SPRINGFIELD — A shocking investigation by Channel 7 meteorologist Janet Weatherby has revealed that the same cumulus cloud formation has been appearing on weather maps for at least six different television stations across the tri-state area, apparently working without an exclusive contract.
The discovery came to light when Weatherby noticed the distinctive anvil-shaped cloud she had been tracking for her Tuesday evening forecast also appeared simultaneously on competing networks’ Doppler radar systems. Further investigation revealed the cloud, unofficially dubbed “Nimbus Steve” by weather tracking enthusiasts, has been pulling shifts for stations as far as 200 miles apart.
“We always assumed clouds had some sort of professional loyalty,” said Weatherby, who has been forecasting weather for 12 years. “To discover that our signature storm system has been moonlighting for the competition is not just meteorologically confusing, it’s a betrayal of trust.”
The National Weather Service has launched an inquiry into what they’re calling “atmospheric gig economy practices,” while several stations are reportedly considering implementing cloud exclusivity clauses in their weather presentation contracts. Local residents expressed concern that they may have been receiving duplicate weather from the same source.
