The Weather Expert

Being in the Thesis phase of my social science study, I am in the mood of advancing and proposing social theories and concepts. Here in the Netherlands, we had a “moody” spring-to-summer transition times. I am proposing: when it comes down to the weather, consult the Dutch!

The Dutch weather is complex. The idea of spring and/or summer is messy between warm-dry in one week and cold-wet in the next week. Sometimes, it is windy and grey in the afternoon and yet, it can still be great barbecue time in the evening.

In order to cope with this complex weather, my Dutch friends consult www.buienradar.nl. This site gives satellite images of the weather and help them to make informed decisions—when is a good time to cycle to the supermarket, when is preferable to stay home and play board games.






















Satellite image of clouds hanging on top of the Netherlands, prediction for a Wednesday afternoon (15:35 hrs) in a summerless summer of August 2011.


One evening, on a birthday celebration, after a second plate of delicious and creamy pasta, we gathered in the kitchen. It was an international group of students. We were thinking about some things to do this weekend in Wageningen.

At once, a Colombian friend asked the only Dutch in the group: “How’s the weather tomorrow afternoon?” And of course, being the weather expert in the group, he appreciated the question and gave a thorough answer: “Well to be precise, we have to check again tomorrow. I remember the forecast says that it would be windy with some chances of shower, but there’s also a chance of sun for several hours in early afternoon if we want to go to the Rhine.”

My Colombian friend did not ask myself (Indonesian), the other friend (Bolivian), the other friend (German), nor himself--obviously... but, our lovely and reliable Dutch Weather Expert!