Meteorologist John Smith

Post sunset glow in North Myrtle Beach this evening!

We have quiet, but chilly evening on the way. Rural communities and areas across the Border Belt may dip into the upper 30s tonight.

If there is one person most responsible for my career as a broadcast meteorologist, it's Ed Piotrowski WPDE.

Many people don't know this, but I was terrified of thunderstorms growing up. A lot of that fear was likely after having experienced Hurricane Hugo at 4 years old. I started to take control of that fear when I started watching Ed in the summer of 1996 when I was 11 years old. I started watching during Hurricane Bertha coverage and never stopped watching the weather after that.

I met Ed three times between 6th and 9th grade, then emailed back and forth with him during high school. When I was at Francis Marion, he let me intern once a week... which I did for all four years. Even during my 11 years in Florida and New Mexico, Ed continued to be a source of wisdom and support. Coming back to work with him at WPDE, he has always had my back both professionally and personally.

Not all people will do all the things Ed has done for me and the many other interns to whom he has volunteered his time. It's a testament to Ed's willingness to do good and pay it forward. Thank you seems insufficient, so let me just say that I'm truly fortunate to call you a mentor and friend!

Last night’s full moon illuminating the steeple of Old St. David’s Church in Cheraw! This picture was taken by my high school biology teacher, David Evans!

This is me saying that I’ll be taking a break from social media after today… go ahead and like this! You know you want to! 😂