FOR decades, meteorologist Evan Thompson has helped Jamaicans prepare for the storms ahead, often leaving his own family behind to attend to the nation’s needs.

Now, after being vested with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his service to meteorology, climate resilience and public safety, Thompson is looking towards a different forecast for his future — one that includes more rest and time with his family.

Thompson, the principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, says the honour brings a sense of fulfilment after a career that has demanded considerable personal sacrifice.

“It really puts a cap on something that I have dedicated a lot of sweat and tears and blood to over time. It has really been quite a sacrifice. Even a sacrifice where my family is concerned because I have to leave them behind to go and attend to the needs of the nation. And that has been one of the most impactful things,” he told the Jamaica Observer on Monday during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards.

The 2026 national honour recognises his almost four decades in a profession that has made him a familiar face in Jamaican households.

Thompson said he was looking forward to having more time away from the demands of the job.

“So this is now where I can look forward to taking a little rest, getting out of this field and just relaxing with my family. You know that’s something I want to do. So I am happy that there is some fulfilment of my career,” he said.

Asked whether he was hinting at retirement, he replied with laughter saying: “I am hinting and I’m looking forward to it actually.”

Despite his plans for the future, Thompson said he remained grateful for the recognition and for the support he had received from Jamaicans throughout his career.

“I’m feeling very proud. I’m very grateful for all that has been extended to me and you know, I think the Jamaican people are really awesome,” said Thompson.

His connection with the public was built partly through his years presenting weather forecasts on Television Jamaica, where he became a familiar face for viewers seeking information about approaching storms and other weather conditions. The job has not always made Thompson a welcome sight on television, particularly when severe weather threatens.

As head of the Meteorological Service, he was among the officials providing Jamaicans with repeated updates during press briefings before, during and after Hurricane Melissa, as the country braced for and then assessed the impact of the devastating weather event which ravaged sections of the island on last year on October 28.

Reflecting on how his role is sometimes received by the public, Thompson said: “Yeah, I hear people saying that they don’t want to see me again because every time I come I bring bad news. I have heard it,” he said while laughing.

Thompson began presenting weather forecasts on television in 1999 and spent about 17 years co-producing and presenting Prime Time Weather. He was appointed director of the Meteorological Service in 2016, after serving in several roles, including head of the Weather Branch and severe-weather forecaster. He now leads the agency in its work monitoring weather conditions and providing information to help protect lives and property.

However, he said his responsibilities have changed, with his work now focused more on management and administration than on preparing daily forecasts.

“I do enjoy what I’m doing. I think the weather is something that’s always changing. There’s never a dull moment where the weather is concerned. I mean I’m not directly involved with forecasting any more. Not much. Not the day-to-day forecasting. But I’m still very much in the area and I’m leading the Met Service. So more in management and administration. But I have always enjoyed what I have been doing and the communication aspect of it I think is what I’m most comfortable with,” he said. His entry into meteorology was not always an obvious career choice. After leaving high school, Thompson considered other professions, including architecture, before settling on meteorology following a career talk at Excelsior High School.

“It was not the popular thing. I remember my father wondering what is this you plan to get into? I’ve never heard of meteorologists. But I think I’ve made a mark and I think people have recognised what the science is all about, and they have come to support me as I continue on this career journey,” he said.

Thompson graduated from The University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill campus in Barbados in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure and Applied Sciences, majoring in meteorology.

He joined the Meteorological Service that year, shortly before Hurricane Gilbert struck Jamaica in September, giving him an early experience of the demands of the profession during a major storm.

Over the years, he has worked to make weather information easier for the public to understand, a role he said has been among the most rewarding aspects of his career.

“I think the most fulfilling thing is knowing that the people are happy and grateful for all that has been done. And they have expressed it. They have said to me this has been something that has impacted them. They identify with me. They feel as if I’m a part of their families because I’ve been in their homes for so many years. So just being one with the people of Jamaica, I think that is what is most impactful to me,” said Thompson.