1870 The U.S. government’s first simultaneous weather report was made from 23 weather stations across the country-including N.O.

Ever since the city was founded in 1718, New Orleanians have always had a keen interest , almost a passion, for speaking about and reading and listening to weather reports.

The U.S. government’s first simultaneous weather report was made from 23 weather stations across the country on Nov. 1, 1870. New Orleans was one of the original reporting stations.

In 1899, New Orleans newspapers were having a field day with the local weather forecaster. Each day one newspaper ran a comparison chart of what he predicted and what actually transpired, which was most often contrary to his predictions.

The weather bureau sent its top field meteorologist, I.M. Cline, to New Orleans. Because of his expertise, the newspaper discontinued the column because it was no longer a controversial issue designed to get attention.

Today proof of New Orleanians’ continued interest in the weather lies in the fact that the city’s commercial TV stations devote valuable time throughout the summer during the daily news shows to report the weather, although it is basically the same report every day ... hot and humid with possible afternoon thundershowers.

Source: Buddy Stall at http://clarionherald.org/20020605/stall.htm