12 | MARCH 2 • 2023
weatherman like Sonny Eliot — the late
well-known Detroiter weathercaster. Gross
studied meteorology and graduated from
the University of Michigan’s Department of
Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Science.
In his sophomore year, he became WDIV’s
first weather intern and was later hired for
a part-time, off-camera position. This led to
part-time on-air positions in Lansing and
at WKBD in Detroit, while still working at
WDIV
, where he soon became a full-time
meteorologist.
Gross has received many awards from
both meteorological and broadcast organi-
zations. He was one of the youngest meteo-
rologists selected to serve on the American
Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Board of
Broadcast Meteorology in 1987.
In 1989, Gross was diagnosed with tes-
ticular cancer and underwent surgery and
five rounds of chemotherapy. He’s been can-
cer-free ever since.
Mike Nelson, chief meteorologist at
Denver7, the ABC affiliate in Dallas, says
that Gross is “a longtime friend and col-
league. I have known Paul for over 35
years and have sat on many committees
with him for the American Meteorological
Society. In 1990, we co-chaired the annu-
al Broadcast Conference for the AMS …
At that time, Paul had just finished his
brave battle against cancer, and I was so
impressed by his strength and positive out-
look. It always struck me what an extraordi-
nary individual he was during that difficult
time.
”
Gross is known for his clear and objective
efforts to explain climate change and its
effects on weather. “I do not get into politics
and never accept information from advoca-
cy groups — only scientific groups,
” he says.
Gross points out that “we [Great Lakes
residents] are surrounded by 20% of the
world’s surface fresh water supply, which is
important for sustaining life, the ecosystem
and commerce.
”
WEATHERMAN AS EDUCATOR
Gross is proud of his efforts to provide
objective, comprehensive information about
climate change through his on-air broad-
casts and presentations to local synagogues
and temples as well as chapters of Hadassah
and the National Council of Jewish Women.
Nelson says, “Paul has done exemplary
work in the area of climate change. His
simple, yet thorough explanations of how
the increase in carbon dioxide from the
burning of fossil fuels is warming our world
truly help the average American to under-
stand the science.
“Paul has been a great example and role
model for other broadcast meteorologists
and helps inspire them to also educate their
viewers.
”
In 2006, the AMS selected Gross to chair
its new Committee on the Station Scientist
and, in 2017, he was named a Fellow of the
Society.
Scillian adds that “his legacy goes well
beyond WDIV and weather forecasting.
The tornado drills our children go through
in Michigan schools are the result of Paul’s
tireless lobbying in Lansing and the Gross
Weather Bill John Engler signed into law
in 1997. He can retire — but that legacy
endures.
”
His interest in tornado drills developed
while serving on the Michigan Committee
for Severe Weather Awareness. While 10
school fire drills were mandated each year,
Developing a
Television Weather
Forecast
“Making a forecast is paramount
because people make decisions
based on weather,” says Gross.
“I dive deep into maps and data.
I look at what is happening right
now — where the fronts are,
satellite imagery and radar,” he
explains.
Gross analyzes computer
models, which can include
the U.S. Weather Service and
European weather models, and
assesses which one has the
best handle on what is happen-
ing now.
“It can be a very complicated
process,” Gross says.
Once he is set on the forecast,
he creates the graphics that will
accompany it on air, writes an
article for WDIV’s website and
provides information for the sta-
tion’s apps. Forecasts are updat-
ed continually.
Gross says that “meteorol-
ogists are among the hard-
est-working people at television
stations.”
Paul Gross
gives the
weather report
while working
with the green
screen.
OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER
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