Severe Weather Warnings Save Lives: February 5th Honors The People Behind Them

February 5th is National Weatherperson's Day; a time to recognize the thousands of people who keep us safe when severe weather strikes.

The Man Who Started It All

The date honors John Jeffries, a Boston physician born on February 5, 1744, who became one of America's first weather observers. Jeffries started recording daily weather observations in Boston in 1774, long before weather forecasting became a science.

His curiosity didn't stop there. After moving to London, Jeffries made history in 1784 by taking the first weather measurements from a hot air balloon over the city. Armed with just a barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer, he collected data thousands of feet above ground. His second balloon flight took him across the English Channel to France, marking another milestone in atmospheric observation.