May 22 - July 30
Communication Complexities: Inight into National Weather Service Meteorologist Communication Perspectives
Tyrus A. Gampell, Elizabeth H Marold, and Daphne LaDue
What is already known:
- For a forecast to be effective, it must be communicated well.
- Elements that shape communication in forecasting have largely been looked at from the perspective of the general public.
- Communication is tightly linked between forecasters, partners, and the general public.
- There is a gap in literature on what shapes communication from a forecaster's perspective.
What this study adds:
- Trust between forecasters and recipients is the most important factor that shapes effective communication.
- Directly stated and perceived preferences from partners influence what meteorologists include in their forecasts.
- Because forecasters perceive that some communication barriers and failures are present, they are working to mitigate these complications, such as through increased outreach.
Abstract:
The job of an NWS meteorologist is not just to create a forecast but also to communicate it to partners and the general public. While forecasting tools and technology have undergone improvements, refining forecast accuracy, problems arise if that forecast is not effectively communicated. The goal of this study is to examine what shapes NWS meteorologists' communication with partners and the public to better understand opportunities and challenges in implementing the Brief Vulnerability Overview Tool (BVOT). We conducted a thematic analysis on eight interviews from National Weather Service weather forecast offices across the country. Our analysis resulted in four themes: 1. Trust is everything, and is the defining factor for success in forecaster communication. 2. Direct and perceived partner preferences shape the way forecasters tailor their messages. 3. A connecting relationship exists between forecaster experience, confidence, and expertise. 4. Perceived communication obstacles like cultural differences, reaching more vulnerable populations, and the failure of communication to reach all who need it were prevalent. These themes address key elements that shape the communication process of forecasts and directly influence how forecasters communicate with partners and the public.