Before most people have even gotten out of bed, meteorologist Josh Eachus is suited up and settled into his office at WBRZ.
As 225 details in a feature from its current issue, Eachus’ morning routine is intense.
By 7 a.m., he has put together a forecast for the day and a two- to seven-day outlook, analyzed satellite images, deciphered sheets of numbers from three different methods of weather models, recorded a radio broadcast, built graphics for his on-air standups and delivered quick live forecast hits six times an hour throughout the morning programming.
It helps that he loves what he does.
“I fancy myself a good communicator, but there are a lot of people all around this country in this position that are scientists through and through—have a little bit of a nerd value to them,” Eachus says with a laugh. “And sometimes nerds can be a little bit awkward or not the best communicators. Not saying I’m not a nerd, but I’m trying to be a communications nerd, too.”
Eachus has based his own Ph.D. program at LSU, an all-new focus called “weather communications,” around the communications element.
Studying psychology, risk perception and media effects has given Eachus a new insight into how to best reach WBRZ viewers—insights he keeps track of with his blog, The Weather Social.
His vision for the future of meteorology: scientists who understand the most effective ways to engage with their audiences as well as they understand precipitable water.
“There are some people out there who seem to root for bad weather,” Eachus says. “We like to root for people.”
