Real or Fake? Verifying Weather Information on Social Media

The proliferation of social media platforms as primary information sources is leading to a concerning increase in viral misleading weather content, meteorological experts warn.

In Northeast Wisconsin, residents are increasingly encountering dramatic snowfall predictions and extreme weather forecasts shared widely across Facebook and TikTok. Many of these viral posts originate from “weather enthusiasts” rather than credentialed meteorologists, creating a wave of public confusion about genuine weather threats.

“What we’re seeing is the perfect storm of viral misinformation,” explains meteorological communication expert Dr. Rachel Winters. “Social media algorithms favor dramatic content, which means extreme weather predictions get more visibility than measured, scientific forecasts.”

The most common form of misleading content involves weather model screenshots being presented as definitive forecasts. These model runs represent just one possible scenario among many and are designed as analytical tools for professional meteorologists, not as final predictions for public consumption.

“Weather models are essentially sophisticated computer programs that simulate atmospheric conditions,” says National Weather Service meteorologist James Richardson. “They’re invaluable tools for professionals, but the raw data requires interpretation and context that isn’t present in most social media posts.”

The problem is particularly acute for long-range forecasts. Weather patterns beyond 3-5 days become increasingly difficult to predict with precision, yet social media posts frequently present 7-10 day model outputs as certainties.

Official agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Climate Prediction Center (CPC) provide reliable forecast resources, but even their data can be misrepresented when shared without proper context. For example, the CPC’s experimental hazard outlooks might indicate regions where heavy snow could potentially develop a week in advance, but this doesn’t guarantee storm development.

The Wisconsin Emergency Management office has reported receiving increased calls from concerned citizens about weather events that never materialize, creating unnecessary strain on emergency preparedness resources.

“We’ve seen cases where businesses close, events get canceled, and people make significant decisions based on weather information that wasn’t accurate,” says Emily Peterson, Green Bay’s emergency management coordinator. “It creates a boy-who-cried-wolf effect that may lead people to ignore genuine warnings in the future.”

For Northeast Wisconsin residents, distinguishing between reliable and unreliable weather information has become increasingly important. Meteorologists recommend several verification strategies when encountering weather predictions online.

First, check the source’s credentials. Professional meteorologists typically list their educational background, workplace affiliation, and professional certifications. Second, verify information against official sources such as local National Weather Service offices or established meteorological teams like the FOX 11 Weather Team.

Third, be skeptical of posts featuring extreme predictions or dramatic language, especially those claiming certainty about events more than five days in the future.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has begun incorporating media literacy about weather forecasting into its public outreach programs. “Understanding how to evaluate weather information isn’t just about convenience—in our region, it can be a matter of safety,” notes program director Mark Henderson.

Social media platforms have implemented some measures to combat misinformation, but weather content presents unique challenges. Unlike political or health misinformation, weather predictions aren’t necessarily false when posted—they represent possibilities that may or may not materialize.

As winter approaches in Northeast Wisconsin, officials emphasize the importance of relying on established meteorological sources rather than viral social media content for weather planning. The National Weather Service office in Green Bay continues to provide regularly updated forecasts reflecting the most current and scientifically sound weather data available.

“Weather forecasting is a science,” Richardson emphasizes. “And like any science, it requires training, expertise, and careful interpretation of data—elements that are often missing from viral social media posts.”