Siobhán Ryan of Met Éireann
EVERY DAY is different here. You could be on a shift from 8am to 2.30pm, or 8am to 6pm, or from 10pm to 8am. There's no average day.
Today I started at 8am and, first up, familiarised myself with the weather by looking at the data coming in. We have various computer models that give us guidance, as well as radar-satellite sequences and our own experience to draw from.
I've been with Met Éireann since 2001 and a forecaster since 2007. I was really lucky to get in. I did science in Trinity, then an MA in film and TV production in Dublin Institute of Technology before going back to do a master's in meteorology at University College Dublin.
This morning I had to write the scripts for Nuala Carey, the RTÉ weather presenter, as well as make up the graphics for the TV weather.
We're producing a Beijing forecast for the Olympics, too.
There are a number of forecasts to write for, with the RTÉ lunchtime one being the longest.
Then I had to produce scripts for local radio stations around the country - about 20 in all. They get them free as long as they put in the WeatherDial number at the end.
This morning I recorded the Munster, Ulster and Connaught WeatherDial reports, too.
Normally there are three forecasters on duty during the day, one in the evening and two at night. There are around 20 of us in all, and there's a good team spirit.
We can debate likely weather between us, but there's always one lead forecaster on duty to make the final decision.
This week I had to do loads of interviews with local radio stations, to talk about the incredible weather last weekend. Parts of Dublin had more than their entire August average rainfall in one go.
Actually, I can never escape talking about the weather: family and friends are always nagging me about it, particularly this summer. People seem to think we have a part to play in it.
Some of my day involves working with those who have individual accounts with us - film companies, farmers and racetracks - and who call in looking for more detailed reports.
The generalised national reports are most challenging. In some cases we send full weather reports to radio stations and they reduce them to just five words, which can be frustrating for us.
You can't always be right with weather forecasting, though if you get it wrong and the weather is good, no one minds, funnily enough.
The memory of Michael Fish still lingers with all of us. You couldn't help but feel sorry for him, getting it so wrong with all his experience. The shame of it!
We are based in Glasnevin, and there aren't too many places to go for lunch, so I normally just grab a sandwich. We're in the big triangular building people might know because it's very distinctive. I think perhaps it looks better from the outside than it is inside.
Today I spent the afternoon updating reports and doing forecasts for airports.
For some forecasters the big thing is to get on RTÉ to present. For others it'd be "no way". Personally, I'd consider it.
As a viewer I don't really like the trend that blurs forecasting with entertainment. I prefer weather reports to be professional but not boring.
After the summer we've had, though, right now it feels as if we could just broadcast a thumbs up, or a thumbs down, on the telly and that would be enough for people. We are so looking forward to predicting good weather.
• In conversation with Sandra O'Connell