Forensic Meteorology- Looking Back not Forward

The majority of meteorology goes into weather forecasting current day to 5 days out. There are also 15 day forecasts and even seasonal forecasts.

A narrower field of meteorology is the field of forensic analysis which involves looking at past weather data. This is not as exciting as all the popular TV shows such as the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) or Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). However, it is very interesting and critical work for the meteorologist.

There are many forensic science technicians, 12,000 covering many different fields. Here is a brief list: meteorology, computer, accounting, dentistry, graphology (handwriting), chemistry, anthropology, to name a few.

In the meteorology field we usually work with attorneys or representatives from the insurance field. There is usually an incident that occurred on a certain date in which weather was an important factor.

Our investigative work is made much easier if there are official weather records and data at the exact location of the incident. How many times does not occur? Not very often. Thus, we need to gather weather observation data from areas near to where the incident occurred and at times that can be challenging. However, given the vast network of data from the different government agencies this can be done. It just time for the proper analysis and to write up the detailed report.

Would this make a popular TV series?