Editor’s Note: This is the second of two parts featuring the women weather forecasters of KXII-TV and KTEN-TV locally.

 

Texoma has had a long line of weathermen over the years during the television era. But now, there are two weatherwomen to grace the television screen. They may not be the first but Kristina Shiroma and Megan Krannig are doing their best to give viewers the best weather information in the area.

 

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Megan Krannig admits to loving the Weather Channel. As a child of the cable television revolution, she took the time regularly to watch the weather on that national network. But the future meteorologist didn’t watch specifically for the weather patterns; no, it was for something more ordinary, yet vital in life.

 

“It was as simple as I wanted to know how to prepare for the day,” said Krannig, KXII-TV’s newest weather personality. “Growing up, I was always active outdoors and had to prepare for activities. It was as simple as ‘What do I need to have?’”

 

Having graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May, Krannig has only been on the job since the first of June but has already weathered her first live broadcast and “cut-ins.” Texoma is the initial locale for what Krannig hopes is a long career in weather broadcasting.

 

“I remember thinking in high school, ‘What do I want to do?’” recalled Krannig. “Weather was the only kind of science I liked and not everyone does it. Meteorology is something different and I liked the fact that it’s different.”

 

So, the young weather aficionado from the Dallas metroplex set out for a degree in meteorology at OU.

 

“OU seemed like a better place for me; it was like home. It felt like the right place to be,” said Krannig. “And not only that but it is known for its meteorology department. It’s right in the middle of ‘tornado alley.’” So, Krannig decided early on that she wanted to do more than just study the weather. She wanted to relay that information to others.

 

“So, I studied broadcast journalism as a minor,” she explained. “I got the best of both worlds.” Krannig also did internships at Dallas and Oklahoma City television stations.

 

But even with the college degree, practical experience and the study groups and campus life, Krannig admits that her first job in weather forecasting is unlike anything she expected.

 

“It’s never going to be like what you think it’s going to be,” she said. “It’s exciting but nerve-wracking.”

 

Krannig began her career on the World Wide Web as www.KXII.com weather ‘webcaster.’

 

“It wasn’t so bad but it’s not the same as being on television,” she smiled. “But then you think about it and a lot of people could see me.”

 

About three weeks into her career, Krannig did the weather for KXII-TV’s morning show, “First A.M.” She was nervous but she ‘got up there and did it.’

 

“I was a little nervous; there were so many emotions,” Krannig said. “They all came at one time but I got through it.” Krannig took over the weekend weather duty and recently has been filling in during the week.

 

“It’s gotten a little easier; I’m not as nervous now. It’s like talking to Mom and Dad,” she added. “I’ve gotten more familiar with the ‘green screen’, too.” That’s the wall size screen used for the weather graphics behind Krannig during the weathercast.

 

“I work with fantastic people, too” said Krannig. “They encourage me and offer constructive criticism.”

 

Among those ‘fantastic people’ is Alan Crone, KXII-TV’s chief meteorologist.

 

“We’re very pleased with Megan’s progress. We think she will be a huge asset to our viewers,” said Crone. “I think the more people watch Megan, the more they will like her. We are excited to have her here.”

 

Krannig related a typical day in the weather forecasting business-at least for the rookies. She starts with the day’s computer models and begins researching weather data.

 

“Then, I take the knowledge I’ve learned and compare it,” she explained. “To see if my predictions match the models. Next, I do the forecast based on those comparisons. But sometimes, you just go with your gut feeling.” Krannig also considers the National Weather Service information in her five-day forecast. Then, she blends the information and forecasts with the graphics we see on television.

 

According to Krannig, she determines what to say and what order to say it in. She considers how to begin the weathercast, transitions and the conclusion. Usually, she will do a few ‘dry runs’ before her daily newscasts. So far, Krannig has learned to deal with some severe weather; something forecasters don’t have to do during the Texas summers – at least in Texoma.

 

“We’ve seen some severe weather this summer,” she said. “It’s the most exciting part of being in this area, weather-wise.” Even though sunny summer weather may be her favorite personally, tracking severe weather is what it’s all about.

 

“I’m a people person. The part I like most is that I get to inform those people about something that I am passionate about,” said Krannig. “It’s an aspect of my job I love.”

 

Krannig reported that her mother, Vicki, is proud of her accomplishments already.

 

“She told all her friends about the Webcast and I’ve sent her tapes of my broadcasts,” she said with a laugh. “She tells everybody that I’m ‘the new weathergirl at Channel 12’.”

 

Krannig likes living in Texoma and for one – well, maybe two – reasons.

 

“I like living here; it has a nice small town feel,” she said. “And it’s not that far from my family. It’s neat to be able to experience both big city life and small town living.”