I suspect in many cases people read into those maps what they want to see. Add in a common lack of basic map reading and geographic literacy.
Finally, when it comes to weather, even smart educated people seem to completely forget the most elementary statistical concepts.
Well said. I worked with the planning department staff in a rural NY in the eighties. They were skilled at using the emerging field of computer based graphic analysis to explain complex issues to the elected officials there. I was impressed with their ability to craft graphs and charts that accommodated the supervisors' lack of map reading and statistical skills. I imagine that the Times does a better job of this than local television producers; sadly most of the population doesn't read...the Times.