Forensic meteorology is the practice of reconstructing past weather conditions for legal, insurance, and research purposes. As a Certified Consulting Meteorologist, I use verified data sources to determine to the highest degree of certainty possible what the weather was doing at a specific place and time – then explain those findings in a way that holds up under scrutiny.
What Does a Forensic Meteorologist Do?
Think of forensic meteorologists as weather detectives. When there is a legal question that requires knowledge of weather conditions at a specific place and time, forensic meteorologists research various weather archives and databases relevant to the case. I may review satellite imagery and data, radar data, and/or surface station observations. Typically, a written report of my findings are required – both for my client and also opposing counsel. If the case isn’t subsequently settled, a forensic meteorologist may be deposed and/or provide expert testimony in court to present and explain his/her findings and their relevance to the case.
How Forensic Weather Analysis Works
The process starts with identifying the exact time and location in question. It is extremely rare for weather data to exist for that exact point in space and time. Typically, I will use data archives from surrounding stations provided by official government sources like the National Weather Service or National Centers for Environmental Information. Sometimes data from private weather stations and academic institutions can be useful.
Once the data are collected and analyzed, the consulting meteorologist must use his/her expertise to quality control the data and properly interpret the story that the data are telling. It is important to remain neutral during the process. Although the forensic meteorologist works for one particular side, their job is not to argue the case; it is only to find, organize, and interpret the weather conditions to the best of their professional knowledge. Ideally, consulting meteorologists from opposing sides should come to the same conclusions.
When You Might Need a Forensic Meteorologist
Attorneys and private parties will typically reach out for hurricane damage, storm and wind damage, hail damage, flood, and other weather-driven disputes where the actual conditions at the time are central to the case. Frequently, disputes between parties will arise from issues like damage causation (e.g., wind versus water), timing of damage, interpretation of weather watches and warnings, and the existence of ice/freezing rain (slip and fall cases).
Data Sources I Use
It is critical to use data that are of high quality and derived from reliable sources. Sometimes, courts will require data to be certified by an official agency like NOAA. Certification provides an additional measure of confidence that the data employed by the expert is true and reliable. Reports prepared for litigation draw on sources such as NOAA weather station records, National Weather Service radar archives, and other data that are generally accepted as high-quality in the meteorological community. Poor use of data and/or sloppy interpretation of it may lead to an expert’s report to be disqualified as evidence in the case.
FAQ
Forensic meteorology is the reconstruction and analysis of past weather conditions for use in legal cases, insurance claims, and research.
A forensic weather analysis is a detailed reconstruction of conditions at a specific time and place, based on verified data such as radar and station records.
Reports typically draw on NOAA station records, National Weather Service radar archives, and satellite data.
Cases involving hurricane, storm, wind, hail, or flood damage often need a forensic meteorologist to establish the actual weather conditions.