Pure Madnesson

Bob Lindmeier, weatherman for Channel 27 in Madison, has apologized for his error. He mis-predicted last night's snowfall as 1 to 2 inches and claimed that the city has seen a particularly mild January. When all the snow had hit the ground, more than 3 inches blanketed Madison. A spokesperson from WKOW television gave the following statement:

"Lindmeier is sorry for getting last night's snowfall amount wrong. He
misread the doppler chart and based his statement on an average snowfall
for a three county area. It was an honest mistake that made his prediction wrong
by as much as a full inch. Regardless, his statement that Madison has seen a
particularly mild winter still holds true. There is no true measure available
for predicting the snowfall exclusively within the city's borders."

While the TV station defends Lindmeier's statements, a local group just isn't buying it. Michael Quigley, speaking on behalf of the Common Sense Coalition, calls the error "inexcusable" and argues that there is no basis for Lindmeier's claims. According to Quigley, "This sort of error is unacceptable from a leader in Madison's weather forecasting community. It's misleading to Madison residents."

Ray Allen, a former School Board Member and current chairman of the Common Sense Coalition, wants more oversight of weather forecasts in Madison. "This is exactly why the Common Sense Coalition is calling for an executive level Chief Executive Weatherman position at Channel 27. We need someone who can read a basic chart to ensure that these weathermen don't go off willy-nilly, letting Madisonians go without their boots and ice scrapers by giving them the wrong information."