Weather

Pat's Column

Pat ShingletonPat has been in broadcasting for 29 years. Since his 1981 return to Baton Rouge as WBRZ’s Chief Forecaster, Pat has accepted many responsibilities. He is the President of Pat Shingleton Productions and has produced, distributed, and syndicated various shows, such as We Play Baton Rouge, The Fifth Quarter, and Hotline After Dark. Since 1992 he has tracked Santa Claus’ location on Christmas Eve with other weathercasters from around the country in his syndicated project, “Santa Tracks.”

In conjunction with his position as a weathercaster for WBRZ, Pat is involved in many community activities. He is a chairperson for several programs, including “Pat’s Coats for Kids.” He developed the concept for the St. Vincent De Paul Society’s “Community Pharmacy,” creating “Fill a Prescription for the Needy.” He originated The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, “The Wearin’ of the Green,” in 1986, and he continues to be the St. Patrick’s Day Parade coordinator.

Pat has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is married to Mabyn Kean Shingleton and has two children, Michael and Katie.

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  • "Carolina In the Morning..."

    September 1, 2010

    A mandatory evacuation was issued Wednesday for the North Carolina coast. Continuing our column from yesterday, the Hurricane of 1899 was recently ranked as the eighth most deadly Atlantic hurricane of record. Back then, the residents of Diamond City lived uncomplicated lives, separated from the mainland economy. Today, Shackleford Banks... more »
  • "Diamond City - Gone...."

    August 31, 2010

    Portions of North Carolina may experience the impact of Hurricane Earl. Shackleford Banks, North Carolina, is now part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and in the early 1800s, hundreds inhabited the island. The island town of Diamond City was named after the black and white diamond pattern that covers... more »
  • "Last of August Rumble"

    August 30, 2010

    In 1886 Charleston, South Carolina had a population of 53,000. The Ashley and Cooper Rivers create a peninsula where Charleston sits. As noted in a previous anniversary column, The Old Farmer's Almanac-Acts of God reports that at 9:51 PM on August 31, 1866, a shudder passed through the city followed... more »
  • "Yo FEMA, Where's the Ice?"

    August 27, 2010

    Scanning my Katrina file, I recognized an archived item from FEMA. Once the storm hit, FEMA purchased 182 million pounds of ice to be distributed to hurricane victims. After exhausting attempts to "liquidate" the ice only 40% of it was used and the remaining ice was sent to other "needy"... more »
  • "Lookin' Back 5"

    August 27, 2010

    This is an excerpt of a Weather News column that appeared five years ago following the landfall of Katrina. "After 48 hours of coverage of this devastating, catastrophic and unfortunate storm, some comments. In every hurricane conference attended, the New Orleans scenario has been displayed. The worst-case scenario Monday morning... more »
  • "What the H....."

    August 27, 2010

    This week we enjoyed a taste of comfortable morning weather. Chante Dionne Warren analyzed the excessive summer heat in a recent Advocate article and last year Kentucky Fried Chicken attempted to locate the "Hotter than Hell" city and found it. As noted in a previous column, Hell, Michigan is about... more »
  • "Oh Ward... Where's the Beaver?"

    August 26, 2010

    The second largest rodent in the world is the beaver. The engineering of their dams, canal and personal lodges not only protect them from predators but provide still pools for floating food and building materials. When startled, beavers are also able to initiate an alarm on those quiet pools by... more »
  • "What the heck is a PRE?"

    August 25, 2010

    At the Conference and Climate Variability and Change in Atlanta last January, researchers identified "predecessor rain events" or PREs. These are rainstorms that occur in advance of tropical cyclones. PREs can cause devastating flooding before the arrival of the main rain event associated with a tropical cyclone. Case studies in... more »
  • "Chillin'"

    August 24, 2010

    Those in the newsroom commented that Tuesday morning was almost comfortable - compared to others. Ironically, on this date last year we slipped to 63 degrees, tying a record set in 1997. The previous morning in 2009, we dipped to 63, shattering a record in 1957. Six years ago was... more »
  • "Prevailing Winds"

    August 23, 2010

    In many parts of the country, once a lot is selected, the foundation is positioned in consideration of the prevailing wind. My grandfather positioned our Pennsylvania home in relationship to the prevailing north wind. Built in the early 1900s, his house had the front door facing west and the back... more »

Weather News

Emergency Info

When a hurricane watch or warning is issued
Hurricane watch and warning procedures.

When to evacuate
Evacuation procedural tips.

Pet care in disasters
Tips for evacuation of your pet(s).

Emergency contact information
List of important emergency numbers.