Rehearsal for the Forecast

In a small studio in Manchester, a weather presenter stands in front of a green wall and practises tomorrow's forecast. The cameras are off. It is just her, her notes, and an empty room.

“Good evening,” she begins. “Here is your forecast for tomorrow.”

She points to the left, where the map will be.

“Firstly, the morning. It will be cold, around four degrees, with a wind from the north.”

She moves her hand to the centre.

“Secondly, the afternoon. The wind will change direction and come from the west. Temperatures will rise to about eleven degrees, a little above the average for this time of year.”

She points to the right.

“And finally, the evening. There is a sixty per cent chance of rain after eight o'clock. So take an umbrella if you go out late.”

She stops and looks at the empty chair where the camera will be.

“Normally I smile here,” she says to no one. “But it's hard to smile about rain.”