CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Stefano DiPietro of WBRE news, explained weather patterns and answered questions posed to him by second grade students at Renn Elementary School in Lairdsville.

LAIRDSVILLE – It was as though Meteorologist Stefano DiPietro orchestrated the weather while describing diverse types of climate. During the 45-minute period on March 16 at Renn Elementary School in Lairdsville, three types of weather occurred. A smidgen of sunshine, a cluster of clouds and random raindrops.

The two second grade classes with teachers Mrs. Burkhart and Mrs. Wallis were combined to hear the lecture. Afterward, several students were taped posing questions for television viewing on WBRE Channel 28 Eye Witness weather news during morning and mid-day broadcasts.

Assisted by computer graphics, the weatherman explained how moisture gathers in clouds, and like sponges, when full, rain falls. “Satellites show us the directions clouds are traveling; with radar, we can see inside clouds gaging how much rain they hold,” he said.

The students were given a tip to gauge how far away a thunder storm might be by counting between lightning strikes and the roar of thunder. DiPietro said, “There are about 100 lightning flashes a second somewhere in the U. S.”

Additional weather related topics discussed were tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary WBRE weatherman, Stefano DiPietro visited second graders at Renn Elementary School in Lairdsville last week. The television meteorologist explained weather patterns and how to be safe during storms.

When students were asked how many would like to become meteorologists, about ninety percent raised their hands.

DiPietro gave a description of an “on the set view” when weather newscasts are broadcasted. “I stand in front of a blank green screen on which computer graphics are placed. For me to view what’s on screen, three cameras are placed around me. One in the front, and one on each side. That way I can see what you see while giving the report,” DiPietro said.

Afterward, a group photo of the classes with the weatherman was taken for the school memory book.