Weatherwise

Weatherwise. First published in 1948, this American magazine is dedicated to the popular science of meteorology and climatology, serving as a bridge between professional atmospheric scientists and weather enthusiasts. It is renowned for its accessible yet authoritative coverage of weather phenomena, climate change, historical events, and forecasting. Owned and published by Taylor & Francis, the magazine has become a staple resource for educators, amateur meteorologists, and the generally curious public interested in the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere.

History

The magazine was founded in 1948 by David M. Ludlum, a pioneering weather historian and avid chronicler of American weather events. Its creation filled a niche for a publication that could translate complex atmospheric science into engaging prose for a non-specialist audience, emerging in a post-war era of growing public interest in science and technology. Initially published by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) through its subsidiary, the Helderf Publications, the magazine established its core mission of education and outreach. In 1984, publication responsibilities were transferred to Taylor & Francis, a major international academic publishing house, which has stewarded the magazine since, maintaining its commitment to quality and scientific integrity while expanding its reach.

Content and features

Each issue typically contains a blend of feature articles, regular columns, and vivid photographic essays focusing on significant weather events and atmospheric science principles. Recurring segments often include analyses of notable storms like Hurricane Katrina or the 1993 Storm of the Century, explorations of climatic patterns such as El Niño, and tutorials on weather observation and weather forecasting techniques. The magazine is particularly noted for its extensive use of photography, including spectacular images of lightning, tornadoes, and cloud formations, and for its detailed chronicles of historical weather events, such as the Dust Bowl or the Great Blizzard of 1888. It also regularly covers the societal impacts of weather and climate, including topics like drought mitigation and the science of global warming.

Publication and circulation

*Weatherwise* is published on a bimonthly schedule, issuing six editions per year. It is produced under the Taylor & Francis imprint, specifically within its portfolio of science and education magazines. The magazine is available through both print subscriptions and digital formats, catering to a global readership that includes libraries, educational institutions, and individual subscribers. While exact circulation figures are not publicly disclosed, its longevity and consistent publication underscore a stable and dedicated audience within the communities of amateur meteorology, science education, and general science readership.

Impact and recognition

The magazine has exerted a significant influence on public understanding of meteorology and has been a trusted resource for decades, often cited in educational materials and by media outlets covering major weather events. It has contributed to the popularization of meteorology as a hobby and has helped foster a more scientifically literate public discourse on climate issues. While it does not typically feature in mainstream media awards circuits, its impact is evidenced by its enduring presence and its role as a gateway publication for many who pursue careers in atmospheric sciences or related fields like oceanography and environmental science.

Editors and contributors

The founding editor, David M. Ludlum, set the magazine's editorial tone, contributing extensively as an author and establishing its reputation for meticulous weather historiography. Subsequent editors have included atmospheric scientists and skilled science communicators who have maintained the publication's high standards. Contributors over the decades have ranged from prominent academic researchers from institutions like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to skilled freelance science writers and accomplished amateur observers and storm chasers. This blend of professional and enthusiast voices has been central to the magazine's unique character and authority.

Category:American science magazines Category:Meteorology magazines Category:Publications established in 1948 Category:Bimonthly magazines published in the United States Category:Taylor & Francis academic journals