How did television meteorologists become household names, and why can’t I name a single one of these guys?

Everyone in my life seems to know the names of the television meteorologists. They say things like, “Brad Somebody is hosting this charity event next weekend” or “Bruce Gobbledygook says it’s going to rain tomorrow.”

Even my student’s know these names.

I can’t help but wonder:

These people can’t actually be watching the local news. Right?

They can’t be sitting through reports on car accidents and house fires and gas station robberies in order to hear a weather forecast that they can get on their phone or computer at any moment. Can they?

And if not, how does everyone seem to know Brad Somebody and Bruce Gobbledygook’s names?

New rule: NO MORE WEATHER TALK

I have a new policy, which I enacted (somewhat awkwardly) for the first time yesterday:

Whenever the topic of conversation turns to the weather, and it doesn’t include a tornado, hurricane, major snow event, or similar weather anomaly, I leave the room if at all possible.

We all have the current weather conditions and the weekly forecast for anywhere in the world on our phones. We have maps with Doppler radar imaging that allow us to track storm systems with the accuracy of a meteorologist.

We don’t need to talk about the weather anymore.

I’d rather converse with a mean-spirited, overly aggressive New York Jets fan than someone who is tedious, and nothing strikes me as more tedious than a needless conversation about the weather.