The Philadelphia Area Weather Book [Hardcover]

Jon M. Nese (Author), Glenn Schwartz (Author), Edward G. Rendell (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

Everybody talks about the weather, but now Jon Nese and Glenn 'Hurricane' Schwartz, two of the Philadelphia area's most respected meteorologists, have done something about it: they have written the book that answers all our questions about this region's weather and climate, from the Poconos and Philadelphia to southern New Jersey and the Shore to Delaware. The snowiest winter? The hottest summer? The strongest tornado? Signs of global warming? Why can't computers give reliable two-week forecasts? "The Philadelphia Area Weather Book" offers a little-known history of the region's pivotal role in the development of weather science that goes back to colonial times, and it gives a lively account of what forecasters actually do on a daily basis. Writing for the general public, including young adults, Nese and Schwartz introduce the key concepts of weather and explain how forecasts are made as well as why they sometimes are wrong.Throughout the book, in sections called 'Stories from the Trenches', the authors recall the dramatic weather events (and at least one non-event) that kept area residents tuned in for the latest news. The features of this lively and informative book make it the perfect gift for weather enthusiasts and an indispensable household reference. It features: 'Stories from the Trenches': inside stories of forecasting the big storms; a look back with Philadelphia's television pioneers Wally Kinnan, Dr. Francis Davis, and Herb Clarke; and a glimpse at the possibilities for the future climate of our area.It also features: more than 150 illustrations (including 60 photographs, 54 maps, dozens of diagrams, and a 16-page color section): ranging from the first photographic image of lightning to local residents' photos of the Blizzard of '96 and Hurricane Floyd; from the dynamics of air masses to eroding shore lines and global warming trends; Weather tables: statistics for every day of the year, monthly averages as well as temperature and precipitation extremes for Philadelphia, Wilmington, Allentown, and Atlantic City; and, Web resources: organized by topic so that readers can follow current weather events using the same sites as the experts do. Author note: Jon Nese, Ph.D., is Chief Meteorologist at the Franklin Institute and co-author of "A World of Weather: Fundamentals of Meteorology". Glenn Schwartz, formerly Severe Weather Specialist at the National Weather Service, is a meteorologist for NBC-10, Philadelphia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

[T]his book [is] interesting, informative and fun to read... appealing to a much wider audience. -- Keith C. Heidorn, The Weather Doctor, 25 June 2002

From the Publisher

A book for every season

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Temple Univ Pr (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566399564
• ISBN-13: 978-1566399562
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,594,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For The Average Weather Fan and the Advanced Meteorologist, November 23, 2003

By 

"kyled8" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philadelphia Area Weather Book (Hardcover)

The most comprehensive book dealing with the Philadelphia area's weather. This book is excellent for the average person interested in the weather, and for advanced meteorologists. It is simply fascinating. The highlights are the "Stories From The Trenches." These stories describe specific events and what life was like as a forecaster at the time. I've met Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz several times and the man knows his weather! If you are interested in the weather, whether you're an expert or not, this book is for you!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Book!, July 9, 2011

By 

Fulcrum29 (pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philadelphia Area Weather Book (Paperback)

When I saw this book in the local library,I couldn't believe it.I went out and quickly purchased my own copy.This is a great book if you are a weather nut,as I am,especially as it deals with the weather and its history in the Delaware Valley."Hurricane" Schwartz knows his stuff,no doubt about it.He is very knowledgeable,yet also goes to great lengths to explain why weather forecasters are not always right.I grew up watching Herb Clarke on WCAU-Channel 10 and listening to Elliot Abrams on KYW,two weather giants of the Philadelphia area.I have the same opinion of "Hurricane".Not only are the dynamics of weather and climate for the Philadelphia area well researched and discussed,but weather history is also covered in detail as well.Temperature and precipitation charts,as well as records for each day of the year, are easy to read.A section on the future of weather in Philadelphia rounds out this book.Any person interested in the weather of the Philadelphia area should not be without this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Most comprehensive Phil. area Weather Book!, January 2, 2008

By 

Kathy Sardella "micromedic" (Trooper, PA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Philadelphia Area Weather Book (Paperback)

For all of you in the Philadelphia area who love watching the weather reports and read your own dopplers online, this is your book! It begins with a history of weather forcasting and describes the difficulties in the early days of our nation of predicting the weather. It also educates those with little weather knowledge on the tools used in weather forcasting and how to read different weather maps, radars and dopplers. Peppered throughout the book are side-bars of clarifying information and stories of forcasts-gone-wrong as well as old storms you might remember from growing up.

Also included are charts in the back that go month-by-month listing the highs, lows, and precipitation for any given day in the Philadelphia area since they started recording such things. After borrowing this book from the library several times and occasionally owing overdue fees, I've decided to get my own copy. I live in the Valley Forge area and enjoy having a resource to look up the historical details on weather oddities. When folks say, "It's never been colder . . ." I can look it up and say, "yes, it has. On this day back in 1933 . . ."