National Weatherperson’s Day is on Friday, February 5, 2027, and it falls on February 5 every year. It honors the people who track and forecast the weather, from TV meteorologists to National Weather Service staff and volunteer observers. The date marks the birthday of John Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers.
When Is National Weatherperson’s Day?
It’s always February 5, Jeffries’ birthday. It’s an unofficial day, not a federal holiday.
Who Was John Jeffries?
John Jeffries was a Boston doctor born in 1744; some sources say 1745. He began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774.
In 1784, he made the first balloon weather observation, over London. He carried a thermometer, a barometer and a hygrometer to about 9,000 feet. The U.S. Census Bureau notes these milestones in its write-up on the day.
No person or group has been documented as creating the day itself. What’s clear is the reason for the date.
Why Honor Weather Forecasters?
Forecasts shape daily plans, and storm warnings save lives. The day thanks the people behind them, including thousands of volunteers.
The volunteers behind weather records
Jeffries’ habit of daily notes lives on in the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program. It was formally created in 1890 under the Organic Act. Today more than 8,700 volunteers take part.
Each day, they record high and low temperatures, snowfall and 24-hour precipitation. Their logs feed the long-term climate records that scientists rely on.
Founders kept weather notes, too. Thomas Jefferson kept an almost unbroken record from 1776 to 1816, the NWS says.
Weather jobs by the numbers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists about 10,700 jobs for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, in 2025. The median pay was $99,070 a year.
How to Celebrate National Weatherperson’s Day
- Thank your local forecaster: tag your TV station’s meteorologist or your local National Weather Service office in a post.
- Become a spotter: sign up for SKYWARN, the National Weather Service’s free storm spotter training.
- Report rain and snow: join CoCoRaHS, a volunteer network that measures daily precipitation from backyards.
- Keep a weather log: record the temperature and sky each morning for a week, like Jeffries did in 1774.
- Visit an NWS office: many local forecast offices offer tours; check your office’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as National Meteorologist Day?
Yes. People search for it as National Weather Person Day or National Meteorologist Day, but they mean this February 5 date.
Is there a global weather day?
Yes. The World Meteorological Organization marks World Meteorological Day on March 23, the date in 1950 when its founding convention took effect.
What degree do meteorologists need?
Most roles need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – National Weatherperson’s Day
- National Weather Service – Cooperative Observer Program Overview
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists
- National Weather Service – SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program
- CoCoRaHS – Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network
- World Meteorological Organization – World Meteorological Day