A day in the life of a Taiwanese weather forecaster
In typhoon-prone Taiwan, everyone needs to check the weather forecast before heading to work or travel. These short weather forecasts seem simple but behind them brilliant forecasters who have trained for years are putting in a lot of hard work. Let’s meet Liu Yu-chi, a forecaster at Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.
Whether it’s strong winds or heavy rain, this man stands on the frontlines all year round, keeping the public updated on the latest weather information. He’s Liu Yu-chi, a forecaster at the Central Weather Administration. He’s been full of enthusiasm since childhood.
Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
Once, when a typhoon came, I could hear extremely strong wind outside. At first, I felt that the sound was so powerful that I could feel the force of nature. So I was very curious about these situations. When I was a child, I would watch the weather anchors broadcasting, and sometimes I would deliberately try to imitate their tones and voices.
From the competitive pressure during his school years to working at the Central Weather Administration, Liu’s abilities speak for themselves. However, before appearing in front of the camera, he still had to undergo a long period of behind-the-scenes training.
Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
When forecasters first start out, they usually begin by drawing weather maps. Once we’ve confirmed their ability to analyze current conditions, we then have them prepare weather forecasts for the coming week. Only after they are competent in monitoring and forecasting do we train them to gradually present and explain their work to the public
During his 12 years at the administration, he often felt a strong sense of being needed — and the phone never stopped ringing.
Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
I remember receiving a call from a member of the public. The person on the other end said they knew the forecasters were very busy but their home really was without power and the internet, so they were relying on the phone for information. They said hearing my response made them feel more at ease. The call made us realize that they had very urgent and concrete needs.
Liu Yu-chi also reveals that every accurate prediction he makes comes with complex emotions.
Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
We predicted very heavy rainfall in the eastern half of the island, but truthfully, when we made the forecast, we already knew the amount of rainfall would easily cause disasters. Even if the prediction is accurate, we can’t say we’re particularly happy.
Faced with the trend for AI, Liu is not threatened. On the contrary, he believes the addition of AI can be a great help.
Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
The introduction of AI technology of course can make computer simulations more accurate, increase forecasters’ efficiency, and allow them to make forecasts more accurate in a shorter time.
As the Chinese saying goes, one minute on stage takes ten years of practice offstage. Before every storm, there are people quietly watching over the weather, like Liu, unseen by the public.
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2026-04-13
