Dr. Lixion Avila is a renowned meteorologist who has made significant contributions to the field of weather forecasting. Born on November 25, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, Avila grew up in an American church, celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving. His family history traces back to Spain on his father's side and Eastern Europe on his mother's side. Avila's father held various jobs, one of which was a cowboy, transporting cattle from Central Cuba to Havana. Growing up in the Caribbean, he encountered and became fascinated with tropical storms.  Lixion studied meteorology, earning his bachelor's degree in Cuba in 1973.  He started his career in 1973 as a meteorologist with the Cuban Weather Service, providing hurricane forecast and warning information. Avila immigrated to the United States in 1980 and worked as a consultant to the National Hurricane Center from 1983 to 1987, providing warning information in Spanish for the radio and television press. He then joined the National Hurricane Center as a meteorologist in 1987 and became a hurricane specialist in 1989.  Avila continued his studies at the University of Miami, earning a master's degree in meteorology and a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences in 1993. 

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Dr. Lixion Avila, conducted by Molly Graham for the NOAA 50th Oral History Project, provides an in-depth look into Avila's life, his family history, and his career in meteorology. The interview begins with Avila's early life in Havana, Cuba, including his family background and his parents' occupations. It then transitions into his move to the United States and his experiences working for NOAA. Avila shares anecdotes about his efforts to improve his English language skills, including taking an accent reduction class, and how his distinct accent has impacted his career. The interview also touches on Avila's interactions with the media, including a memorable experience with a BBC documentary. Overall, the interview provides a comprehensive overview of Avila's personal and professional journey, offering valuable insights into his experiences as a non-native English speaker working in a high-profile position in the United States.