TV Weatherman Visits Mercaz Academy in Plainview

Rich Hoffman, the weatherman for News12 Long Island, visited Mercaz Academy in Plainview to provide students from kindergarten through grade six with a fascinating insider’s view of the science of meteorology. He brought some of the tools of his trade with him, including an anemometer for measuring wind speed, a specialized thermometer, and even an actual weather balloon. (“How do you blow that up?” one student wanted to know. Mr. Hoffman assured him that he doesn’t do it himself, as it requires a helium pump.)

Mr. Hoffman, over the course of three presentations targeted to each age group, shared a wealth of information about how he obtains his data and the skills necessary to process it into an actual weather forecast. Older students were impressed by the number of math and science courses Mr. Hoffman took to earn his advanced degree, and astonished by the length and complexity of one of many equations meteorologists use to predict weather. Younger students were more surprised when Mr. Hoffman demonstrated the usage of another tool he needs to do his job–a makeup bag! He explained that makeup is necessary on TV just to look normal, because of the bright lines shining on performers.

Meteorologists usually just predict snow, but Mr. Hoffman delighted his audience by actually mixing up a handful of snow for them. However, his most impressive feat occurred the morning after his presentation, when the thunderstorm Mr. Hoffman predicted for approximately 8:00 am arrived, right on schedule.