Interview with Bryan Busby

August 19, 2010

Chief Meteorologist, Bryan Busby has been working at KMBC-TV since 1985. In that time, he has established himself as one of Kansas City’s favorite weathermen. In addition to forecasting the weather, Busby has proved to be something of a polymath, having established himself as both a concert timpanist and the Principal Guest Conductor of the Kansas City Youth Symphony. Recently, I had the chance to interview Mr. Busby about the historical significance of last week’s heat wave, our weather’s legendary mood swings and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

When is this heat going to break?
We have a break right now, but remember. This is August in Kansas City, so most of our records were set in the Dust Bowl years in the 1930's during this month.

How does this recent heat wave compare with Kansas City's weather in the summer of 1934 and 1954?
It isn't as harsh as those years for sure. I mean, we have had only a couple of days over 100 degrees, and we should get about 5 or 6 EACH YEAR! Those years in particular were very rough as there were weeks on end without any serious rain or cooling.

Are there any other climates that are harder to predict than Kansas City's?
Quite a few parts of the nation have their share of challenging weather patterns to anticipate. Out west, it is tough to predict in the mountains and valleys. In the Gulf Coast region, it is hard to pinpoint exactly when and where rain will form. But here in the middle of the country, this can be a huge issue. If you draw a line due south of Dodge City, you hit Mexico. If you do the same thing south of KC, you hit a tiny lip of the Gulf of Mexico. And that body of water to our south can dramatically change the make-up and strength of an approaching storm, making it grow just west of us. That doesn't give us a lot of time to observe and estimate what it is capable of doing. I joke and say that the Gulf of Mexico can make any meteorologist look like an idiot, since the weather can change so quickly!

How many other meteorologists have conducted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?
(Laughing) I don't really know. You will have to call the Mormon Tabernacle Choir office in Salt Lake City to get the answer to that. I would say, I have to be the only one in this region to have that honor. They have invited me back to conduct them out there. I still need to make that happen. What a thrill it was.

Have you seen the plans for the Kauffman Performing Arts Center?
I have SEEN the plans, and I can hardly wait to step foot inside, just to take it all in. It would be quite an amazing opportunity to play or conduct from that stage. A friend of mine has offered to give me a tour. I will do it, now that there seems to be a break in the stormy or sultry weather.

Bryan Busby’s Top (KMBC) 9 Musicians and Movies:

Stevie Wonder
The Eagles
Beethoven
Michael Jackson
Chicago
Earth Wind and Fire
Muse
Dave Matthews Band
Rimsky Korsakov

Bryan's Top 9 Movies

-Dylan L.
South Independence