Weathermen face jail for getting it wrong

[quest7]

Meteorologists in South Africa could face jail if they get their forecasts wrong, under new legislation. It's hoped the rules will prevent weathermen causing panic and economic damage by getting it wrong about things like drought or flash-flooding. Those wanting to issue a severe weather alert will have to get written permission from South Africa's Weather Service Bill first. Weather forecasters getting it wrong for the first time could face a four or five-year sentence and a

 

[SUroot]

There's no way they can enforce that. It's not an exact science. Its educated guesses. May as well lock them all up right now as every educated guesser gets it wrong at some point.

It makes me angry when ridiculous stuff like this is true. It makes me angry when ridiculous stuff like this is passed off as being true. Either way, I am now angry.

 

[Martimus]

Given how inaccurate the science of meteorology currently is, I'm betting that this legislation will help push a lot of their meteorologists to retire, change careers, or emigrate to other nations...

 

[SUroot]

Actually, "hot with a possibility of Rain" should cover it..

 

[TxGoat]

On my 5-7 day weather forecast, I'd only display sunrise and sunset times.

 

[SUroot]

Mine would be a review of "Legacy weather"

 

[Roze]

Well...there goes the weather forecast for South Africa!!!

 

[quest7]

Weather forecast for today-

Slight breeze today as I hurry and pack my things, to get my a** out of here. You guys are crazy.

 

[dan330]

Some how it is.. Stinky slinky's fault

 

[9to5cynic]

At the end of the day:

Welcome back to SA's favorite (and only) weather forecast. Today we had some weather. Come back tomorrow for an overview of tomorrow's weather.

 

[jraskell]

The way I read that rather limited report is that the penalties only apply to issuing severe weather alerts (to avoid public overreaction to less than severe actual conditions). If I was a weatherman, that'd just mean I'd never issue another severe weather alert. After a few years, the law will be retracted as a result of nobody ever knowing when severe weather was going to hit because no weatherman is willing to risk the penalties of an incorrect forecast.

 

[zuben el genub]

"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows"
Bob Dylan

Try forecasting mountain weather. Every situation is different. Blizzard warnings will be up, and the storm either loses all its moisture or moves off before it hits. They figure better to be safe than sorry.

The conditions are right for supercells to form so they warn.
We also get fire warnings. Super dry air and wind.