Arthur Merewether
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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On July 30, 1991, Earl Droessler interviewed Arthur Merewether in Bayside, New York, for the American Meteorological Society's Tape Recorded Interview Project. The interview covers Merewether's extensive contributions to meteorology, including his early career in the Army Air Corps and the formation of the Army Weather Service. Merewether discusses his role in training military meteorologists and highlights the evolution of meteorological education at institutions such as MIT, Caltech, and the University of Chicago. He reflects on his interactions with influential figures in the field, including Carl Rossby and Francis Reichelderfer, and recounts significant advancements in weather forecasting, aviation meteorology, and military operations during his tenure. Merewether also describes his post-military career with American Airlines, where he oversaw the development of the airline's weather service amid the rapid expansion of commercial aviation. He recalls collaborations with other airline meteorologists and the U.S. Weather Bureau, emphasizing efforts to enhance weather data transmission and forecasting capabilities. The interview offers insights into the challenges of early aviation meteorology, the impact of technological advancements, and the professional relationships that shaped the field.
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