RALEIGH, N.C. — When storms threaten North Carolina, thousands turn not to TV meteorologists, but to a 22-year-old college student in Raleigh whose forecasts have gained statewide trust and national attention.
Ethan Clark, a senior at NC State University majoring in environmental sciences, operates North Carolina’s Weather Authority, a Facebook page with nearly 800,000 followers. From his bedroom between classes, Clark posts storm maps, temperature forecasts, and detailed analyses, often working more than 15 hours during severe weather.
From Childhood Fascination to Statewide Recognition
Clark’s fascination with weather began early. As a child, he delivered forecasts during elementary school morning announcements and even dressed up as his idol, Weather Channel forecaster Jim Cantore, for Halloween.
By seventh grade, he secretly launched a Facebook page called “Ethan’s Weather,” which grew rapidly before evolving into his current platform. Clark sharpened his skills through self-study, YouTube tutorials, online courses, and an internship at WRAL, where he arrived before dawn to help with graphics and coverage…