KRDO13’s Sara McCoy officially becomes meteorologist after completing graduate studies
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. -- KRDO13's Sara McCoy has officially reached a goal she has been working toward since middle school: becoming a meteorologist.
McCoy recently completed her graduate studies in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, adding to her background in broadcast journalism and bringing her one step closer to the career she has always envisioned.
McCoy graduated early from the University of Colorado Boulder after just two years, completing four semesters while majoring in broadcast journalism and minoring in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.
Her passion for weather began long before she started studying it professionally.
“I have always wanted to be a meteorologist since middle school, and all of my friends considered me the girl obsessed with weather,” McCoy said.
That passion eventually led her to pursue graduate studies focused on atmospheric science and research with a direct connection to Colorado.
During graduate school, McCoy completed two research projects. Her first focused on forecasting mountain mesoscale convective systems for aviation pilots who are landing in some of the most difficult terrain and weather in the country.
Her second project focused on avalanche fatalities in Colorado.
McCoy compiled and analyzed avalanche fatality data, creating charts to examine where and how fatalities occurred. She also developed an interactive map showing fatality locations to identify potential hotspots and danger zones across the state.
For McCoy, the opportunity to study and forecast Colorado weather is especially meaningful.
“I love Colorado because the weather is such an integral part of life here,” she said. “There's a genuine appreciation for the outdoors, and I've found a really special connection with the community here that doesn't just experience the weather but actively engages with it.”
Now that she has completed graduate school, McCoy is looking forward to spending more time doing what first drew her to meteorology: connecting with people and sharing her passion for weather.
“I’m really excited to be finished with grad school because I will have much more time on my hands to be out in the community,” McCoy said.
McCoy will continue forecasting weather for KRDO13, bringing her education, research experience and lifelong passion for Colorado weather to the station’s Stormtracker13 team.
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