From Hannah Hagemann, Weather Science Editor:
The San Francisco Chronicle is thrilled to announce that Gerry Díaz will be joining the staff as the newsroom’s first ever meteorologist.
Díaz joins The Chronicle as part of a new initiative to cover Bay Area weather and climate with a science-forward approach.
Previously, Díaz served as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Bay Area, working from the agency’s Monterey office. In that position he led an initiative aimed at increasing outreach to Spanish-speaking communities during extreme weather events. Most recently, he worked as a meteorology specialist for utility Southern California Edison.
“I'm looking forward to helping our team with the task of providing our readers — both here in San Francisco and beyond — with stories about the unique weather and climate events that play a critical role in our lives,” Díaz said.
In earning his climate science masters degree, Díaz, who has a B.S. in atmospheric science, investigated wildfire smoke impacts on remote Northern Utah mountain ranges. But after spending time in the West, Díaz became obsessed with the richness of California’s climate – including San Francisco’s famous fog, also known as “Karl the Fog.”
Díaz will be the voice of The Chronicle’s daily weather forecasts. He’ll also provide readers with deeper context into California’s seasonal trends and bigger picture climate perspectives through columns.
Díaz will report to Hannah Hagemann, Weather Science Editor, and work alongside Jack Lee, the team’s new data reporter.
“A huge part of this weather science initiative is creating community,” Hagemann said. “Gerry not only has impressive science chops, but is a dynamic, charismatic meteorologist who I know readers, and Californians, will connect with.”
About The San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfchronicle.com) is the largest newspaper in Northern California and the second largest on the West Coast. Acquired by the Hearst Corporation in 2000, The San Francisco Chronicle was founded in 1865 by Charles and Michael de Young and has been awarded six Pulitzer Prizes for journalistic excellence. Follow us on Twitter at @SFChronicle.
