Extreme weather events, droughts, hotter summers and snowy winters that paralyze Madrid, like the Filomena episode, are no longer rare. Climate change is an undeniable reality and public concern grows as awareness expands. This concern is reflected in the time people dedicate to weather and climate topics on television as audiences demand more—we are constantly reshaping how we fight fraud and address the needs of saving the planet.
In a few years, meteorologists evolved from merely delivering a forecast to becoming versatile media figures. They are now widely recognized on television, and programs spend less time guessing because people can access information instantly online. Audiences want visual context for meteorological, astronomical, and geological events. The professionals who study weather have transformed from remote experts into collaborative communicators who connect with viewers on air and beyond.
Foresight at your fingertips
“Predicting is interesting, but it must stay within reach for people,” explains Marc Redondo, a meteorologist on Aruseros in La Sexta and a PhD candidate at the University of Barcelona in the Information and Communication department, where climate change communication is studied. The work behind the servers involves interpreting forecasts and presenting meteorological events in a way that the audience can grasp, often accompanied by striking images from around the world.
“It isn’t just about telling what the weather will be like,” notes Tomàs Molina, head of meteorology at TV3. He emphasizes the need to connect with people because atmospheric phenomena can be exhausting to follow. The meteorologist’s mission, therefore, is to help reduce uncertainty.
Television programs are no longer passive moments. Viewers now send photos, videos, and feedback via social networks. The meteorological field has earned its own presence—no longer just the last five minutes of news—and now includes scientific explanations and on-air reporting. Meteorologists have also shed the stiff image of years past and now aim to feel more approachable to the audience.
Informative study
“The best part of the job is the broader context of foresight. That’s where a meteorologist can leave their mark,” says Francisco Cacho, a meteorologist on La Sexta. He notes that forecasts from different networks aren’t drastically different, and personalities come through in the conversational style and storytelling. “We now bear more responsibility and take on informative work on climate change,” adds the host of La Sexta Meteo.
Tomàs Molina, previously cited, adds that current forecasts are enhanced by more robust data and transparent explanation, helping the public understand what’s happening. The emphasis is on credible information and clear communication, which can help counter misinformation and improve public understanding of climate trends.
Tomàs Molina also notes that broadcasters often feature scientists in newsrooms and on programs throughout the day, reflecting a growing demand from society for science-informed content. When television invites such participation, it signals a need for reliable, easy-to-understand information in real time.
“We are no longer restricted by set times; there is freedom to share, and you can discuss a wide range of topics,” Redondo says. On a four-hour program, he sits on the set of Aruseros like any other host, sharing informed opinions across topics. He adds that the profession has reached a level of professionalism where even more news could be covered, and the public’s trust in meteorologists has grown. Predictions have become more reliable, and information more accurate. The challenge remains to identify falsehoods on social networks as they arise, but there are now more tools to verify them.
Mobile weather apps can be useful, but their estimates are not perfect. They are computed by powerful computers to provide local forecasts and may not be reviewed by a meteorologist. Temperature readings from apps do not reflect the actual street conditions, which can differ from one location to another. Meteorologists explain that phones do not contain thermometers and cannot always report real values. Even when a forecast misses the mark, a meteorologist can interpret what is expected to happen and offer context. That interpretive role preserves the romance of weather prediction while advancing understanding. Experts acknowledge the growing complexity but remain committed to improving accuracy and public education.
All agree that it is a vibrant time to be in meteorology. The fascination with new atmospheric phenomena persists despite the severity of climate change, and the landscape of television weather reporting will continue to evolve just as the science does.