For nearly 50 years, Edward Hill's climate readings from his homemade station were a ray of sunshine

• Published in: McClatchy - Tribune Business News p. 1
• Main Author: Savard, Rita
• Format: Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Tribune Content Agency LLC 02.09.2006
• Subjects: Humidity; Precipitation; Satellites; Storms; Weather forecasting

In 1941, after years of studying the environment around him, [Florence Taylor Hill] knew enough about the subject to pass a civil service exam that landed him a job as a weather observer in the Army. In the military, Hill learned the theory of meteorological instruments and surface weather observation. During World War II, he monitored weather in Burma. After the war, Hill served in the Air Force until 1969 and was deployed to South Korea, Alaska and Newfoundland. From 1956 to 2002, many locals tuned in to Hill's word-of-mouth forecasts, often believing them more reliable than TV meteorologists. Like clockwork, Hill called in weather readings to the National Weather Service daily. When he was called overseas for duty, his wife, Grace, took over the weather operation. Hill also worked as weather observer at Hanscom Air Force Base's weather station. Later that year, Hill moved into the D'Youville Senior Center. During the last few months, [Mary Ann Kitrosser] said if Hill discussed anything it was the weather. He'd sing songs and watch meteorologists on TV. Although weather reports are more accurate than ever before, the strength and beauty Hill saw in nature couldn't be translated adequately into Doppler radar. The weather station on Pleasant Street, where his great-niece, Melissa Barrett, now lives, will remain as a landmark to the man who chased storms.