David Vallee is the Hydrologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service’s Northeast River Forecast Center. The center provides detailed water resource and life-saving flood forecasting services to National Weather Service Forecast Offices and the hundreds of federal, state and local water resource entities throughout the Northeast and New York. David has worked for the National Weather Service for 30 years, serving in a variety of positions including Senior Service Hydrologist at the Taunton Weather Forecast Office from 1993-2000 and as Science and Operations Officer from 2001-2006. David started his career right at home as an Intern Meteorologist at the NWS office at T. F. Green Airport. David has extensive experience leading hydrometeorological forecast and warning operations and directing weather research and training programs. David’s research activities span a variety of topics including flooding, severe weather forecasting and orographically enhanced heavy rainfall in southern New England. David has served as the NWS lead investigator with the State University of New York, at Albany, on a multi-year project addressing Land Falling Tropical Cyclones in the Northeastern United States. This research has improved the forecasting of heavy precipitation associated with these land falling tropical cyclones as well as improving our understanding the mechanisms which lead to the recurvature and rapid acceleration of tropical cyclones as they approach the Northeast. David was responsible for development of a new Short Range River Forecasting System which provides hydrologic forecast guidance based on three Numerical Weather Ensemble Predictions Systems. Most recently, David has been leading an effort at the Northeast River Forecast Center to examine changes in precipitation and temperature patterns across New England and their impact on flood behavior. David is most known locally for his outreach and education work on the behavior of New England Hurricanes, including many appearances on local radio and T.V. networks, as well as appearing on documentaries on the Weather Channel, the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. David has been the recipient of numerous regional and national awards including the prestigious National Isaac Cline Award for Leadership. David is a graduate of Lyndon State College. He is a life long resident of the Rhode Island, living in the northeast part of Cumberland, with his wife and two sets of teenage twins. He considers it a tremendous privilege to be serving the people of the very region he calls home.

Scope and Content Note

David Vallee discusses the challenges, advancements, and collaborative efforts involved in weather forecasting. Topics covered include data integration, technological advancements, effective communication, improving accuracy and the reliability of weather predictions. Vallee recalls instances when they relied on a network of weather stations strategically placed across the country. These stations provided vital information such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation levels. However, he describes how maintaining the accuracy and reliability of these data sources was a constant challenge. Satellite imagery, radar systems, and weather balloons became essential tools in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric conditions. 

Vallee goes on to recall how early in his career, forecasts were primarily based on manual analysis of charts and weather patterns. However, with the advent of powerful computers, sophisticated mathematical algorithms, and complex models, NOAA's ability to predict weather conditions significantly improved. These advancements allowed meteorologists to simulate atmospheric processes, analyze vast amounts of data, and generate more accurate forecasts. He emphasizes the importance of conveying weather forecasts effectively to the public and also mentions the continuous efforts in research and development to enhance weather forecasting. Vallee talks about how he witnessed the development of more sophisticated computer models that could simulate and predict the behavior of hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather phenomena.