Rob Lightbown

Experienced meteorologist, weather forecaster, and consultant with 34 years of professional forecasting and weather-analysis experience. Founder and owner of Crown Weather Services, established in 1994 and operated full-time since 2013, and Route 20 Weather, established in 2018. Extensive expertise in tropical weather, hurricane forecasting, severe weather, daily operational forecasting, marine weather, numerical weather prediction, radar analysis, and weather-risk assessment.

Provides customized weather consulting and decision-support services to individuals, businesses, emergency management officials, mariners, insurance adjusters, and other weather-sensitive clients. Combines extensive forecasting experience with strong analytical and communication skills, translating complex meteorological data and model guidance into clear, practical information for clients, businesses, and the public.

Owner | Meteorologist | Weather Forecaster at Crown Weather Services (1994-01 – Present)

Founded and operate an independent weather forecasting and consulting company providing professional weather analysis, forecasting, and customized weather decision-support services. Full-time operation since 2013.

• Develop short-, medium-, and extended-range weather forecasts through detailed analysis of atmospheric conditions and numerical weather prediction guidance.
• Analyze weather radar, satellite imagery, surface observations, upper-air data, and numerical model output to assess current and future atmospheric conditions.
• Specialize in tropical storm and hurricane analysis and forecasting, including monitoring developing systems, evaluating forecast guidance, and assessing potential impacts.
• Compare competing numerical model solutions and evaluate forecast trends, uncertainty, and confidence.
• Analyze severe weather threats and communicate potential timing, intensity, and impacts.
• Analyze marine weather conditions and provide customized information for mariners and other marine interests.
• Develop forecasts and weather information tailored to individual customer requirements and operational needs.
• Provide professional weather consulting to emergency management officials, mariners, insurance adjusters, businesses, and individuals.
• Translate complex meteorological information into clear, practical weather guidance for clients without specialized meteorological backgrounds.
• Provide weather-risk assessments to assist clients in planning around potentially disruptive or hazardous weather.
• Communicate expected conditions, timing, potential impacts, forecast confidence, and uncertainty.
• Founded Crown Weather Services in 1994 and have operated the company for more than three decades.
• Transitioned to full-time operation in 2013; manage forecasting, client relationships, service development, communications, marketing, and business administration.
• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with weather-sensitive customers and design customized services based on customer requirements.

Owner | Meteorologist | Daily Weather Forecaster at Route 20 Weather (2018-01 – Present)

Dedicated forecasting organization providing daily weather forecasts for Western and Central Massachusetts, including the Springfield and Worcester areas.

• Produce and communicate daily operational weather forecasts for Western and Central Massachusetts.
• Analyze current atmospheric conditions, numerical model guidance, radar, satellite imagery, and observational data to develop localized forecasts.
• Provide localized forecasts for communities including Springfield and Worcester.
• Monitor developing weather systems and adjust forecasts as new observations and model guidance become available.
• Translate complex meteorological information into accessible, practical weather information for the public.

Meteorology Intern at National Weather Service (1992-01 – 1995-12)

• Gained hands-on experience in operational meteorology, weather analysis, forecasting, and professional weather communication.
• Worked in an operational environment focused on real-time weather conditions and forecast development.
• Developed practical experience interpreting observational and meteorological data.
• Gained exposure to professional forecasting procedures, weather information systems, and operational meteorological practices.
• Established an early professional foundation in meteorology that has supported more than three decades of forecasting experience.

Environmental Science – University of Maine at Presque Isle