Author Archives: jpspann

WeatherBrains 949: Graham in A Chicken Suit

WeatherBrains Episode 949 is now online (March 25th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight on WeatherBrains is the topic of a significant anniversary in the meteorological field.  Tonight’s show focuses on the Super Outbreak of 1974.  Fifty years on, its impact is still being felt.  The warning process, victim impacts and how the event itself changed the weather community forever from a professional standpoint will all be discussed.

Our first Guest WeatherBrain is a previous alumni of the show, most recently in 2020.  He received his Bachelor of Science in meteorology at Penn State University.  He received his Master’s and PhD at the University of Chicago, where he studied tornadoes and severe storms under Dr. Ted Fujita.  He joined the faculty at Penn State in 1978 as an Associate Professor and taught courses in weather analysis and forecasting, natural disasters, as well as other topics.  He retired in 2019 after being the severe weather expert at The Weather Channel for over two decades.  Dr. Greg Forbes, we are honored to have you join the panel tonight.

Penn State Alumni Association - Gregory S. Forbes '72 EMS

Our next Guest WeatherBrain is no stranger to anyone interested in severe weather.  He dedicated well over three decades to the National Weather Service, including 22 years as a Lead Forecaster at the SPC.  He significantly advanced the field of severe weather forecasting and mesoscale convective system motion.  His contributions are recognized with numerous awards and mentorships and have all left a lasting impact on the research and operational  forecasting community.  Steve Corfidi, welcome to the show.

GEMS Alumni Achievement Award Winner - Stephen Corfidi — Penn State Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Guest WeatherBrain No. 3 is making his sixth appearance on the podcast.  He serves as the Director of NOAA’s NWS Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.  He’s significantly advanced weather operations in the United States through his extensive experience and pivotal roles he’s previously played.  His career is distinguished by close collaboration with emergency managers.  Ken Graham, welcome to the show.

Last but certainly not least, Guest WeatherBrain No. 4 is a legend in his own right.  He received his Degree in Meteorology from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1964.  He earned his Masters and PhD in Meteorology at Florida State University.  He served NOAA in a number of positions in his over four decades with the government agency in both research and operations including forecasting.  He retired from federal service in 2005.  He then served as a Senior Research Scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Research and Environmental Sciences until 2009.  His career began in Miami in the mid-60s as a hurricane specialist at the NHC.   Dr. Joe Golden, thanks for joining us tonight.

Joe Golden

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • Where our Panelists were in 1974 during Super Outbreak (15:45)
  • Soundings/CAPE/shear data prior to Super Outbreak (28:00)
  • Changing perspectives from mid-70s to today concerning convective outlooks (30:45)
  • Pattern recognition role in early meteorology evolution and it’s impact felt today (37:15)
  • How the Super Outbreak changed the National Weather Service (43:30)
  • Role of satellite imagery in Super Outbreak (57:35)
  • Experiences of emergency management and challenges of warning the public (01:07:00)
  • Myths busted during event (01:17:45)
  • Importance of ham radio during Super Outbreak (01:24:00)
  • Development/origins of the Fujita scale (01:28:30)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week)
  • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 949:  

AMS Weather Band

Midland Radio

Picks of the Week:

Steve Corfidi – Teletype catalog on Ebay

Bruce Jones – Out

James Aydelott – Zach Stanford on X: “Convergence of the chaser variety is real this afternoon across western Oklahoma where severe storms are expected later today”

Jen Narramore – Online Presentation for 50th Anniversary of the April 1974 Super Outbreak

Rick Smith – March 25, 1948 – The First Tornado Forecast

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Teletype photo

Kim Klockow-McClain – NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center on X

Bill Murray – Photo of Barney Fife and Troy Kimmel in Starkville

James Spann – Qualitative Analysis of the Lived Experience of Tornado Survivors and Factors Affecting Community Resilience: A Case Study of an EF3 Tornado in Jacksonville, Alabama

James Spann – User’s Guide to the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS)

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains 948: Hopped Up On Cuban Coffee

WeatherBrains Episode 948 is now online (March 18th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight on WeatherBrains is a skilled meteorologist currently working at The Weather Channel and has been there since 2022.  Previously she worked for Telemundo Oklahoma and Telemundo Utah.  She was born in Havana, Cuba and graduated with a degree in meteorology from the University of Havana.  Lorena Lim, welcome to WeatherBrains!

The Weather Group | Lorena Lim

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

May be an image of speaker, amplifier, flashlight and text that says 'AIDLAND midlandusa.com Weather Brains ER210 AM/FM WEATHER RADIO SUPER BRIGHT FLASHLIGHT IGHT NORA ?AMFMWXC 4000 VOL BAND RE-CHARGES YOUR CELL PHONE WR120 PUBLIC ALERT CERTIFIED EASY S.A.M.E. PROGRAMMING TORNADO MIDLAND MIGE EDITABLE AUDIBLE ALERTS Early Warning Is Your Best Protection® 25% OFF ALL WEATHER PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORI ES USE PROMO CODE: SPANN25 FREE SHIPPING ON ANY ORDERS OVER $100'

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • Challenges of studying meteorology in Cuba (12:00)
  • Influential tropical weather while studying in Cuba (14:20)
  • Weather radar networks in Cuba/Cuban Weather Service (19:30)
  • The Weather Channel/resources and audience experiences (45:15)
  • Distributing weather information and outreach to underserved communities (51:30)
  • Battling confusion with different dialects on the air when giving public forecasts (01:04:30)
  • Disaster subculture and translation (01:07:30)
  • Upcoming eclipse in April (01:33:45)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:29:13)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:31:30)
  • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 948:  

Conexion con el Tiempo/TWC Espanol Youtube channel

Lorena Lim on X

AMS Weather Band

Midland Radio

Picks of the Week:

Lorena Lim – Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest Cam

Bruce Jones – Hurricane Seasonal Lager from Tradesman Brewing Company

James Aydelott – James Aydelott on X: Classic example of sidelobe contamination of the velocity moment distracting from the *real* circulation and possible tornado threat

Jen Narramore – Out

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Stumpy, D.C’s favorite cherry tree, to be cut down this year

Troy Kimmel – Southeast Severe Storms Symposium 2024

Kim Klockow-McClain – Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Early From Tokyo to Washington

Bill Murray – AMS Weather Band Zoom: A Day That Changed Tornado Research – A Look Back at the 1974 Super Outbreak

James Spann – Storm of the Month webinar announcement/US NWS Warning Decision Training Division

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains 947: The Old Part of Norman

WeatherBrains Episode 947 is now online (March 11th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight on WeatherBrains is a very special guest.  He’s a leading expert in severe weather research at the NSSL.  He’s known for his work on tornadoes and severe weather climatology.  He brings a wealth of knowledge to the science and it’s an honor to have you with us tonight.  Harold Brooks, welcome!

The People of Weather-Ready Nation: Harold Brooks, Senior Research Scientist

It’s also Harold’s birthday – Happy Birthday Harold!

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • Pandemic effect on math scores (14:15)
  • German Scientist Hans Ertel and his contribution to meteorology in WW2-Era Germany (18:30)
  • Ertel/Carl-Gustaf Rossby relationship after WW2 (28:00)
  • Chaos in numerical weather prediction (33:40)
  • Ertel and the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (46:45)
  • Bridging generations in meteorology (01:12:00)
  • Complexities/cascade of uncertainty in science (01:15:20)
  • Integrating behavioral science with physical science (01:21:00)
  • Dealing with the problem of manufactured housing and tornadoes/severe weather dangers (01:27:30)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:37:30)
  • E-Mail Segment (01:47:25)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 947:  

AMS Weather Band

Midland USA

Harold Brooks on X

Picks of the Week:

Bruce Jones – March 13th, 1990 Hesston KS tornado

James Aydelott – Colorado ranchers sentenced after tampering with rain gauges to increase crop subsidies

Jen Narramore – NHC Tropical Cycle Report on Hurricane Otis (2023)

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Disappearing cities on US coasts

Troy Kimmel – Foghorn

Kim Klockow-McClain – Workshop on Weather Ready Nation:
Science Imperatives for Severe Thunderstorm Research, Held 24-26 April, 2012 in Birmingham AL

Bill Murray – Weatherwise Magazine New Edition

James Spann – St. Elmos fire and lightning/plasma photo from pilot Joshua Cook

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

 

WeatherBrains 946: Mic My Grandma

WeatherBrains Episode 946 is now online (March 4th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight on WeatherBrains we are thrilled to welcome the dynamic duo of severe weather coverage from Channel 9 in Oklahoma City.  Together they have captivated audiences with their commitment to keeping their communities safe and informed.  They are both beloved figures in the State of Oklahoma and across the nation.

Our First WeatherBrain has been at the forefront of chasing and reporting on severe weather and other extreme weather in Oklahoma.  He’s an Oklahoma native and grew up in Edmond.  He earned his education at OU and got an internship opportunity at the ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City before his first on-air opportunity at Channel 8 in Tulsa.  David Payne, welcome to the show!

David Payne

Our Second Guest WeatherBrain is an Oklahoma native known for her in depth analysis and engaging story telling.  She earned her degree at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and had her internship at News 9 in Oklahoma City and took her first job in TV in Sioux City, Iowa.  She brings a unique perspective to understanding the weather and our atmosphere.  Lacey Swope, we are honored to have you join us on this week’s episode.

Our Talent

Also stopping by the podcast is Zack and Nelson from TornadoTalk.com.  Good to see you guys and welcome to the show!

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • Upcoming social eclipse (0:30)
  • Equipment/tech used by on-air staff at Channel 9 (16:45)
  • Work/life balance during severe weather season (26:45)
  • Outreach events/public outreach/social media engagement (31:00)
  • Past memorable and notable severe weather events (50:20)
  • Future of broadcast meteorology in the years ahead (01:01:45)
  • 50th anniversary of April 1974 Super Outbreak (01:41:00)
  • Southeast Severe Storms Symposium (01:44:00)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:17:43)
  • E-Mail Segment (01:35:15)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 946:  

David Payne on X

Lacey Swope on X

Tornado Talk – Get Hooked on Tornado History

Picks of the Week:

Tornado Talk – NWS Forecast Office Wilmington, OH

Bruce Jones – InciWeb Incident Information System

James Aydelott – Alana Brophy on X: Utah tumbleweeds

Jen Narramore – ***See TornadoTalk.com Pick

Rick Smith – NWS: Spring Safety 2024

Neil Jacobs – Environment Subcommittee Hearing: Winning in Weather: U.S. Competitiveness in Forecasting and Modeling

Troy Kimmel – NWS Reno LSR

Kim Klockow-McClain – Foghorn

Bill Murray – Foghorn

James Spann – NWS Huntsville building evacuated following fire

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

 

WeatherBrains 945: REAL WeatherBrains

WeatherBrains Episode 945 is now online (February 27th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s guest WeatherBrains are esteemed figures in the field of tornado research, renowned for their comprehensive documentation and analysis of significant tornado events in the United States. Tom is the author of “Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991,” and “Significant Tornadoes 1974 – 2022” both seminal works in tornado history, and Doris has played a key role in producing them both. Together, their expertise and dedication have greatly enhanced our understanding of tornadoes and their impacts. Tom and Doris Grazulis, welcome to WeatherBrains!

 

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • How Tom Grazulis got interested in weather (14:29)
  • Seeing the damage of the Worcester, MA tornado in 1953 (17:30)
  • Visiting the Weather Bureau office (21:00)
  • His college career, meeting Doris and first job (25:00)
  • How the research began! (39:00)
  • Tornado Videos (01:00:00)
  • Tom goes chasing / Matt Biddle (01:07:00)
  • Reprinting the Big Green Book (01:27:00)
  • Accolades for a legend (1:33:00 through 1:58:00)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (02:04:00)
  • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 945:  

Tornado Project

Picks of the Week:

Bruce Jones – Foghorn

James Aydelott – Spotting fires/hot spots on satellite data

Jen Narramore – Issuing a Warning” Demonstration – National Weather Festival 2021

Rick Smith – One year anniversary of the Feb 26 2023 severe weather event, including the Norman tornado

Neil Jacobs – AMS Weather Band Jamposium

Troy Kimmel – Last 350,000 METARs with important leading META data.. (Thanks Daryl at ISU)

Kim Klockow-McClain – A tribute to Matt Biddle, my friend and colleague

Bill Murray – NWS SCN24-25: Changes to Issuance of U.S. Tropical Watches/Warnings on Intermediate Advisories, Inclusion of Links in the Tropical Cyclone Public Advisories, and Updates to the Time Zone Referenced in the Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Forecast Products, Beginning May 15, 2024

James Spann – Dramatic Downtrend Post on X

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

 

WeatherBrains 944: Bucket O’ Blood

WeatherBrains Episode 944 is now online (February 19th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is a former registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in nursing practice and education.  He’s also been a published author for over 3 decades and has managed the production and publication of numerous healthcare textbooks.  He’s now written an incredible book published in 2023 entitled “Donora Death Fog:  Clean Air and the Tragedy of a Pennsylvania Mill Town”, which discusses one of the most fascinating events in weather history from the historic Donora smog event of 1948.  Andy McPhee, it’s an honor to have you with us.

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • Value of historical societies in meteorological research(08:15)
  • Factors of improvement of air pollution emissions (15:30)
  • Industrial vs residential emissions (19:00)
  • Geography and history of Donora (31:00)
  • Significance of “Cement City” (48:00)
  • Start of Oct 26th event/Donnie Dingbat  (57:30)
  • Origin of Donora town name and its originality (01:36:30)
  • NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2023 (01:47:45)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:37:22)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:38:45)
  • National Weather Round-Up (01:
  • E-Mail Segment (01:41:22)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 944:  

“Donora Death Fog” by Andy McPhee

Picks of the Week:

Bruce Jones – Rancho Palos Verdes seeks emergency declaration as ground erodes4

James Aydelott – Convective Chronicles on X: Chico, CA radar favorable wind profile for tornadoes

Jen Narramore – Brandon Hulse on X: Weather reports

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – SeCAPS 2024

Troy Kimmel – Capital Weather Gang post on jet stream in Mid-Atlantic

Kim Klockow-McClain – Everything to Know About the Great Smog of 1952, as Seen on The Crown

Kim Klockow-McClain – Last Ones Left in a Toxic Kansas Town

Bill Murray – No Name Low storymap of Nov. 15-16, 2023/NWS Key West

James Spann – NWS Baltimore-Washington on X: Weather balloon launch data on upper level wind

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains 943: Stop Picking Up Copperheads

WeatherBrains Episode 943 is now online (February 12th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is the author of the compelling and insightful book “Death Clouds on Mount Baldy:  Tucson’s Lost Tragedy”.  The book discusses and chronicles the harrowing 1958 blizzard in Arizona that stranded a pack of Boy Scouts and the extensive rescue effort that followed.  Cathy Hufault, welcome to the show tonight.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Also joining us tonight is Cathy’s brother, Ralph Coltrin.  He’s a key figure in the book as he was one of the boy scouts who decided to return to camp that day and was a survivor of the incident.  His first hand experience offers us a profound and unique perspective on the events that unfolded as well as the lasting impacts.

Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can NOW get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • ChaserCon 2024 Summit (1:00)
  • Baltimore 2024 AMS Annual meeting review (08:00)
  • Discussion on 1958 Arizona blizzard (12:00)
  • Enduring relationships following tragedy/Long-term impacts (32:45)
  • Memorial erected on mountain (37:45)
  • Colorado Emergency Managers Conference 2024/Role of Emergency Management in weather (01:19:00)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:13:02)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:15:50)
  • National Weather Round-Up (01:25:30)
  • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 943:  

“Death Clouds on Mount Baldy: Tucson’s Lost Tragedy” by Cathy Hufault

Midland Weather Radio

Picks of the Week:

Bruce Jones – Four people went hiking on Mt. Baldy during a mega storm. One is still missing.

James Aydelott – James Aydelott on X: KC Chiefs photo

Jen Narramore – Out

Rick Smith – Twisters Official Trailer

Neil Jacobs – Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Troy Kimmel – Out

Kim Klockow-McClain – Why Taking Risks Helps You Grow — and How to Do It

Bill Murray – Turbli Flight Turbulence Forecasts

Bill Murray – Weather Band Jamposium 2024

James Spann – 2024 NSCS Rolling Fork Panel

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains 942: Horns Growing Out of My Head

WeatherBrains Episode 942 is now online (February 5th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain currently serves as the Director of the Global Water Security Center and at the Alabama Water Institute at the University of Alabama.  He focuses on providing decision-makers with reliable information and innovative research on water and environmental security.  He leads efforts to understand their impacts on society.  His career has spanned 27 years as a command meteorologist in the U. S. Air Force, where he provided critical weather forecasting and analysis.  Col. Mike Gremillion, welcome to WeatherBrains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • National Weatherpersons Day 2024 (0:45)
  • Applying military and scientific experience to managing water resources (08:00)
  • National Water Center and Alabama Water Institute background explained (17:00)
  • NOAA integration (19:30)
  • Lessons learned from medical science communications applied to meteorology and hydrology (25:00)
  • AI/emerging technologies and water management (33:00)
  • Water supply vulnerability (38:30)
  • Avoiding politics when establishing policy (57:00)
  • Estimated rain totals from radar accuracy (01:00:00)
  • Future/Vision of Global Water Security Center (01:04:45)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:09:33)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:12:52)
  • National Weather Round-Up (01:14:55)
  • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 942:  

Alabama Water Institute

Global Water Security Center

Picks of the Week:

Mike Gremillion – Space Weather Prediction Center

James Aydelott – Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest

Jen Narramore – Out

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Out

Troy Kimmel – Potential Breach Emergency Status increased to **WATCH** at Arkabutla Dam

Kim Klockow-McClain – Out

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – When the Storm Online Is Worse Than the One Outside

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains 941: Two Doctors And A Mic

WeatherBrains Episode 941 is now online (January 29th, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Our episode tonight is all about the AMS Annual Meeting 2024 live from Baltimore.

ARM Research Facility

First up from the Conference is Ryan Lagerquist, NOAA employee and is a Research Scientist at CIRA (Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere).  He is a meteorologist by training and is heavily involved in machine learning research.

Joining us next on the show is the Chair for Coastal Artificial Intelligence at Texas A@M University-Corpus Christi and a Co-PI for the National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography, or AI2ES.  Dr. Phillipe Tissot, thanks for dropping by tonight.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • Early reflections on AMS Annual Meeting (13:15)
  • AI and the future of meteorology in general (16:00)
  • Broad overview of AI and NWS Operations/Numerical weather prediction models (24:00)
  • Community modeling/EPIC/UFS (32:00)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (53:03)
  • National Weather Round-Up (01:02:45)
  • E-Mail Segment (55:00)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 941:

2024 AMS Annual Meeting

Picks of the Week:

James Aydelott – Brian Brettschneider on X: Fairbanks upper air sounding

Jen Narramore – Foghorn

Rick Smith – NWS SPC on X: 9 Years of SPC Outlooks

Neil Jacobs – Foghorn

Troy Kimmel – Foghorn

Kim Klockow-McClain – Foghorn

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – A Change in the Weather: Understanding Public Usage of Weather Apps

James Spann – Kevin Kloesel on X: Rick Smith photo/meme

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

WeatherBrains 940: Great Lake Snow Snake

WeatherBrains Episode 940 is now online (January 22nd, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is a frequent contributor to the show and a friend of the podcast.  He’s a renowned expert in the field of hurricane tracking and reporting.  He’s known for his innovative use of technology and social media to deliver real time updates on storm developments.  He’s made significant contributions to hurricane awareness and safety.  His insights and expertise make him a valuable voice in understanding the complexities of these powerful storms.  Mark Sudduth, it’s wonderful having you on the show tonight.

Mark Sudduth on X: "As part of @Patreon #ShareYourStudio day - here's mine. Most of my hurricane discussion videos etc are produced here and I compose the music for my documentaries on

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • First ever hurricane chase online in 2005 (18:45)
  • Cultivating sense of curiosity and fostering interests as a parent in the digital age (25:30)
  • Preliminary thoughts on 2024 hurricane season (39:50)
  • Preview of AMS 2024 Annual Meeting in Baltimore (55:45)
  • Last week’s Deep Freeze (01:06:45)
  • Storm phobia/calming fear from general public concerning severe weather (01:22:00)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (48:55)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (50:55)
  • National Weather Round-Up
  • E-Mail Segment (53:00)
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 940:

Mark Sudduth on X

HurricaneTrack.com

Picks of the Week:

James Aydelott – Steve Piltz on X: Blow drying ice video

Jen Narramore – Woman scared of weather calls in fake burglary, police say

Rick Smith – Out

Neil Jacobs – Mesoscale Vortices Embedded within a Lake-Effect Shoreline Band

Troy Kimmel – Kalaloch WA Lodge Live Cam

Kim Klockow-McClain – Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain discusses connection between social science and weather

Bill Murray – Out

James Spann – James Spann on X: JeffCo Alabama winter weather fun with canoe

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.