The funny thing is, it really doesn't matter whether the forecast is right or wrong, as long as the weather changes every once in a while, the masses are happy.

When we have a prolonged period of hot weather, everybody wants to know when it's going to cool off. When it's dry, they shout across the mall parking lot: "When's it going to rain??" And as soon as the rain starts, "When's this crap gonna end?" becomes the question of the day.

One thing I learned a long time ago is when they ask, "Did you say it was going to be like this?" ...the answer is always "yes." If they asked that question, then they didn't watch the weather forecast last night -- and it's pretty unlikely they TiVo'd it. So, I'm generally safe to say, "Why, yes I did forecast this" -- whether I did or not.

One thing is for certain, though, when it comes to forecasting the weather. If I'm forecasting an extreme event, I'd better be darned sure. Christmas Eve 2004, we had our first snowfall in this area in 109 years (we're about as far South as Miami). Ten days before the snow hit, we had an idea it could happen.

Did I forecast a white Christmas ten days ahead of time? Oh, heck no! Even though I felt strongly it was going to happen, saying snow on television in a place where it hasn't snowed in over 100 years is like telling a group of 4 year olds that Barney is about to enter the building. You'd better be darned sure Barney's standing at the door -- and has a spare key -- before you tell the kids.

And when Barney enters the room -- in the form of the first snowfall hundreds of thousands of people have ever seen, those people are all just like a bunch of 4-year-olds just let out to play with their hero. That was a change people liked. I was popular that day. I love being a TV Weatherman!

Other Writers for The Fun Times Guide to Weather:

• Curtis

• Julie

• Lynnette

• Mary

• Regina