per the last line of the column…i was curious and found this…kinda sounds fun
LINK TO COLUMN: Are weathermen checked for forecast accuracy? Have advances in technology improved the accuracy of weather forecasting? - The Straight Dope
Are weathermen checked for forecast accuracy? Have advances in technology improved the accuracy of w
What are you talking about? The “last line of the column”, from what I can see, is
What does that have to do with advances in technology?
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The “last line of the column” is
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Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Boards, ryeman1234, we’re glad to have you with us. When you start a thread, it’s helpful to provide a link to the column on which you’re commenting. Helps avoid confusion (like Keeve’s) and cuts down on search time. No biggie, you’ll know for next time, I’ve added the link for you, and, as I say, welcome.
Are weathermen checked for forecast accuracy?
Sorta depends on who you define as “weathermen”. (And by “weathermen”, let’s agree we’re not talking about these guys. Let’s just call 'em “forecasters” for now. (Less sexist, at a minimum.)
My own background is U S military. Mostly associated with military meteorology. Not a meteorologist, but a data systems guy (computers and communications). So I can speak only from close and sustained observation, not actual practice.
In the military, there’s a strict organizational structure and (theoretically) a lot of attention to post-evaluation of actions and decision. Forecasting isn’t different. In any largish USAF military forecasting organization (for instance, at a regional or theater-level headquarters, usually with a echelon level of squadron), there is at least some staff which is responsible for statistical analysis of forecast accuracy. And within an operational team of forecasters, I think it’s the responsibility of team leadership to keep an informal eye on the quality of forecasts issued by their folks.