Weather People Spotlight

The icecaps are melting, destructive class five hurricanes could sweep ashore at any moment and uncertainty over the effects of global warming make Roland Emmerich’s summer blockbuster “The Day After Tomorrow” seem more prescient every day.

Into the breach ride those blue-screen jockeys, those dapper defenders of the Doppler: the local TV weather people. In our age of globalization and media consolidation, network affiliates are one of the last hold-outs of homegrown media talent. For better or worse.

Here we proudly present the most notable clips of TV weather people from around the Internet.

Mark Mathis — WCCB Fox 18, Charlotte, NC

This Mount Everest of wacky TV weathermen — a crackling bundle of manic energy whose bombast appears mainlined straight from the frat house. This clip compilation features Mathis expounding on everything from his love of enemas to his boss’ screaming. This renaissance man even gives a lively poetry reading. He’s no longer in North Carolina, but residents of Grand Junction, CO can find him on the local CBS affiliate, KREX Channel 5.

Maxi Biewer — RTL Germany

They may have lost two world wars and have musical tastes that tend toward the sado-masochistic, but who says Germans can’t be as chipper as their American counterparts? Here popular German weatherperson Biewer has a good laugh at a studio gaffe. A really solid laugh. Um, OK Maxi, you can stop now.

“Louis” — WOUB, Athens, OH

It’s possible that when Louis was a small boy he dreamed of being the next Willard Scott or Al Roker. It’s possible that he chose to go to Ohio University specifically so he could major in broadcast journalism. It’s possible that he conquered his nerves and went on to a successful career in television, winning fame, fortune and admiration everywhere. It’s possible.

Coach Mike Leach — KAMC ABC 28, Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach steps into the shoes of regular weatherman Ron Roberts to make two points. One: that weather is the boss of no man and if it’s raining in Texas you better be wet or dead. And two: There’s a good reason why Hollywood has never made a series of inspirational movies about meteorologists.

David Lynch — DavidLynch.com

When he’s not writing scripts, throwing them into the air, picking up the pages and shooting them in that order, filmmaker David Lynch dabbles in all forms of media: painting, sculpture, photography and now weather reports. He does it every day and yes, he even makes L.A.’s famously uneventful weather creepy.