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Third Graders Dive Into Weather with WKTV’s Bill Kardas

Posted Date: 04/30/26 (11:25 AM)
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Third Graders Dive Into Weather with WKTV’s Bill Kardas

From Blizzards to Tornadoes: Third Graders Explore Weather with an Expert

April 30, 2026
WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas poses with the third grade class at Cooperstown Elementary School

Real-World Weather Lessons with WKTV Meteorologist Bill Kardas

The third grade class at Cooperstown Elementary School was treated to a special presentation on Wednesday by Bill Kardas, longtime Chief Meteorologist at WKTV in Utica. Students recently studied weather in science class, and Bill expanded on their knowledge using his expertise in meteorology.
WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas stands at the front of a room presenting to Cooperstown third graders
WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas stands at the front of a room presenting to Cooperstown third graders
Bill explained the different types of winter weather we experience here in New York state, including snow, sleet, freezing rain and blizzards. He also discussed other types of hazardous weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and lightning – explaining that lightning typically strikes the tallest object in its path.
WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas stands at the front of a room presenting to Cooperstown third graders
WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas stands at the front of a room presenting to Cooperstown third graders
Students were especially enthusiastic about tornadoes and had many questions about the history of tornadoes in Cooperstown, Hartwick, Milford, Oneonta and other parts of New York state. Bill emphasized that the safest place to seek shelter during a tornado is in a basement – or, if a home does not have one, on the lowest floor in an interior room away from windows.
Students raise their hands to ask questions during WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas' presentation
Students raise their hands to ask questions during WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas' presentation
Bill also had students identify different types of clouds to test their knowledge from the classroom weather unit. He then explained how weather satellites follow a geostationary orbit around the Earth and invited two student volunteers to demonstrate this concept in front of the class.
Two students demonstrate the geostationary orbit that a weather satellite follows around the Earth
Two students demonstrate the geostationary orbit that a weather satellite follows around the Earth
He showed the types of maps he analyzes each day to develop weather forecasts for the WKTV viewing area, which includes Oneida, Herkimer and Otsego counties. He explained that forecasts are typically very accurate up to three days in advance, but accuracy decreases the farther out predictions are made.

​​Bill also shared how the green screen works at a TV station, noting that he can’t wear green on air or he’ll appear as a floating head since his clothing would blend into the background.
WKTV Chief Meteorologist Bill Kardas stands at the front of a room presenting to Cooperstown third graders
Our third graders were highly engaged throughout the presentation and asked many thoughtful weather questions. We look forward to welcoming Bill back again next year!

Bill even gave Cooperstown Elementary School a shoutout during his Wednesday evening weathercast on WKTV, featuring the group photo he took with the class. Watch the full clip here: https://www.wktv.com/video/evening-forecast-rainy-pattern-ahead/video_3e2ac12a-7bf1-53b6-96ad-c6f08d61ce75.html