and experience the weather, watch programs about storms, and look up information on the web."