National Weatherperson's Day

National Weatherperson's Day, observed February 5th, honors meteorologists and weather forecasters, timed to coincide with the birthday of John Jeffries, an American physician and scientist born February 5, 1744. Jeffries is regarded as one of the first Americans to keep systematic, detailed weather observations, beginning a daily weather diary in Boston in 1774 that he maintained for decades, recording temperature, wind, and atmospheric pressure long before standardized meteorological instruments and reporting networks existed. He also made aviation history in 1785 by completing the first crewed flight across the English Channel by hydrogen balloon, during which he took barometric and other scientific readings mid-flight, an early example of combining meteorological curiosity with fieldwork. Modern weather forecasting has evolved enormously since Jeffries' handwritten diaries, now relying on satellites, radar networks, and complex computer models, but the profession still shares his core goal of observing and interpreting atmospheric patterns to help people plan and stay safe. National Weatherperson's Day is generally observed by broadcast meteorologists, weather agencies, and enthusiasts, who use the occasion to highlight the science and history behind weather forecasting and to recognize forecasters' often under-appreciated work.