Matthew Charchenko - Class of 2015

Your next severe weather warning might just come from a fellow Owl.  Matthew Charchenko (’15) followed his dream to become a weatherman. Technically, Matthew is the Operational Meteorologist at a company that provides hyper localized forecasting and decision support services for both private and public sector industries across North America. This means Matthew works with the transportation and construction industries for winter road maintenance, day to day construction operations, and airport ground operations.  

One of Matthew’s biggest responsibilities comes in providing WSDOT briefings ahead of big storms like those epic fall and winter windstorms we see in the PNW. “I am responsible for telling WSDOT when the storm is going to happen” he shares. “I really love knowing that what I do has a tangible impact in public safety,” relays Matthew, further explaining “a weather app isn’t going to tell people what is specifically happening to the pavements – which is a very different type of forecasting compared to general forecasting.” So the next time you need to haul out your de-ice stash, sandbags, or windshield scraper, you can thank Matthew for his work in this sector.  

Matthew’s day to day involves looking at 4-5 different forecast models and being able to synthesize that information quickly, skills he attributes to his time at Overlake. “While my career is a very math/science heavy field, accurate, efficient, clear, and digestible information is critical. And I do a ton of multitasking.”  

When he knows he has a good break in weather, Matthew can usually be found in the mountains. “Mountaineering, skiing, and photography fill my time outside of work” he shares. “I’m currently climbing my way through the 100 highest peaks in Washington and I love being outside as much as possible ever since taking Outdoor Ed as a freshman in high school.”