Sparking an Interest In Meteorology

The best kind of jobs are the ones you enjoy doing. 

"I say if it's your passion, then do it," said Channel 2's Chief Meteorologist, Mike Alger. 

For some meteorologists their interest in weather started at a young age. Alex Hoon now works for the National Weather Service in Reno, but he grew up in Tornado Alley.

"I went to Boy Scout camp when I was about ten years old, and I saw a tornado. Ever since then I've been fascinated with the weather," said Hoon. 

For me, Angela Schilling, and for Mike Alger, our interest in meteorology came about a little bit differently.

I always knew I wanted to do something with math or science, but my passion for meteorology began in high school after doing a weather project for school.

Mike always knew he wanted to do something with science as well. 

"When I was in college I gravitated towards a chemistry and geology degree and then getting out, looking over the backgrounds, the weather was something that I could drive around, look at the clouds and say, 'hey, I know what's going on up there,'" said Alger. 

I've heard this from many meteorologists, that experiencing weather is what got them interested in it. Marvin Boyd came to Reno from North Carolina. He loves all types of weather.

"So from a scale from of one to ten how would you rate yourself as far as being a weather nerd? Probably an eight," answered Marvin Boyd of the National Weather Service. 

"There's plenty of severe weather here. Especially in the summertime. Just fun to watch," said Boyd. 

Hoon has grown to love western weather as well.

"I used to really love severe weather, but in recent years I've actually learned to love fire weather a lot," said Hoon.

There's another side to meteorologists too. We don't like to be wrong. 

"I'm learning a little bit, if anything this job will teach you humility," said Alger. 

Western Nevada is a unique place to forecast for.

"I would say the mountains make it very difficult at times," added meteorologist Shane Snyder. 

"The weather is challenging, but that's what makes it fun," said Alger. 

So if you have a passion for something go for it.