WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek Helps Launch Third Grade Weather Unit at Lewes Elementary

Third graders at Lewes Elementary kicked off their weather unit with a special visit from WMDT Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek, who brought real-world expertise, and plenty of excitement, to the students. Wirdzek spent the morning teaching students how meteorologists track weather, report storms, and keep communities safe, offering an engaging preview of the science students will 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 such as the station’s popular “Dog Walking Forecast.” He emphasized that his role is not just to tell people what the weather is but why it matters. He aims to help the community planning their day, whether that’s preparing for a storm, or 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.

The meteorologist 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 back 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 even 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 weather 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.” Thanks to Rich Wirdzek’s engaging presentation, third graders are entering their weather studies with excitement, foundational knowledge, and a new appreciation for the science behind the forecast!