Augie Auer was never afraid to air views on climate change that many considered to be politically incorrect.

Augie Auer was never afraid to air views on climate change that many considered to be politically incorrect.

Weather forecaster Augie Auer used to fly planes into hail storms, and most recently weathered the scientific storm over his controversial claims about climate change.

He survived both, but died in Melbourne on Sunday night while dining with relatives to celebrate his 67th birthday and 35th wedding anniversary. It is thought he suffered a heart attack.

Son Andy Auer said his father had had heart problems in the past, but his death had come as a total shock.

Daughter-in-law Jo Auer described him as a brilliant man who loved his family and career.

Auer was best known for his affable manner and colourful take on all things weather.

He was so good at communicating weather to the public that TV3 snapped him up as its weather presenter.

News and current affairs chief Mark Jennings admitted he was not particularly bothered about weather reports but after hiring Professor Auer he could see how they could be made interesting.

"He was a unique blend of a weather expert and a huge personality ... the ultimate weatherman."

The jovial professor loved his broadcasting job and would be planning his quirky on-air wit from the moment he got up.

However, he proved a little pesky in the wardrobe department, insisting on wearing fawn trousers and ties of his choice to the stylist's despair.

Jennings said Auer was also very competitive and tried hard to get the better of TV One's rival weatherman Jim Hickey.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said Auer was chief meteorologist when the pair worked together in the 1990s.

Auer had pioneered mesoscale and severe weather forecasting programs, looking at intense weather incidents such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and hail dumps.

Mr McDavitt said in Auer's early career in the United States, where he was born, he would fly planes into hail storms for research.

"He was one of the original storm chasers."

Auer always had a great way of explaining the weather, said Mr McDavitt.

"He added some vim to the whole proceedings along with a little grin on his face."