A massive snowstorm is headed toward Kentucky, but meteorologist Marc Weinberg appears unwilling to predict an exact snowfall total. As a result, he chose not to compete for $10,000 for charity.
The Louisville native should now be known as a giant weenie.
This decision to skip a free, charity-focused competition among weather experts is a bad look. While it would be generous to assume Weinberg was unaware of the invitation, that does not appear to be the case. Thus, weenie.
Who is Marc Weinberg?
Weinberg was hired as chief meteorologist at WDRB, a Fox-affiliated television station in Louisville, Kentucky, nearly 20 years ago. He describes himself as a meteorologist with expertise in radar analysis, a scuba diver, storm chaser, and astrophotographer.
More simply, Weinberg is the Fox weather forecaster in Kentucky’s largest media market, and this should have been his moment to shine.
A major winter storm is expected to impact a large portion of the eastern United States over the weekend. As usual, warnings and concern have already ramped up. Viewers are being reminded of safety precautions, and local news ratings traditionally spike ahead of significant weather events.
Weinberg has been very active on social media over the past 48 to 72 hours. To the best of my knowledge, he manages his own X account and writes his own posts. He has posted 10 times in the last 24 hours.
Posts like these have drawn heavy criticism, and the 50-something-year-old meteorologist is getting roasted in the replies.
What is the KSR Meteorologist Madness competition?
KSR, short for Kentucky Sports Radio, is a major voice covering Kentucky Wildcats sports, particularly football and basketball.
The outlet was founded by Matt Jones. Tyler Thompson serves as editor-in-chief, Drew Franklin is the managing editor, and Jack Pilgrim, Nick Roush, Freddie Maggard, Zack Geoghegan, and Adam Luckett are staff writers. Steven Peak handles video content. KSR consistently produces strong work.
With the storm approaching, Jones and his team launched a new contest called Meteorologist Madness. The competition matches well-known local meteorologists against one another. Each participant must submit a specific snowfall forecast, accurate to the tenth of an inch, covering a 48-hour period on Saturday and Sunday.
Official snowfall measurements will be taken at the airports in Lexington and Louisville. The meteorologist whose prediction comes closest will earn a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Commonwealth Causes, ServPro, and Matt Jones contributed the prize money. There is no entry fee.
“Glad to be a part of this,” wrote WKYT chief meteorologist Chris Bailey. “No matter who wins, a local charity will be the big winner and that’s all that matters.”
That is the right mindset.
Weinberg declined to submit a forecast.
As established, Marc Weinberg chose not to participate in the charity competition.
Jones gave him a deadline of 10:00 p.m. Thursday night.
Even Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore joined the fun.
Weinberg did not.
He still declined to participate after widespread online criticism. Numerous posts and replies mocked his decision.
I do not condone bullying, especially online. In this case, however, I fully support the reaction.
Marc Weinberg chose not to take part in KSR Meteorologist Madness, which firmly earns him the giant weenie label. Giant weenies deserve to be treated accordingly. This is an all-time weak move.
Either Weinberg knows how often his forecasts miss the mark and wants to avoid embarrassment, or he takes himself far too seriously. Either way, he should no longer be taken seriously.
Giant weenies cannot be trusted.
I would rather watch or listen to Jim Cantore, Chris Bailey, Bill Meck, T.G. Shuck, Kevin Harned, Justin Logan, Jay Cardosi, Mallory Schnell, Ryan Hall, Jim Caldwell, or Reed Yadon. They are not scared.
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