Rain Date: Unpredictable Lessons from My Life Forecasting the Weather

by Nick Pittman

Weathercaster “Nor’EasterNick” Pittman tells his heartfelt story of learning to embrace the unpredictable and turn rainy days into opportunities.

A tumultuous childhood and intense fear of thunderstorms couldn’t dampen Nick Pittman’s zeal for weather. He first gained recognition in elementary school, winning CBS 3 Philadelphia’s regional weather forecast competition. Soon after, “Nor’Easter Nick” was born, launching his career in meteorology.

He found he could quell his weather anxiety by teaching himself how to forecast approaching systems.

Now, as founder of Norcast Media—a 24/7 streaming weather channel—he reaches millions of viewers a month, educating the public so that their weather fears, too, might be allayed. Nick helps his followers learn to embrace the seemingly unpredictable by uncovering the order in the chaos.

In Rain Date, Nick shares the powerful lessons from his life in weather that have helped him navigate the stormier parts of life, including starting his own business when his career in broadcast meteorology hit a wall and returning to live with his mentally ill and abusive mother after his beloved grandmother, Bebe, who had raised him, succumbed to dementia.

Rain Date is a triumphant story of finding the light when the clouds roll in rather than becoming lost in their shadows, and a call to anyone fighting against the odds to chart their own course for sunnier days ahead.

Genres: Nonfiction

255 pages, Hardcover

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Josh]

A great read! Nor'Easter Nick shares the deeply personal story of his childhood and young adult years with a level of detail and honesty that is rare, even in a memoir. But it isn't done to elicit sympathy from the reader. Nick also shares his experiences building a successful business and becoming a local celebrity, offering an example of how to overcome the struggles of our past and face what life throws at us in the present. Therefore, the book serves as a source of inspiration, and hopefully an opportunity for the reader to reflect on their own difficulties, leaving the reader with a friendly optimism.

[Meg Comunale]

thank you so much nick for an arc of this book ! unputdownable, inspiring, and so many valuable life lessons. this memoir shows you how even the worst struggles in life can lead to a positive and successful outcome. thoroughly enjoyed reading this (and learning more about the weather!) read this in two sittings, this is a MUST read and add to tbr !

[Cheri Cottelli]

Growing up in South Jersey, I watched Nick on our local news. As a science teacher, I invited him to speak to at my school many years ago. I learned of his story and found it so inspirational and I am so happy to read his book. I cried, laughed and hope others can find inspiration in his life. A must read!

[Sean Farrell]

At this point, there are very few of us living in South Jersey who don’t get at least some of our weather forecasts from “Nor’Easter” Nick. Even people who don’t consider him their primary source likely still encounter and watch his videos at least some of the time. Honestly, Facebook should probably be paying him to post there, as weather videos are one of the few good things left amid the algorithm-driven slop that site feeds us every day. This of course means that he has become something of a local celebrity, and what are you supposed to do once you achieve any level of fame? Write a book of course!

Anyone who has watched his chattier morning broadcasts probably knows at least a little about Nick’s life story and will be familiar with some of the anecdotes contained within these pages, but outside of his immediate circle of friends, readers will still find plenty to learn.

Pittman’s life has had its share of challenges, though what many will construe to be the biggest one is somewhat glossed over. His relationship with his mother looks to have been pretty toxic, but the lone chapter that is devoted to it feels like it barely scratches the surface. It’s his story to tell and he is not obligated to share anything he doesn’t want to but avoiding adding more detail to what sounds like it might have been the most trying period of his life does rob some of the triumph and joy from his ultimate emergence on the other side.

He writes in a straightforward, chatty tone, that will make the reader feel as if they are engaged in a conversation with a friend, discussing the ups and downs of life. Comprised of short, punchy chapters the book breezes by, though the chronology of events can sometimes be confusing. Each chapter opens with a little forecast quote and ends with a brief entry from his “Weather Journal.” These sentences use descriptions of a day’s supposed weather to proffer a bit of related wisdom. They will likely appeal to readers who enjoy self-help books, but others may find them a bit corny. Likewise, the inclusion of a Prologue that serves to basically lay out the aims of the book like a thesis seems unnecessary and peculiar.

Still, this is an easy read that only further solidifies Pittman’s likability. Learning about the inner workings of how his forecasts got to air through various outlets proves fascinating, as is his experiences with the rise and fall of many of them. The moments involving how he met his now-husband are sweet and his struggles with accepting his homosexuality will be relatable to anyone who has dealt with them themselves. Most affecting of all though will be the sections about being raised by his grandmother and then ultimately losing her to Alzheimer’s. Many readers will be familiar with the ravages of that disease and the toll it takes on everyone, and as a result it’s almost impossible to emerge from that section without shedding a tear or two.

I don’t know that anyone expected him to be as good a writer as he is a weather forecaster, but he acquits himself well enough. He has led an interesting life, and with his friendly tone it’s a treat to learn more about it. The drops of wisdom throughout may not say anything especially new, but his heart is in the right place and there will still be many who benefit from reading them. While storm clouds do swirl throughout a few sections of this memoir, for the most part it will provide readers with some much-needed rays of sunshine and a better understanding of someone a whole lot of local viewers welcome into their homes every day.

Originally published on AFPL Journal
https://afpljournal.com/2026/03/05/bo...

[Maria]

I knew nothing about Nick Pittman when I saw this book, but I love weather and biographies so the two together were sure to entertain and this certainly did. Right off the bat, the mentions of Brigantine and Atlantic City, where I lived for a while, made me feel giddy. I love that area and don’t hear them mentioned often. Add in his determination to succeed, his fantastic advice from his grandmother, and his sparkling personality, and the book is a hit! His charm comes through in his writing and his desire to help and educate his community, and the world overall, are commendable. Highly recommended for a quick, fun read about the weather and, more importantly, a well-rounded and well-grounded person who just wants to do good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the review copy.

[Michele Runko]

I just finished Rain Date by Nick Pittman on audio. For those who don’t know who Nick is, he’s a South Jersey weatherman. Nick shares his personal story from boyhood to manhood . His determination to make better his situation no matter what obstacle he faces is unlike no other. His pure determination & compassion shape his life. I felt like I was sitting right next to him as he was narrating his story. His delivery was phenomenal. I loved his forecasts mixed with wisdom and encouragement between the chapters. This book will make a great gift for graduates or anyone who needs a pick me up kind of book. He’s a very uplifting person. I highly recommend . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. #mattholtbooks #noreasternick

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Dana]

Standard disclaimer: I try not to rate memoirs or autobiographies, because it's someone else's perspective and experiences, and I am not the least bit qualified to sit in judgment of their life.

Nick has a very engaging writing style, which is very similar to what you see in his broadcasts and on NorCast's social media. The weather journal at the end of each chapter is a little gimmicky, but it allows him to summarize that particular experience or give some advice to the reader.

If you're interested in becoming a meteorologist, there's nothing in here that will help you. There's no advice about what to study or what experience is useful. Same for being an entrepreneur, although the last few chapters have some advice that is more applicable.

[Rachel Rachel]

Rain Date was such a great and inspiring read. What I loved most was seeing how Nick took some of the hardest and most negative parts of his life and turned them into fuel for his future. Instead of allowing those experiences to define him, he used them to push himself forward and create something positive.

It’s a great reminder that sometimes the struggles we go through—the moments that feel like the worst parts of our story—can ultimately shape us, redirect us, and lead us somewhere we never expected. Really enjoyed this book and the message behind it!

[Bry Luciano]

I usually don’t write book reviews but this book was so inspirational. I am a local of South Jersey and attended the conference where Nick presented at. This book is a reflection of himself truly and he is the most humble statement in the community. He explains weather in a way anyone can understand. I’d recommend this book to anyone!

[Nancy]

Rain Date: Unpredictable Lessons from My Life Forecasting the Weather by Nick Pittman is an autobiography about his early life until he became the founder of NorCast Media. Includes his tragic early life saved by his beloved grandmother, two of his teachers that mentored him to believe in himself, and finding true love. It is his triumphant story of weathering the storms of life.

[Brittany]

Wonderful read! Nor’Easter Nick provides such an honest and raw look at his upbringing and the challenges he has overcome to get to the position he is in. Such an inspiring and engaging read, no knowledge of weather forecasting required!

[Kaitlyn]

Seeing Nor'easter Nick pop up on my NetGalley was in fact not on my bingo card this year but considering Nor'easter Nick provides me with most of my daily weather updates...I feel obligated to read this. this is actually so cute.

[darlene dabbenigno]

an awesome honest enjoyable book

Loved this!!! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!!! You sound exactly like the person I expected you to be! And thanks for all the wonderful forecasting! You were the only one I listened to

[amy]

delightful little book. loved hearing the author and his journey. narrated beautifully by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing & Brilliance Audio for making an advance listener copy of this title available for review!

[Jaclyn]

Incredible book! I loved learning more about what shaped his life and lead him to where he is now. You truly never know how much people go through unless they let you in on that part. Highly recommend!

[Michelle Flanigan]

Nick's Grandmother gave him a book about the weather , that turned his fear of the weather into a lifelong passion. In this book, he describes how he weathered some of the storms in his personal life, and built his career.

[Carol]

I couldn't put it down !!

[David]

A great read! A moving story about chasing your dreams and a testament to the power of community.

[Carley Kramer]

Very touching and inspirational !

[Bookbubble]

Rain Date isn't about weather. Its about the authors life, his rough childhood and the emotional mess he went through to get into TV. Weather is just the backdrop.

The best parts are his early years. His obsession with weather, trains, and buses was his anchor in the chaos. The chapters about his grandmothers decline and the move into that abusive household hit hard. Raw but not over the top.

Once it shifts to his career, it turns into the usual underdog story. If you like memoirs about pushing through no matter what, you'll probably get into it. If you wanted weather science or broadcasting details, you wont find them here.

The audiobook is a win. The author narrates, and it makes the vulnerable parts feel real. His delivery is natural, like he's just talking to you.