Nonahood News: What is your job?
Maureen McCann: I’m a broadcast meteorologist at Spectrum News 13. I work the morning shift.
NHN: What does your day-to-day schedule look like?
MM: I typically go to bed around 5 p.m. I wake up around 1:30 a.m. When I get to the station, I make my forecast from scratch. I look at weather models and charts. I take scientific information and make it into the information that people need. It’s a fast-paced show. When my shift ends and there isn’t COVID, I go to school and community events. My day wraps up early, earlier than most people.
NHN: What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
MM: Florida weather brings its own challenges with the placement of seabreeze boundaries during the afternoon and determining the coverage of thunderstorms. Adjusting to a schedule like this and to already be a few hours into my day when the rest of the world is waking up provides some challenges as well.
NHN: What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
MM: I’ve wanted to be a meteorologist since I was four years old, so it doesn’t feel like work to me. I love weather and being able to share weather with viewers. Every day is different. If you think about weather, it changes every day.
NHN: What got you interested in doing your current job in this area?
MM: I trace my interest back to Hurricane Gloria in 1985. A tree fell in our front yard on our neighbor’s car, and to a four-year-old, that was a big deal. I also feared thunderstorms and loud wind. I thought if I was a meteorologist I’d know when the weather was going to be bad, and I wouldn’t be as scared. I also wanted to be a broadcast meteorologist because we had to watch the news at my house every night. I wasn’t a shy kid, so I would pick up the phone and call the meteorologist that we watched on TV. After going into the studio and meeting that meteorologist, that confirmed it for me. It wasn’t until 2013 that I was presented an offer here in Central Florida. Since it was a hurricane that sparked my interest in the first place, this made sense.
NHN: You were recently elected an American Meteorological Society (AMS) fellow. Congratulations! Tell us about that.
MM: In addition to what I do at Spectrum News 13, I’m very involved with the AMS. It’s the world’s largest professional society dedicated to weather, water and climate science. I serve as the commissioner on professional affairs. I oversee committees involved with different aspects of the professional careers within meteorology. I was recently recognized as a fellow of the AMS, which is a distinction that is only given to about 2/10ths of 1% of the membership each year. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was honored because of my involvement in the society and my career as a meteorologist. It’s something I’m really proud of.
NHN: Do you have any interesting hobbies, collections, or interests?
MM: I’m a really big music fan. I have a lot of bands that I follow closely. I’m a really big fan of Huey Lewis and the News. Also, I know the technology has moved beyond to playlists, but I still make mix CDs and give them to friends.
NHN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
MM: I hope to still be doing something I love. If I’m still doing what I love, I know I’ll be happy.
NHN: What brought you to Lake Nona and when did you move here?
MM: I’ve been in Lake Nona since 2017. There’s so much more potential here than in any other part of Orlando. I’m so glad I moved.
NHN: Where are you from originally?
MM: I’m originally from Arlington, Massachusetts, which is right outside of Boston.
NHN: What do you love about Lake Nona?
MM: I love being close to the airport and a straight shot to Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach; easy access to attractions; how innovative it is; the access to the restaurants; and the exercise opportunities with the trails; and the yoga in the park. What I like the most is the sense of community and how easy it is to meet people. Everyone here is super friendly.
NHN: What would you say to anyone who is considering a move to Lake Nona?
MM: Come see it for yourself! Once I came down here and walked around, I realized this is such a cool place.
If there are any kids that want to go into meteorology or are interested in science, you can contact Maureen McCann at maureen.mccann@charter.com, or find her on the News 13 website!
