Rocky J. Squirrel Presents
GEMS+H:
The Stories That Bind Us
Hamilton (OH) Based Weather
A Lifelong Fascination With the Weather
I've been fascinated by the weather since I was young. What began as a childhood interest eventually became something much more serious: by high school, I was exploring meteorology as a possible career and gaining firsthand experience in the field.
​
During my junior year of high school, I participated in a program that allowed students to explore potential careers through hands-on work experience. Through that program, I had the opportunity to spend time with the meteorology program at Rutgers University's Cook College, where I assisted a meteorology professor with various projects.
​
The experience gave me a glimpse into what a future in meteorology might look like—and for a time, I seriously considered pursuing meteorology in college.
From Student Forecaster to Researcher
My interest in meteorology went beyond simply watching the weather. While still in high school, I became involved in weather forecasting, and my forecasting work was even featured in a local New Jersey newspaper.
​
One of the most memorable projects from that period involved an unusual question: could the phases of the moon have an effect on peach farming in Southern New Jersey?
​
Working with a meteorology professor, I explored the relationship between lunar cycles and conditions affecting peach farmers. The project eventually led to an opportunity to present my work at a New Jersey high-school science symposium held at Fort Monmouth.
I was one of approximately a dozen students selected to compete and present research alongside other students from throughout the state.
​
That experience showed me that meteorology wasn't simply about predicting tomorrow's weather. It could also be a way of asking questions, examining patterns, and discovering connections between seemingly unrelated things.
A Passion That Followed Me
Although I ultimately chose a different path rather than pursuing meteorology as a career, my fascination with weather never disappeared.
​
As an adult, I continued looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge. While living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I completed training to become a weather spotter. Although I wasn't ultimately able to become active in that role there, the experience gave me another opportunity to learn about severe weather and weather observation.
​
When I eventually moved to Ohio, my interest in weather was renewed.
Watching the Weather in Hamilton
Today, that lifelong fascination continues from my home base in Hamilton, Ohio.
​
I've established a personal personal weather station—a significant upgrade from the rudimentary weather equipment I used as a child. The station allows me to observe and record local weather conditions and continue doing something I've enjoyed for much of my life: watching the weather and trying to understand the story the data tells.
​
The station is currently offline for repairs, but I plan to have it back online soon.
Weather Observations & Reports
My weather station provides an opportunity to document the weather around Hamilton and look beyond simply asking, "What's the weather today?"
​
Here you'll find weather observations, reports, and other information connected to my continuing interest in meteorology.
​
As my station returns to operation, this section will continue to grow with observations, reports, and other weather information from the Hamilton area.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​​​​​​​​​
Weather, Research & Unexpected Connections
My interest in weather has always been about more than forecasting.
​
From studying weather as a high-school student to researching the possible relationship between lunar cycles and Southern New Jersey peach farming, I've always been fascinated by the connections that can be found when you look closely at the world around you.
​
That curiosity continues today through weather observation, research, and the technology that allows us to measure and record the atmosphere around us.
Explore More of My Passions
Hamilton Railfanning
Following the Rails, Discovering the Stories
A lifelong fascination with railroads that began in childhood and continues today from Hamilton, Ohio, and beyond.
Hamilton Weather
Watching the Weather, Recording the Story
A personal weather station and a continuing interest in observing, recording, and understanding the weather around Hamilton.
Ham Radio
Connecting People Across the Airwaves
An exploration of amateur radio, communication, technology, and the people connected through the airwaves.
Amazonian Living Ecosystem
Creating Living Ecosystems
An exploration of aquatic life, living ecosystems, and the inspiration behind creating an Amazon-inspired environment at home.