Oregon has strong interest in weather watching

We're all affected by the weather. More people watch the weather segment of the television newscast than any other portion to learn about any possible inconvenience that the elements may impose on their planned activities.

And for many folks that's where their interest begins and ends.

Yet weather seems to hold a fascination for an increasing number of Oregonians. The Oregon chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) is now the largest local chapter in the country, according to President Steve Pierce. Up by an impressive 250 percent over the past three years, membership in the organization is more than 180 strong and still growing.

Why the sudden upsurge in weather awareness? Reasons could range from a recognition that weather forecasting is getting better (still not perfect) to increasing concerns about world-wide climate change.

Pierce suspects the real reason may lie closer to home. He believes the jump in membership can be attributed to greater media coverage, through television, radio and the printed page.

"We are an open society of like-minded individuals who all have a passion for weather. Our public outreach via local news media, social media and the like are huge contributors," says Pierce.

The chapter's annual Winter Weather Forecast Conference held at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland regularly attracts as many as 350 people.

"The single largest increase in membership came in early 2012 when we hosted two controversial meetings surrounding the topic of human-caused global warming. Each of these meetings received global media attention," said Pierce.

The Oregon chapter is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds. There are professional meteorologists and climatologists, teachers and professors, and students. There is also a significant number of folks in other fields of endeavor, who seek a better understanding of weather and how it might impact their livelihoods. Arborists, aviators, farmers, foresters, hot-air balloonists, and ski resort operators are just a few examples.

There are also many who simply have a keen interest in weather and want to learn more. All are welcome.

The society's stated mission is to advance professional ideals in the science of meteorology and to promote the development, exchange, and application of meteorological knowledge. This is accomplished through the efforts of the governing board, who schedule monthly meetings from September through May (except for December, when holiday activities tend to interfere).

Normally, an expert in some aspect of weather is invited to speak at these meetings.

Although summers are usually too busy for most people to congregate on a monthly basis, many can find time to attend the annual barbecue picnic.

"I am very proud of the efforts of our entire executive council. They are a great group of professionals and genuinely nice folks to boot," said Pierce.

The society also disseminates weather knowledge through its technical speaker bureau. Chapter members often volunteer to talk about weather at schools, colleges, and private organizations. They also serve as judges at local and regional science fairs.

The national AMS was founded in 1919. In May of 1947, through the efforts of Professor Fred Decker, a meteorological seminar group was established at Oregon State College (OSC). By 1955 the OSC group was reorganized as a statewide branch of the parent AMS.

Currently, approximately 90 percent of the chapter members live within about 50 miles of the Portland/Vancouver area. But there are a few members in Central Oregon, including television meteorologist Bob Shaw of KTVZ channel 21 in Bend.

On January 8, 2013, at a national AMS meeting in Austin, Texas, the Oregon Chapter will be recognized for its outstanding accomplishments in 2012, according to Pierce.

Steve Pierce invites anyone in the state who might be interested in the Oregon AMS to email him directly at

[email protected]

For more information, visit http://www.ametsoc.org/chapters/oregon.