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How
is a Points West weather forecast put together? Well the evening
forecast which goes out live at about 6:55 PM starts life as early
as 11am when I arrive at the weather desk.
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| Richard
Angwin updates his graphics on the Mac |
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 Apple Mac which is great for graphic 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.
All the weather forecasts are '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. |
| Richard
Angwin |
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.
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 are '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.
by
Richard Angwin
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