Meteorologist J-P Dice to speak at chamber luncheon

While most think severe weather season is in the spring or summer, it is year round in Alabama. November marks the third highest number tornadoes per month over the last 60 years, making it perfect timing for Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist J-P Dice to visit the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon to discuss his passion for weather. The luncheon, sponsored by Jimmie Hale Mission, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the Trussville Civic Center.

“It’s a good opportunity for us as a meteorologist to explain what we do and how weather forecasting works, how technology works and how the business has evolved. It’s also a good opportunity for us to talk about weather safety issues and the ever-changing issues we have with weather in Alabama,” Dice said.

Passionate about science, Dice says he enjoys telling others the details of how meteorology works. 

“Weather is something that touches everybody, but in many cases people only know about the small part they see on television, but they don’t know about the technology of it and what all we can do,” he said. 

Dice says northeast Jefferson County is one of the more active areas for weather in Jefferson County, including the January 2012 tornado and being in the path of the deadly EF4 tornado on April 27, 2011 before the storm lifted. Because of that, he says he always uses these opportunities to speak about being weather aware and having a safety plan in place for one’shome and business. 

Dice, who grew up in Frostproof, Florida, received his undergraduate degree in telecommunication news from the University of Florida and completed his master’s degree in geoscience at Mississippi State University. He began his career in broadcasting at a radio station while in high school and then was meteorologist at WCJB-TV in Gainesville, Florida, before moving to Alabama in 1997. He spent 11 years at WHNT-TV in Huntsville prior to succeeding David Neal at WBRC Fox 6 in August 2008. 

In addition to his work at Fox 6, Dice has taught meteorology and physical science at Jefferson State Community College and is a commercial-rated pilot. He and his wife, Stacie, have one son.

Each month, the chamber luncheon will begin with a 30-minute network development time during which members and guests can network and exchange business cards with the estimated 80-100 individuals expected to attend. 

Cost for the luncheon is $17 with a processing fee if paying by credit card. Online registration is closed at midnight on Monday, Nov. 13, but the Chamber office will accept registration by phone until noon Tuesday, Nov. 14. All non-members must pay in advance. 

To register, visit trussvillechamber.com or contact June Mathews by phone at 655-7535 or email june.mathews@trussvillechamber.com. For more info about TRC, contact Diane Pool at diane.poole@trussvillechamwber.com.

The address for the Trussville Civic Center is 5381 Trussville-Clay Road.