Q and A with Texas Meteorologist Jacob Riley

Jacob’s love for weather began at a young age. Growing up in Northeast Texas, Jacob has seen his fair share of severe weather. One July afternoon, he and his father watched as a microburst hit their house. The amount of damage this storm caused in such a short amount of time was unbelievable. Since then, Jacob has wanted to learn how the weather impacts everyday life, and how he can make sure his community is kept safe.
Jacob graduated from Mississippi State University in May of 2019, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Professional Meteorology with an emphasis in Broadcasting. Pre-graduation, while working toward achieving his degree, Jacob interned in the Shreveport, LA with KTAL NBC 6 News. Jacob also worked as a part-time meteorologist at WCBI News in Columbus, Mississippi, where he served as an on-air Meteorologist. Jacob currently works as the Morning and Midday Meteorologist at KAMC News in Lubbock, Texas.
Jacob received 1st runner up for best collegiate weathercast in the 2018 Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Contest. Jacob also received a first-place award from the Associated Press, along with his coworkers, for their “Thunder and Ice” severe weather special.

Jacob can be found on Twitter at @jrileywx or alternatively on Facebook and also on Instagram

What was your most memorable weather event?

The most memorable weather event in my career was hands down the February 23rd, 2019 Columbus, MS EF-3 tornado. This was one of my first times assisting in severe weather coverage at my previous station, WCBI. We had an EF-3 tornado touch down just 2-3 blocks south of our TV Station. We actually saw it develop on our camera atop of the TV station. By the time we made it to shelter, we had lost power and were knocked off of the air. We were off the air for nearly 24 hours. Unfortunately, one person lost their life from this storm, but our building and all of our employees ended up being spared.

What is your favourite and least favourite type of weather?

My favorite type of weather is severe weather. The atmospheric dynamics that have to be present in order for severe storms to form is so intriguing. It can also be difficult to forecast, but I like the challenge. I try my best to make sure my viewers are as informed as possible when it comes to severe storms! My least favorite type of weather is dry and sunny weather. So, summer in West Texas is pretty boring for me!

From a purely meteorological point of view, where would you most like to live?

From a purely meteorological point of view, I would most likely live in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis sees it all. From ice storms, snow, tornadoes and the occasional remnants of tropical systems, I feel like you can see nearly every type of weather event in that region!

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