@JoelECarlson – Welcome everyone to today’s Twitterview with @ChikageWindler. It’s snowing in MN, but she has some time for us!
@ChikageWindler – Thanks Joel – let’s get this Twitterview underway!
Q – #1 Since our 1st Twitterview together (7/14), you’ve been able to do national weathercasts on @GMA. How many times?
A: I’ve been on GMA/World News about a dozen times. Usually weekends/most recent for Sam C. Dec 26-29 incl. NYC blizzard!
Q – #2 You get the “fun” assignments! :) How is a national forecast compiled as opposed to local ones like at @kstp?
A: Local @kstp I do everything: forecast/make graphics/hair/makeup/etc. Nat’l @GMA I get help from a great team!
@GMA I work one of several talented off-air meteorologists who brief me on all nat’l weather of importance.
Q – #3 I see. Is the accuracy w/a national forecast tricky too since the area being researched is so much bigger?
A: It’s crucial to have someone behind the scenes @GMA b/c so much is going on at once! Esp. w/ big storms.
@GMA I usually go over all the forecast elements while sitting in hair/makeup. And did I mention they are fantastic?
Q – #4 In addition to your @GMA appearances. How have you grown in your meteorology knowledge?
A: Doing nat’l weather on @GMA you realize everything is relative. 1″ snow MN – no big deal. 1″ snow Georgia – major!
Think it’s a big plus that I’ve worked in a lot of places to know snow/severe/tropical/hot/cold/nor’easters/etc.
Q – #5 @ChikageWindler Can a meteorologist gain additional certification?
A: I recently got my CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) designation from the AMS. Passed exam 1st time! Studied alot
Q – #6 Congrats! As someone still relatively new to the Twin Cities, what are some new things that you’ve seen or done?
A: Love the Twin Cities! St. Paul Winter Carnival (ice sculptures/snow carving) & Holidazzle Parade Mpls my winter faves
In the summer – never a dull moment: Como Zoo, parades, festivals. My daughter is so spoiled with fun!! MOA great too
Q – #7 As a mom, any new (or new to you) kid-friendly restaurants or play areas that you’ve found that you’d recommend?
A: Kid heavens: Indoor playgrounds @ Maple Grove, Shoreview, New Brighton, Edina, Chaska, Ham Lake to name a few
Kid-friendly eats: nat’l chains (my daughter loves Chili’s) but we also like 3 Squares, Edina Grill, Crave, Punch
Q – #8 Good suggestions! @ChikageWindler when can we see you on @kstp? What’s your regular schedule?
A: My schedule is crazy. Midday/4:30 pm Thur, Fri pm’s, plus wkends. I sometimes sleep @ work (storms/short turnarounds)
For the first 3 years working at @kstp I had the BEST schedule M-F 4/5pm shows. Staff reduction/budge cuts changed that
I love weather so much, that I roll with the punches & have a blast no matter the hours. Sad, but true (weather geek)
Q – #9 I bet! With the snow fall that we’ve received thus far in MN, will flooding be a big issue this Spring?
A: Spring flooding will absolutely be a huge story for MN again (saturated soil/fall rains/winter snow) Be ready!
Q – #10 To end, can you give us a “Twitterview Forecast” for tomorrow & Saturday?
A: Today’s snow tapers. Tomorrow could get another 1-3″ (Most Northeast)…then Cold & Blustery Saturday! Watch @KSTP for more.
I should say the forecast is all about more snow and more cold! A real Minnesota winter underway!!
@JoelECarlson – Thanks so much @ChikageWindler for your time and comments. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Keep up the good work!
@ChikageWindler – Thanks for the tweet-athon Joel! Always fun chatting with you (also like when you send me weather reports/pics!)
