About Cole Evans

How did you become interested in your profession?

When I was a kid, I saw first-hand the destruction an EF3 tornado wrought on a town just north of where I grew up. This inspired me to learn more about the weather in school, how such storms form and how we forecast them in order to protect the public.

What led you to a career with the NWS (National Weather Service)?

I was always interested in weather forecasting once I gained an interest in meteorology. The NWS, however, allows for me to utilize forecasting in a way that serves the public interest, which I think is much more fulfilling than forecasting for a private company.

How did you end up in Pendleton?

I've always been more keen to rural areas, plus the Pacific Northwest was an area I've never been to, so the Pendleton area helped suit both of those interests for me, and I've been able to experience a part of the country I've never seen before since I've moved here.

What do you enjoy most about working for the NWS?

Forecasting in such a way that we focus particularly on the public and their interest. The public service aspect is something you only get with the weather service when it comes to the field of meteorology.

What is your favorite type of weather and why?

Any kind of impactful weather, be it snowstorms, thunderstorms, floods, anything like that.

What is the most memorable weather event you've ever experienced?

The Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011, which was more of an ice storm for us in southern Indiana, where I grew up. We picked up over half an inch of ice accumulation, and it coated everything outside in a thick glaze. Plus I got to miss school for a week because of it!

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Outside of lazy day activities like video games and TV, I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, and jogging.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I would like to be a lead forecaster somewhere, anywhere. I imagine I'll be a forecaster for the weather service for the rest of my career.