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In the next hour or so I look at a host of data - computer
output, forecast guidance, satellite, radar and observational
data.
When
I am fully satisfied as to how I think the weather will unfold
over the next few days I begin making up the weather charts
that appear on the programme.
The
charts are produced on an Mac which is great for graphical
work. I usually have a set of basic charts to cover tonight,
tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon, tide times and the outlook.
But other charts showing satellite images, weather radar or
forecast winds can enhance the forecast, making the key points
of the weather easier for the viewer to understand.
When
all the charts are prepared, I have combed my hair and straightened
my tie, it is time to go into the studio.
The
weather forecast on Points West is usually about two minutes
long. But I often find out the actual duration of the weather
just as I am about to go on air.
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| Where
the camera sees blue, the weather map gets inserted |
I
rely on the floor manager to give me the timings. He has signals
for one minute and thirty seconds. As he begins his final
countdown to zero, I have to wind up the forecast and hand
back to the presenters.
If I finish too early, the presenters will have to fill in.
If I run over, then they may have to drop the headlines at
the end of the problem and if I continue talking we may simply
run out of time and the national news presenters will appear
on screen at exactly 6:55 PM.
All
the weather forecasts and ‘live’ and there is no autocue.
I simply cannot use a script because it is my job to fill
any gaps in the programme and I have to be flexible.
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