Thu, 01 May 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 Who should you trust for a weather forecast?

Weather influencers can provide useful local information but are also accused of exaggerating conditions.
A cybersecurity lecturer and amateur weather forecaster, Andrew Brown, has gained a massive following on Facebook with his page Wally's Weather, which provides detailed updates on weather conditions in North Queensland, Australia. During the recent flooding that forced 400 people to evacuate their homes, Brown was instrumental in keeping his audience informed, publishing round-the-clock posts and waking up at night to share updates. Brown's dedication has earned him a loyal following of over 107,000 people who rely on his weather forecasts for accurate information about severe weather events. His efforts have also drawn praise from experts, who acknowledge that social media influencers like Brown are filling a gap in coverage and providing highly localised, real-time updates that mainstream media often overlook. However, experts warn that while weather influencers like Brown can provide valuable insights, they can also spread misinformation and engage in scaremongering. This is particularly concerning when it comes to predictions of extreme weather events, which can cause unnecessary panic among the public. Daniel Angus, a professor at Queensland University of Technology, notes that weather influencers have gained popularity due to a lack of trust in mainstream media and government sources. However, this trend also raises concerns about accountability, as social media platforms do not hold influencers to the same standards as traditional news outlets. In contrast to Brown's dedication to providing accurate forecasts, some weather influencers have been criticized for making exaggerated claims or spreading misinformation. Higgins Storm Chasing, a popular Facebook page with over one million followers, was accused of predicting historic levels of rainfall and flooding in 2018, which did not materialize. The rise of social media influencers has also created new opportunities for people to monetize their weather expertise. Andrew Markowitz, a meteorology graduate who works full-time for an energy company, earns up to thousands of dollars per month through a combination of live stream donations, sponsorships, and brand deals on his TikTok page. As the popularity of social media influencers continues to grow, experts warn that there is a need for greater regulation and accountability in the industry. In the meantime, Brown remains committed to providing accurate and reliable weather forecasts to his loyal following.
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