North Sound Weather Minute

Some call the recent weather - June Gloom. This Podcast describes the weather pattern after a warm start to the month, resulting in the marine cloud cover, and what the weather outlook is for the rest of the month.

Many know the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Yet did you know there is another local warning reception service? Learn all about this little known system by listening to this podcast.

This Podcast remembers the Great Seattle Fire that occurred 136 years ago. Can this kind of urban fire occur again? This Podcast describes the situation including the current warm and very dry conditions in place, similar to that in 1889.

This past month was another dry month adding to the year's deficit. This Podcast describes the summer outlook, how it ties in with a rising wildfire and smoke threat, and what you can do to help protect your property.

More warm weather is coming. This Podcast offers some warm weather safety reminders as summer approaches including while enjoying area waterways.

This Podcast looks back at all the Memorial Day weekends so far this century to answer the question - does it always rain on the holiday weekend. Listen to learn those results and what lies ahead for this weekend.

This Podcast addresses the latest summer weather outlook for the region, and what everyone needs to do to prepare for the impacts of this summer's weather.

This Podcast describes my own experience of taking the first phone call while on duty when the mountain blew including when the red emergency phone rang.

Days are getting longer and the weather is warming up. Time for many to enjoy area waterways. Yet, the waters are cold. This Podcast describes why and how to be safer on the water, making each day enjoyable.

Several listeners asked does the North Sound get tornadoes? Listen for the answer that may surprise you in this informative Podcast.

April was the 4th month this year with below average rainfall. This Podcast describes the weather outlook into summer, what the dry conditions mean for the North Sound, and what you can do to help.

This Podcast is part 2 of a two-part podcast on weather balloons including what they do and how they are used in the weather forecast and warning process.

Weather balloons have been in the news lately. This is part 1 of a 2-part Podcast addressing what are weather balloons and why are they important.

This Podcast describes what the latest seasonal weather outlook is for the rest of this spring and summer, and what does it mean.

Spring is the prime time season for rainbows in the North Sound. Learn how rainbows form and how you can share your rainbow photos by listening.

Spring and particularly the month of April is the peak season for the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. This Podcast addresses what the convergence zone is, how it forms, and its impacts.

April 1st usually marks the peak of the mountain snowpack. This Podcast reports the status of the snowpack and the concerns heading into this summer and fall regarding water supplies, and the greater risk for wildfires and wildfire smoke.

Warmer spring weather is on the way, but is it time to put seasonal plants in the garden? This podcast highlights when the threat of frost ends in the North Sound.

This Podcast highlights the deadline to remove studded tires, what studded tires do to roadways, avoiding waits at tire shops, and what the fine is for having those tires on past the deadline.

This Podcast highlights the rare threat of severe weather late Wednesday this week, including the potential for strong damaging winds, large hail, and even a tornado or waterspout cannot be ruled out. Learn what is driving this unique weather pattern and steps to stay out of harm's way.

The arrival also means allergy season is now in full swing. This Podcast describes the current and future pollen offenders through spring and into summer.

This Podcast honors those who lost their lives in the Oso/SR 530 landslide 11 years ago, as well as all those involved in the response and recovery efforts.

Spring starts later this week. This Podcast describes the latest seasonal weather outlook for the North Sound as spring begins and what is expected this summer.

This Podcast addresses the issue of whether or not the mountain snowpack that is currently below average catch up during an upcoming cool wet period. The lowlands can use the rain too.

This Podcast describes what a total lunar eclipse is, some recent history of this unique event, and will the clouds part to see it?

Clocks spring forward early Sunday morning again. This Podcast describes why that is still the case and what actions should be taken during this event that could save lives.

The month of March kicks off the primary season for thunderstorms in the North Sound. Listen to learn why that is the case and that there is another thunderstorm peak later this year.

March 1st marks the date of the deadliest avalanche in the nation's history. This Podcast describes what happened 115 years ago and offers guidance on how to stay safe while enjoying the snow in the backcountry.

This Podcast describes how much the recent rains made a dent in the precipitation deficit including the mountain snowpack.

The latest seasonal weather outlook for this spring and summer was just released. This Podcast describes what is forecast for the North Sound as the season moves into spring and summer.

As much of the nation plunges into another deep freeze, a listener asked what is a polar vortex. This Podcast answer that question.

In the wake of Valentine's Day, I often get questions about when is the best time to hold an outdoor wedding. This Podcast describes when that time period is in the North Sound.

If you are tired of this cold weather, relief is on the way. Listen for the details on this Podcast.

More cold weather is forthcoming heading into this weekend and well into next week. This Podcast explains why that is the case and the impacts including in the mountains.

This Podcast recognizes all those on America's weather team who collectively help Americans plan their day and keep them safe with weather forecast information and warnings on National Weatherperson's Day.

This Podcast describes the coldest air mass of the season and the ongoing threat of lowland snow this week and beyond. Listen to learn how cold it will be and for how long.

Groundhog Day goes back to 1887 and was based upon a shopkeepers diary. Learn the details and we will all see if the groundhog will see his shadow on February 2nd.

75 years ago was the coldest day on record in the region. Learn what and how that happened, plus how this upcoming cold weather period compares. Oh, there is some information about snow this weekend and beyond too.

This month has been unusually dry. This Podcast explains why that has been the case and what lies ahead going into February including a threat of lowland snow.

More cold dry weather is on tap this week for the North Sound. Will it offer an opportunity for lowland snow in time? This Podcast offers answers.

A lifetime North Sound listener asked what are Santa Ana winds? This Podcast describes the weather pattern involved with Santa Anas in southern California, and also addresses can and has a similar weather pattern and resulting winds with wildfires occurred here. Listen for all the answers here.

This Podcast addresses the next set of King Tides this week and their impact in the North Sound.

The season for avalanches has arrived. Learn more about how avalanches occur and what resources to use to help avoid becoming a victim for the second highest weather-related cause of annual fatalities in Washington.

A listener asked what are gap winds? This Podcast describes what they are and what they can do including the impacts from the recent bomb cyclone.

I composed a poem that summarizes the North Sound weather experienced in 2024. Enjoy this manner to review the weather memories of the year.

Dec 26th marks the 20th year since the tragic Sumatra earthquake and deadly tsunami. This Podcast serves as a reminder that those in the North Sound need to be better prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis.

Having a White Christmas in the North Sound has long odds. This Podcast describes what are those odds and a look back at some of the recent holidays with snow on the ground.

The winter solstice is coming up on Dec 21st, This Podcast highlights what the winter solstice is, and what it means in human history.

The strongest wind storm of this century thus far occurred 18 years ago this weekend. This Podcast reviews what happened and compares it to the recent bomb cyclone wind event, plus how you can better prepare for the next storm.

AI is making inroads in the weather forecast process. This to this Podcast to learn what has been done thus far and what is planned for the future.

Dec 1st marked the start of meteorological winter. But wait, doesn't winter start on the winter solstice, this year on Dec 21st? This podcast addresses the differences between meteorological and astronomical winter.