Forecasting the storm, and weathering the internet

The weather forecast has never been more precise — or more distrusted. In an era of viral storm posts, default phone apps and nonstop social media chatter, even a mostly accurate forecast can feel like a failure if the worst-case scenario doesn’t come true. For meteorologists, the job is no longer just predicting what the atmosphere might do. It’s also pushing back against hype, calming nerves and explaining why being “less bad than expected” is still not the same as being wrong.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Brad Panovich, chief meteorologist at WCNC, about what it’s like to forecast weather in 2026. Panovich reflects on how social media transformed his job, why Charlotte’s winter ice storm sparked what he calls a “rooting for ruin” reaction online, and how AI is changing the science of meteorology behind the scenes. He also shares his thoughts on weather apps, climate change in Charlotte, his weather pet peeves (hint: groundhog), the very practical supplies he grabs before a major storm and his favorite weather movies. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte’s “Unspun” program helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. It’s hosted by former Gov. Pat McCrory.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.