Rob McElwee became member of the BBC Television's weather team in May 1991, making his first appearance on screen on July 23.
Rob joined the Meteorological Office in March 1982 and spent most of the next eight years enjoying the Salisbury Plain, observing the weather on the Army Air Corps base of Netheravon. After realisation that life ought to change, he trained as a forecaster and went to airbases in East Anglia.
A Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, Rob lives with his wife and two sons in Buckinghamshire. His hobby is finding enough time to have a hobby, so far he has failed.
Since Michael Fish's retirement he is now surprised to find himself the longest serving national BBC TV Weatherman.
FAQ - Rob McElwee
Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Rob McElwee on your behalf...
What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?
Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?
I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?
I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?
Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?
Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?
Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?
I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?
Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.