Dr. Mel kicks off CT Climate Book tour

Madison (WTNH) - Everyday people in Connecticut wake up and turn on the television to check the weather. Rain or shine, nothing too much seems to rile those who live in the state. But, something that's been consistent in weather for the past half century has just been shaken up.

Dr. Mel kicked off his tour for " Dr. Mel's Connecticut Climate Change Book" at R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison Thursday evening. It's the first book to be published on the topic in over 40 years.

"It's about time!" Dr. Mel said. "We're talking about something that was written nearly half a century ago, I really felt like it was time for it to be updated and that's exactly what I did."

The book does more than just report on the conditions at airports. It shows the historic conditions of every town in Connecticut.

Not only can people research the record highs, lows and other weather-related conditions of their town, but they can also see how people lived through the weather, and how it affected their culture.

"I wrote about every single major weather event that occurred since the pilgrims landed on these shores," Dr. Mel said. "Even when all the harbors were frozen and ice covered everything, you see the fluxuations of weather and climate over centuries. You realize Connecticut is a climate-rich place."

Between tornadoes, hurricanes, snow storms and heat waves, there really isn't any kind of weather that Connecticut doesn't get.

"That's what makes weather in Connecticut exciting, forecasting in Connecticut challenging and the climate in Connecticut very, very interesting," Dr. Mel said.

So why choose Madison as the first stop for his tour?

"Actually she chose me!" Dr. Mel said "This is like a book party."

Dr. Mel said he was excited to finally meet some of his fans throughout his tour, many of those who he talks to through the camera everyday.

While Dr. Mel was preparing to meet his fans, Roxanne Coady, owner of R.J. Julia Booksellers, was preparing by transforming the back room of the bookstore into a lecture hall for over 100 expected guests.

"We do all of Dr. Mel's books, we don't allow other weathermen in the store," Coady joked.

And transform they did. Shelves were moved, books were taken off of tables to be replaced with pastries and drinks brought by Dr. Mel's wife.

"I have been watching Dr. Mel forever, I feel like I grew up with him," Marilyn Hurteau, of North Guilford, said. "Sometimes he doesn't have very good news, but we still listen to what he has to say."

Dr. Mel was introduced by News Channel 8's Jocelyn Maminta.

"It is a very user-friendly book for those of us who don't know much about the weather. There are some children here, I mean you could even understand this book," Maminta said.

"I mean, I wrote it!" Dr. Mel laughed.

He wrote it all while battling Multiple Myeloma, a disease that drove Dr. Mel to create the Dr. Mel Goldstein Multiple Myeloma Fund at Yale Cancer Center, the foundation that will be receiving all of the proceeds from the book.

"I've lost 7 or 8 inches since I got sick, but I'm still this much above the ground and that's all that matters," Dr. Mel said.

Dr. Mel emphasized that the book isn't strictly about weather, but how people have dealt with it as well.

"It's a narrative on how weather has influenced people," Dr. Mel said.

R.J. Julia Booksellers is known for its booksignings. This month alone they're featuring such a range of writers that include N.Y. Times Restaurant Critic, Frank Bruni, and comedian Lisa Lampanelli.

"I love this store," Lindsay Wallace, 11, of Madison, said.

There are about four events a week that people can check out at the book store. Those who want to attend can check out the upcoming authors that are expected and reserve their spot on their Web site.

"They can sign up online or they can call the book store, and if they want to get e-mails so they know who's coming, they can sign up on the Web site," Roxanne said.

After Dr. Mel answered some questions from the audience, he was able to meet each person individually, taking some time out to sign books and hear weather stories from those that matter most to him - his fans.

"I love to meet people," Dr. Mel said. "When I'm behind a camera at the station, I pretend people are behind it."

Don't worry if you missed tonight, Dr. Mel will be busy the next two months touring the state. Check here to see when he'll be near you.