Meteorologist visit kicks off weather unit at Lewes Elementary

Third-graders at Lewes Elementary School began their weather unit with a special visit from WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek. Bringing real-world expertise and plenty of excitement to the students, Wirdzek spent the morning demonstrating how meteorologists track weather, report storms and help keep communities safe. He offered an engaging preview of the science students will continue to explore throughout the unit.

Wirdzek began by explaining what his job looks like both on and off camera, including how he uses a green screen to share daily forecasts and features like the station’s Dog Walking Forecast. He emphasized that his role is not just to tell people what the weather is, but why it matters. Wirdzek said he aims to help community members planning their day, whether that’s preparing for a storm or learning how to stay safe during severe conditions.

Students learned about Doppler radar and how meteorologists interpret the colors displayed on radar maps to understand precipitation types such as rain, hail and snow. Wirdzek also explained how radar is used to track large storm systems and communicate warnings in ways that everyone in the community can understand.

Safety was a major theme during the presentation. Wirdzek discussed best practices for seeking shelter during tornadoes and other severe storms, explaining that even homes without basements have safer interior spaces such as bathrooms, closets or rooms on the lowest floor. Students were fascinated by facts such as lightning reaching temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, up to 50,000 degrees, and how the Washington Monument is struck by lightning hundreds of times each year.

Wirdzek also explored the role water plays in weather events, from fog formation to coastal flooding and erosion caused by strong storms and high tides. He described how many powerful weather systems, including hurricanes, trace their origins to the ocean.

Students were eager to hear about storm chasing, a field of meteorology that involves traveling directly into severe weather to gather data, photos and video footage. Wirdzek shared how storm chasers often provide some of the earliest on-the-ground reports during extreme weather. He discussed famous extreme meteorologist and storm chaser Reed Timmer and his armored Dominator vehicle designed to withstand direct tornado encounters.

Throughout the visit, students asked thoughtful questions and made connections to the research projects they will soon begin. As part of their learning unit, each third-grader will select a weather event, conduct independent research and present their findings to classmates.

“We are grateful to have Mr. Wirdzek visit with our third-graders again this year,” said Ashton Lewis, teacher and coordinator of the visit. “Him sharing his real-world experience always helps spark curiosity and deepen our students’ understanding of weather and the impacts it has on the entire community.”