November 7, 2006 NBC4 Meteorologist Bob Ryan To Discuss Weather Forecasting

Bob Ryan, chief meteorologist at NBC4 (WRC-TV), will discuss weather forecasting in a lecture at the Library of Congress at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave S.E., Washington, D.C.

An exhibit of historical and current weather material from the Library’s general collections will be on display, along with cartographic weather material from the Library’s Geography and Maps Division.

The event, sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division, is free and open to the public; no reservations are needed.

Ryan has been NBC4’s chief meteorologist since 1980, making him the longest-serving weathercaster in Washington. His career began in Cambridge, Mass., where he was involved in cloud physics research with Arthur D. Little, Inc. A side job as a broadcast meteorologist turned into a full-time job as the principal meteorologist for Boston's WCVB-TV. In 1978, Ryan became the first meteorologist to appear regularly on NBC's “Today” show.

Ryan is involved professionally in science. In 1996, he was elected president of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), making him the only broadcaster to have led this prestigious organization. His other positions in AMS have included chair of the Board of Broadcast Meteorology, a commissioner on Professional Affairs and member of the Society’s Council. He also has served on the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate for the National Academy of Sciences, two committees of the National Research Council and the Advisory Committee of the Geoscience Directorate of the National Science Foundation. Ryan has also been called upon repeatedly to testify before various committees of Congress.

During his career, Ryan has received numerous awards, including regional Emmys and the Ted Yates Emmy for outstanding service to the community. His alma mater, the University of Albany, presented him with a "Distinguished Alumni" award, and the AMS gave him the Charles Franklin Brooks Award for his outstanding service.