Based on: “John Morales, Florida’s Trusted Hurricane Forecaster, Faces a New Era” (NYT, June 8, 2025)
Grade Level: Secondary (Ages 14-18)
Subject: Geography / Environmental Science / Media Literacy
Learning Objectives
- Explain the challenges and importance of hurricane forecasting.
- Analyze the role of meteorologists like John Morales in public safety.
- Discuss the impact of climate change on hurricane prediction.
- Critically assess how weather information is communicated to the public.
Summary:
The article profiles John Morales, a veteran meteorologist in Florida known for his calm and reliable hurricane forecasts. As climate change brings more unpredictable and intense storms, Morales faces new challenges in communicating risks to the public. The article highlights his commitment to clear, science-based messaging, especially as forecasting becomes more complex. Morales’s trusted presence on NBC 6 has made him a vital source of information for Floridians preparing for hurricane season, emphasizing the importance of trust and accuracy in weather communication.
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction
Begin with a class discussion:
- What do students know about hurricanes?
- How do they usually learn about severe weather events?
Briefly introduce John Morales and his significance as a trusted hurricane forecaster in Florida, as highlighted in the NYT article.
- Watch the video and in groups of 3 answer the questions below
Questions
- What specific concern does John Morales raise about the National Weather Service (NWS) as the 2025 hurricane season begins?
- How do staffing cuts and reduced resources at the NWS affect hurricane forecasting, according to Morales?
- Why does Morales say he can no longer be as confident in his hurricane predictions as he was in 2019 during Hurricane Dorian?
- What examples does Morales give of how the cuts are impacting storm tracking tools and data collection?
- What action does Morales urge viewers to take in response to the cuts at the National Weather Service?
2. Article Exploration
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Read the article and answer the questions below:
Comprehension Questions
- Who is John Morales, and why is he considered a trusted figure in Florida during hurricane season?
- What are some of the main challenges John Morales faces when forecasting hurricanes in Florida?
- How has climate change affected the way hurricanes are predicted and communicated to the public, according to the article?
- Describe one way John Morales tries to ensure the public understands the risks and uncertainties involved in hurricane forecasts.
- Why is clear and accurate communication from meteorologists especially important during severe weather events?
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Students read and identify:
- The main challenges Morales faces in forecasting hurricanes.
- How Climate Change Affects Hurricane Behavior and Prediction.
- The importance of clear communication during storms.
3. Video Analysis
- Overview of current hurricane activity and forecasting challenges.
- What information was most important for public safety?
- How did the meteorologists explain uncertainty?
4. Group Activity: Forecasting Challenge
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Divide students into small groups.
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Each group acts as a local news team preparing a hurricane update for their community.
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- Use information from the article and videos.
- Address forecast uncertainty, evacuation advice, and safety tips.
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Groups present their updates to the class.
5. Wrap-Up and Reflection
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Discuss:
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- Why is trust in meteorologists like Morales critical during hurricane season?
- How can the public better prepare for hurricanes given the uncertainties in forecasting?