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New Film Depicts Meteorologists' Role in D-Day Planning
The movie Pressure portrays the weather forecasting decisions that shaped the timing of the Allied invasion of Normandy. It highlights differences between American and European forecasting methods used in 1944.
May 27, 6:00 AM·1m read1 source
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The film Pressure, scheduled for release on May 29, 2026, dramatizes the meteorological planning that preceded the D-Day landings in World War II. Andrew Scott portrays Scottish meteorologist James Stagg, who coordinated forecasts for Gen. Dwight D.
Eisenhower, played by Brendan Fraser. The story focuses on the choice of invasion date and the differing forecast methods available to Allied commanders.
in 1944 One group, led by American meteorologist Irving Krick, relied on historical weather patterns for the planned date. Krick predicted calm conditions for June 5, 1944, based on past records. Their data indicated an approaching storm, leading Eisenhower to postpone the landings to June 6.
Post-War Changes in U.S.
The film also shows the use of weather balloons to gather upper-atmosphere data, a practice the National Weather Service continues today with daily launches. James Taylor, principal curator at the Imperial War Museums, said meteorologists played a key role in D-Day planning.
Historians consulted for the film found no verified record of an Eisenhower quote claiming Allied victory resulted from superior meteorologists.
