Weather Geeks

Guest: Chris Van Arsdale, Google Climate & Energy Research LeadWildfires aren't just a summer problem anymore. This past January, California faced an unusual and intense wildfire outbreak, with flames ripping through communities and forcing thousands to evacuate. What if we could catch wildfires in their earliest stages, before they spiral out of control? That's the goal of Google's FireSat, a revolutionary satellite system designed to spot fires as small as a campfire and deliver updates every 20 minutes. Today on Weather Geeks, we're talking to Chris Van Arsdale, a leader behind the FireSat project, about how it all works and how they are using AI to help the firefight before it even startsChapters00:00 Introduction to Wildfire Challenges and Firesat03:10 Chris Van Arsdale's Journey to Google and Climate Research06:09 Understanding the Firesat Satellite System09:01 Operational Use and Future of Firesat11:48 The Role of Google in Wildfire Detection15:06 Machine Learning and Data Challenges in Fire Detection18:10 Implications for Firefighting Strategies20:52 Future Data Applications Beyond Fire Detection23:58 Global Interest and Collaboration on Firesat26:49 Environmental and Security Considerations29:59 Sustainability and Future Launch Plans for Firesat32:50 Global Applications and Community Engagement35:56 Final Thoughts on Firesat's ImpactSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests: Nelson & Louis TuckerWhen it comes to tornadoes, getting close is both the goal and the danger. For decades, scientists have relied on radar, storm chasers, and ground-based instruments to study these violent storms. But what if we could send something right into the heart of a developing tornado? Maybe something small, nimble, and packed with sensors? That's the mission behind the OTUS Project. Using cutting-edge drone technology, this team is pushing the boundaries of what we can safely and accurately observe from inside tornadic storms. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by members of the OTUS Project to talk about how UAVs are changing the way we study tornadoes, what it's like to deploy them in the field, and how this data could lead to better forecasts and ultimately, save lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Otus Project01:37 Personal Journeys into Meteorology06:12 Understanding Tornadoes: The Need for Data10:17 Drone Technology in Tornado Research14:59 A Day in the Life of a Tornado Chase19:39 Challenges and Risks in the Field21:32 First Experiences Inside a Tornado24:50 Collaborations and Data Sharing26:34 Measuring Wind Inside Tornadoes30:19 Choosing Storms and Navigating Obstacles32:12 Regulatory Hurdles and Networking34:17 Future Aspirations for the Otus ProjectSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Brian Bledsoe, University of GeorgiaWhen a hurricane makes landfall, we expect the strongest impacts to hit the coast. But Hurricane Helene proved that the story doesn't end there. With hurricane-force winds reaching more than 350 miles inland, this storm challenged the way we think about extreme weather risk. Are we truly prepared for the full reach of a hurricane, not just this decade but for centuries to come? Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dr. Brian Bledsoe from the University of Georgia, who is an expert on infrastructure and making future building more resilient. There are many opportunities to build back better, smarter, and safer after these events happen, and hopefully strive to not have to rebuild in the same places over and over. From infrastructure challenges to communication gaps, we'll explore what needs to change to keep these communities—both coastal and inland—safe.Chapters00:00 Understanding Hurricane Helene's Impact04:58 Assessing Infrastructure Resilience15:11 Lessons Learned from Hurricane Helene28:02 Addressing Multiple Natural Disasters40:00 The Importance of Comprehensive Infrastructure PlanningSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Anne Heggli, Assistant Research Professor at the Desert Research InstituteWeather forecasts are more than just high and low temperatures or the chance of rain—they're a complex mix of data, models, and probabilities. But how do we effectively communicate uncertainty in forecasts? And why do so many people struggle with understanding probability-based predictions? It may be easy for us Weather Geeks, but we need to make weather forecasts accessible to as many people as possible, which is exactly the challenge our guest today is tackling! Dr. Anne Heggli wears many hats in her professional life, but her excellence in water resource management across the western United States will teach all of us how to process data and uncertainty just a little better after this episode of Weather Geeks…Chapters00:00 Understanding Weather Forecasts and Uncertainty03:00 The Importance of Water Resource Management05:53 Communicating Probabilistic Forecasts09:13 Visual Communication in Weather Forecasting12:03 Challenges in Communicating Weather Risks14:51 Hurricane Forecasting and the Cone of Uncertainty19:07 The 40% Chance of Rain Explained29:52 The Future of Data Visualization in Weather36:00 Engaging Communities in Weather PreparednessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Pamela James, CEO & Founder of Paloma St. JamesIt's no mystery that industrialization has a negative impact on the environment; however, an unexpected contributor is the fashion industry. Recent studies have shown that the production of textiles contributes nearly to 8-10% of global carbon emissions, superseding emissions from the aviation and shipping industries combined. Designer and CEO, Pamela James, joins us today to discuss her take on sustainable fashion and the concept of modularity. We're a society of mass production and overconsumption, but today you'll see that less really is more. Chapters00:00 The Environmental Impact of Fashion05:48 Defining Sustainable Fashion11:57 Sourcing and Sustainability in Fashion19:51 The Disconnect in Textile Production26:14 The Impact of Super Capitalism36:48 Innovations in Modular FashionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Levi Boggs, Georgia Tech Research InstituteWhen we think of lightning, we picture bolts striking the ground during a thunderstorm—but not all electrical activity stays within the lower atmosphere. High above the clouds, mysterious and fleeting flashes of light dance across the sky—sprites, blue jets, and gigantic jets—phenomena that are still not fully understood. Today on Weather Geeks, we're exploring the enigmatic world of upper atmospheric electrical phenomena with Dr. Levi Boggs, whose latest research is shedding new light on these elusive events. From cutting-edge observations to the impact these events may have on aviation, space weather, and even our understanding of lightning itself, we're thrilled to have Dr. Boggs here to break it all down!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Upper Atmospheric Electrical Phenomena04:58 Transient Luminous Events: Types and Characteristics10:58 Differences Between TLEs and Traditional Lightning16:02 Observing TLEs: Opportunities and Challenges20:58 Research Focus: Gigantic Jets and Their Impacts25:14 Challenges in Studying Transient Luminous Events28:22 The Importance of Observations in TLE Research31:31 Field Campaigns and Citizen Science33:05 Understanding Lightning Through TLE Research36:24 Future Aspirations in TLE ResearchSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Al Gasiewski, Chief Scientist at Weather StreamFrom hurricanes to heat waves, accurate weather forecasting relies on one crucial factor: data. But much of our atmospheric data comes from outdated or sparse observation networks, leaving gaps in our understanding of rapidly changing weather patterns. Enter microsatellites—small but powerful spacecraft revolutionizing how we monitor the atmosphere in real time. Today on Weather Geeks, we're diving into the world of orbital micro systems with Dr. Al Gasiewski, a leading expert in satellite-based meteorology and the founder of Weather Stream. His work is changing the game by using microsatellites to provide faster, more detailed, and more frequent weather observations than ever before.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GUEST: Dr. Dev Niyogi, Professor at University of Texas at AustinCities aren't just concrete jungles—they're microclimates of their own, shaping the weather in ways you might not expect. From intensifying heat waves to influencing severe storms, urban landscapes play a critical role in our atmosphere. But how exactly does this work, and what can we do to make cities more resilient in the face of extreme weather? Today on Weather Geeks, we're diving into the fascinating intersection of meteorology and urban landscapes with one of the leading experts in the field, Dr. Dev Niyogi. His research has uncovered how cities modify their own weather, impact storm patterns, and even contribute to climate change on a local scale!Chapters00:00 The Urban Climate Connection08:08 Understanding Urban Weather Dynamics15:13 The Role of Cities in Extreme Weather19:56 Engineering Resilient Urban Environments25:12 Future Directions in Urban MeteorologySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Alan Sealls, AMS President-ElectFor decades, broadcast meteorologists have been the trusted voices guiding us through hurricanes, tornadoes, and everyday forecasts. But behind every great weathercaster is a deep passion for both science and communication. Few embody that balance as well as Alan Sealls—a highly respected meteorologist, educator, and soon-to-be President of the American Meteorological Society. As we head into more uncertain times, Alan will certainly have a lot on his plate in 2026 as he manages the relationship between academic, government, broadcast, and private meteorologists all across the country. How will his tenured career translate to get this done? Let's ask him right now on Weather GeeksChapters00:00 The Journey of a Weather Geek03:07 Career Trajectory and Passion for Meteorology06:04 Navigating Challenges in Meteorology09:00 The Importance of Education and Communication12:00 Lessons Learned in the Broadcasting Industry15:05 Community Engagement and Impact18:04 Secrets to Effective Communication and Teaching20:57 Engaging Communication in Meteorology22:21 Approaching Severe Weather Coverage25:42 The Impact of Technology on Meteorology27:54 The Future of Broadcast Meteorology30:01 Leadership and Representation in Meteorology34:13 Exploring African American Contributions to Meteorology39:57 Alan Sealls' Literary ContributionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Stephen Wooten, ResearcherAs a parent, there's nothing more important than making sure your child is safe—especially when severe weather threatens their school day. Whether it's the decision to delay, dismiss early, or shelter in place, we rely on school officials to make the right call. But as any parent knows, those decisions aren't always black and white. Should schools be more cautious, or are they sometimes too quick to pull the trigger? And how much say should parents have in the process, if at all? Today on the show, we're chatting with Stephen Wooten, a researcher who has been studying how parents feel about the tough calls schools have to make. As both a Weather Geek and a parent, this conversation hits close to home.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Weather Decisions for Schools02:49 Understanding Parental Perspectives on School Weather Protocols06:07 Research Methodology: Gathering Insights from Parents08:59 Key Findings: Preferences for Early Dismissals11:54 Infrastructure and Safety: Parents' Concerns14:51 Communication: Building Trust Between Schools and Parents17:57 The Role of Social Media in Weather Communication20:55 Future Directions: Enhancing School Weather Protocols23:57 Conclusion: Balancing Safety and Parental PreferencesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: John Trostel, DirectorFrom towering supercells to fast-moving derechos, severe storms are some of the most powerful and unpredictable forces in nature. Forecasting these storms requires cutting-edge technology, real-time data analysis, and years of research to improve early warning systems and save lives. That's where institutions like the Severe Storms Research Center at Georgia Tech come in. Today on Weather Geeks, we're diving into the groundbreaking work being done at SSRC—from tracking lightning patterns to developing new storm prediction models. We're thrilled to welcome John Trostel, the director of SSRC, to tell us all about it…Chapters00:00 Introduction to Severe Storms and SSRC03:10 The Role of Co-op Observers in Weather06:13 The Birth of the Severe Storms Research Center09:03 Understanding Severe Storms in the Southeast12:08 Innovative Radar Technology and Its Applications15:02 Lightning Mapping and Its Importance18:01 Microclimates and Their Impact on Weather20:54 Future Research Directions and Collaborations23:51 Distinguishing SSRC from Other Research Entities27:11 Vision for Future Storm Research TechnologySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Jenny Dissen, NCICSWhen a hurricane strikes, the immediate damage is only part of the story. The real test comes in the days, weeks, and even years after the storm—when communities must rebuild, adapt, and prepare for what's next. Hurricane Helene left its mark on North Carolina, exposing vulnerabilities but also sparking efforts to create a more resilient future. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Jenny Dissen of the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS). She leads Engagement for the Institute, and has been instrumental in some efforts to assess Helene's impact and help communities recover, using data-driven strategies to strengthen preparedness for future storms. How do we learn from past disasters to build a more resilient tomorrow? That's what we're diving into today.Chapters00:00 The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene11:12 Personal Experiences During the Storm19:18 Infrastructure Vulnerability and Resilience34:20 Community and Partner Collaboration for Recovery39:04 Preparing for Future DisastersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Rick Spinrad, Outgoing NOAA Administrator From predicting hurricanes and monitoring our oceans to leading cutting-edge climate research, NOAA plays a critical role in protecting lives, property, and our planet. The phone that you may be listening to this podcast on right now would not have weather apps without NOAA. The computer you may be listening on won't have easily accessible radar data over the internet without NOAA. But as the world faces more extreme weather and environmental challenges, strong leadership for the administration is more important than ever, especially in the face of political turmoil. Today on Weather Geeks, we're sitting down with Dr. Rick Spinrad, the outgoing NOAA Administrator, to reflect on his tenure and the future of the agency. What were his biggest accomplishments? What challenges remain? And perhaps the biggest question of all—is NOAA going to be okay?Chapters00:00 Introduction to NOAA and Its Importance09:55 The Role of Private Sector in NOAA's Mission19:55 Challenges Faced by NOAA30:11 Successes During Dr. Spinrad's Tenure35:57 Future Directions for NOAASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Daniel SwainWinds are howling outside Los Angeles, California on a dry January day. The hillsides north and east of the city erupt in flames. A wall of fire begins to consume neighborhoods faster than firefighters can keep up. As wind-driven embers continue to fly down hill - a thousand miles away, Daniel Swain's phone begins to light up. Journalists, companies, officials - all want answers to California's extreme weather and the impact of climate change. On this week's episode of Weather Geeks we learn how one high schooler, with a blog, ignited his career to become one of the leading communicators on climate change and the Weather out West.Chapters:00:00 California's Wildfires and Climate Change10:08 Daniel Swain: The Weather Geek's Journey19:52 The Importance of Effective Communication27:05 Linking Climate Change to Extreme Weather40:05 Understanding the Complexity of Weather EventsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests: John Banghoff, Jonathan Guseman, Jase BernhardtWe've all seen it. A multi-car pile-up accident that seems unstoppable. One weather phenomenon is often at the root of these - snow qualls. These aren't your typical snow flurries; they can bring sudden, near-zero visibility and treacherous driving conditions in a matter of minutes. We're joined today by 3 meteorologists with snow squall experience: John Banghoff, and Jonathan Guseman from NWS State College and Dr. Jase Bernhardt, Associate Professor at Hofstra University. We'll explore the science behind these intense bursts of weather, why traditional winter warnings often fall short, and the critical steps being taken to better communicate the dangers. This is a deep dive into the evolving world of snow squall warnings.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Snow Squalls and Their Impact04:51 The Evolution of Snow Squall Warnings10:02 Challenges in Communicating Snow Squall Warnings15:06 Understanding Snow Squall Warnings and Their Importance20:05 Forecasting Snow Squalls: Techniques and Challenges22:22 Challenges in Forecasting Snow Squalls24:37 Understanding Snow Squalls vs. Blizzards26:41 Vulnerability on Highways During Snow Squalls28:16 The Importance of Road Temperature Data29:12 Communicating the Risks of Snow Squalls33:46 Future of Snow Squall Warnings38:20 Advancements in Weather Forecasting Technology43:49 Climate Change and Its Impact on SnowstormsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Sean Waugh, National Severe Storms Laboratory research scientistAs we've seen in the movies, and real life, tornadoes are some of the most destructive forces in nature, capable of leveling homes and damaging entire communities in a matter of minutes. And what about hail? It causes BILLIONS and billions of dollars in damage in the US every year. But how do we get up-close, real-time data on these violent storms in order to learn what is needed for better predictions? That's where cutting-edge field research comes in. Today on Weather Geeks, we're diving into the world of storm observation and mobile weather technology with Sean Waugh from NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory. From deploying instrumented drones and mobile mesonets to braving the extreme environments of tornadoes and hailstorms, his work is helping scientists better understand the atmospheric conditions that drive severe weather for years to come…Chapters00:00 The Destructive Power of Tornadoes and Hail02:58 Sean Wu: A Journey into Meteorology05:57 Innovative HAIL Camera Technology08:47 Chasing Hail: The Challenges and Safety Measures11:59 Observing Hail: The Role of High-Speed Cameras14:46 Mobile Mesonets: Gathering Atmospheric Data17:59 Machine Learning and AI in Weather Prediction21:02 AI in Meteorology: Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy24:23 Hands-On Learning: Training the Next Generation of Meteorologists26:00 Tornado Research: Understanding Formation and Behavior28:05 Behind the Scenes of Twisters: A Meteorologist's Role32:20 Authenticity in Film: The Science of Twisters36:41 Passion in Meteorology: Inspiring Future GenerationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Jason Deese, CEO of Flash Weather AIWeather forecasting has always been a mix of art and science, relying on tools like the Euro and GFS models to predict everything from tomorrow's sunshine to next week's storms. But now, artificial intelligence is reshaping the field, offering faster and more precise insights than ever before. Today on Weather Geeks, we're exploring Flash Weather AI, a cutting-edge tool designed to revolutionize how we predict and prepare for the weather. How does it compare to the traditional models we've trusted for decades? And what could it mean for the future of meteorology? We're excited to welcome Jason Deese, the creator of Flash Weather AI, to discuss this game-changing technology.Chapters00:00 Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting with AI13:42 The Future of Flash Weather AI23:27 Real-World Applications and Success Stories35:34 Overcoming Challenges and Looking AheadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Anthony Edwards, Newsroom Meteorologist with the San Francisco ChronicleWith every new year comes hope for a prosperous year. For thousands in southern California, that hope quickly turned into a nightmare. One week into the new year, devastation quickly set in when multiple wildfires began to spread in Los Angeles County. A historic Santa Ana Windstorm, with winds gusting to 100 mph in spots, sent flames into highly populated areas, prompting evacuation orders.Our next guest was following along every step of the way. Anthony Edwards is the newsroom meteorologist with the San Francisco Chronicle and joins us today to discuss the devastating start to the year for many residents in southern California.Chapters00:00 Introduction to California's Wildfires03:10 Understanding Santa Ana Winds and Their Impact06:05 Meteorological Conditions Leading to Wildfires09:00 The Role of Urban Areas in Fire Spread11:47 Communication and Evacuation During Wildfires14:59 Analyzing the Destructive Nature of Recent Fires17:54 Preventative Measures and Resilience in Fire Management20:59 The Interplay of Drought and Atmospheric Rivers24:11 Air Quality and Smoke Management27:03 The Future of Meteorological JournalismSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Eric Berger4.…3….2….1…. Liftoff! - of this week's episode of Weather Geeks with our special guest - Eric Berger. Launching his career as a science & space writer, Eric's trajectory would be considered - by most in the space industry - as ‘nominal'. However, Eric's late stage separation would send him on a new course to launching the website we all know today - Space City Weather. Since 2015 - Space City Weather has kept Houston informed during extreme weather events. Hurricane Harvey, the February Freeze of 2021, extreme drought to extreme floods, and last year's Derecho - to name a few. In all, you can sum up Eric's career - so far - as one small step for weather and giant leap for science-kind.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eric Berger and His Journey05:31 Transitioning from Space to Weather11:42 The Impact of Hurricane Harvey16:10 Lessons Learned from Hurricane Harvey19:56 Experiencing a Range of Extreme Weather Events25:02 Navigating the Era of Social Meteorology29:43 Key Lessons and Future DirectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests: Dr. Ilan Price, Senior Research Scientist, & Matt Willson, Research EngineerFrom the Euro to the GFS to the Canadian, there are multitudes of models that forecasters use to predict our daily weather. There are models for short-term severe forecasting, 10-day outlooks from your local news, and even models that predict our climate years into the future. As technology advances, so do all of these models and the technology we are focusing on today on Weather Geeks is AI. While it may seem like a buzzword these days, it can be used to enhance our industry and help us all reach our common goal: saving lives and property. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ilan Price to discuss GenCast, Google's weather forecasting model that is entirely powered by AI. How does it stack up to the models we know and love? The answer may surprise you…Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Weather Forecasting02:10 Meet the Experts: Ilan Price and Matthew Wilson06:34 Understanding GenCast: The AI Weather Model10:47 Machine Learning vs Traditional Forecasting13:22 Data Sources and Ethical Considerations15:10 Handling Extreme Weather Events21:15 Validation and Verification of GenCast23:26 Impact of GenCast on Weather ForecastingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Philip Mulder, Assistant Professor at UW-MadisonOnce you become a homeowner, you are flooded with the overwhelming responsibility of protecting your home, which means that you are going to need home insurance! But is it fair that your insurance may cost significantly more because of the weather that tends to happen around you? Or, what if homeowner's insurance isn't even available to you at all because of the weather? That is the current reality for some home and business owners across the U.S. Today on Weather Geeks, we brought on economist Dr. Philip Mulder who has already crunched the numbers about why that is and how insurance providers can get away with this..Chapters00:00 Introduction to Homeowner's Insurance and Climate Risks02:53 The Role of the National Flood Insurance Program05:54 Challenges of Flood Mapping and Insurance Coverage09:08 Impact of Recent Hurricanes on Insurance11:54 Understanding Mortgage Escrow and Insurance Premiums14:56 Trends in Homeowners Insurance Premiums17:49 The Role of Reinsurance in Insurance Markets21:05 Climate Change and Future Insurance Trends23:59 Insurance Burden on Low-Income Communities27:04 Future Research Directions in Insurance and Climate RiskSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Victor GensiniWhen discussions are had about Billion-Dollar Disasters, odds are your mind goes to the biggest hurricane landfalls and tornadoes that struck the country this year. But the sneakiest of disasters has become hail storms. As the convective storm passes through a town and dumps tons of ice on cars, roofs, and windows, the costs very quickly add up and the infrastructure is put to the test. But do we know all we can about these hail storms and how we can mitigate future disasters? Today, we are welcoming back a friend of the show Dr. Victor Gensini to discuss his upcoming field campaign, which is the largest one that has ever been funded that focuses solely on hail.ChaptersIntroduction to Hailstorms and Their ImpactVictor Gensini's Journey in MeteorologyUnderstanding Hail: Current Knowledge and GapsThe IceChip Field Campaign: Goals and LogisticsA Day in the Life of a Field CampaignFuture Aspirations in Hail ResearchSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Weather Geeks TeamWorking as a meteorologist is never boring, because the weather changes every single day! With how volatile each day could be, there are a lot of notable weather events that occur over the course of the year, and 2024 is no exception! Dozens of billion-dollar severe weather events, multiple landfalling hurricanes, and major challenges in social science regarding weather communications. This year will go down in the history books in many different categories, and hopefully a lot can be learned from these events to set ourselves up for a safer and calmer 2025…Chapters00:00 Weather Events of 2024: A Year in Review04:39 Tornadoes and Severe Weather Trends10:17 Derechos: Understanding Wind Storms17:59 Hail Events and Their Impact20:47 Wildfires and Flash Flooding: A Dangerous Cycle22:38 Preparing for Unpredictable Weather Events23:24 Analyzing the 2024 Hurricane Season28:14 The Impact of Rainfall in Hurricane Damage29:19 Understanding Predecessor Rain Events33:27 Addressing Misinformation During Hurricanes40:13 Looking Ahead: Climate Trends and Future PreparednessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Robin Murphy, Professor at Texas A&M UniversityWith many natural disasters it takes time to fully understand the scope of the devastation. We have seen that countless times over the past few years with landfalling major hurricanes. The way that we currently assess storm damage is sufficient, but AI has recently changed the game in the way natural disasters are assessed. Joining us today is Dr. Robin Murphy, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University joins us to discuss how AI is playing a role in the assessment of natural disasters.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Disaster Assessment03:18 The Evolution of Robotics and AI in Disaster Response05:44 The Role of Drones in Damage Assessment09:18 Real-Time Data Collection and Analysis16:27 Scaling AI for Large-Scale Disasters19:55 Unexpected Flooding and Rapid Response22:44 Advancements in AI and Operational Use25:48 Applications Beyond Hurricanes: Tornadoes and More28:30 Future of AI in Damage Assessment35:12 Conclusion and Future DirectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dave Titley, Co-Founder of RV Weather EnterprisesDescription: When you're traveling somewhere, whether it's on vacation or for business, odds are you are just going to check your phone's weather app to let you know if you need to pack an umbrella or a heavier jacket at your destination. But what about traveling by RV the entire distance? Your journey could be plagued with weather impacts and you're not going to want to check your phone app over and over and over. You're going to want to turn to the RV weather experts! Our guest today is a friend of the show who has taken his 30+ years of meteorological experience and is giving it back to RV travelers across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Everette Joseph, Director of NCARDescription: We have the NWS, NOAA. and NCEI, but another very valuable member of the meteorological alphabet soup is NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research! However, NCAR is not constricted by any government regulations, so they are free to dissect the atmosphere as they please. However, they have a mission to uphold, just like our government organizations, to understand the world around and above us so they can indirectly protect future lives and property. Today on Weather Geeks, we have the Director of NCAR Everette Joseph to chat about atmospheric research in the past, present and future!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Evan FisherAs the summer season turns to cooler fall temperatures, the annual passage of time is marked by the changing of the leaves. Whether you're leaf peeping in New England or hiking to see fall colors across the Rockies, the weather will play a huge role in how those fall colors turn out and when the'll start to turn. Joining us today is Evan Fisher, creator of ExploreFall.com, to talk about this colorful transition of seasons, and about how he's merging science and data presentation to make a more accessible foliage forecast available. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:58 Creating Fall Foliage Maps08:00 Using AI and Deep Learning for Fall Foliage Forecasting10:03 Challenges and Limitations in Fall Foliage Forecasting15:13 Microclimates and Tree Types19:54 The Impact of Climate Change on Fall Foliage26:01 The Role of GIS in Fall Foliage AnalysisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Roy Wright, President & CEO of IBHSFool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. After a natural disaster strikes a community, it takes a lot of time to recover, since you have to not only rebuild the infrastructure but also allow the people to rebound mentally and physically. However, some communities along the Gulf Coast do not get the luxury of extended recovery, as they are struck by compound disasters. What are those, and what can we do to improve mitigation and adaptation of these vulnerable communities so we don't get fooled twice? We brought Roy Wright from IBHS on the show today to discuss…Chapters00:00 Understanding Compound Disasters10:11 The National Academies Report on Gulf Disasters18:45 Community Engagement and Insights26:13 Key Recommendations for Future Preparedness32:57 The Role of IBHS in Disaster MitigationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Hurricane Milton bears down on the state of Florida, Dr. Matt Sitkowski and Dr. Greg Postel of The Weather Channel sit down to discuss this prolific storm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Matt Bilskie, Assistant Professor at the University of GeorgiaA lot of our Weather Geeks listeners will remember the classic game show, “Press Your Luck” and living in a city along the Gulf or Atlantic coastlines is a lot like playing it! Every single hurricane season, you are hoping that you can make it across the board without hitting a Whammy. But sometimes, Mother Nature isn't so kind and she could hit you with the Triple Whammy from a landfalling hurricane, which is scientifically called compound flooding! What is that and how can we mitigate against it? Our guest today Dr. Matt Bilskie has been working on methods to better assess this threat so your family and property can be safe and you don't have to continue pressing your luck…Chapters00:00 Living on the Coast: Playing Press Your Luck06:55 The Hazards of Water in Hurricanes07:02 Understanding Compound Flooding19:42 Mitigating Compound Flooding with Nature-Based Solutions25:27 Future Floods and Climate ChangeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Bill Haskell, ArtistArtists and musicians will often cite a muse as their inspiration for their works of art, which is usually a love interest or dreams of success. But what about the weather? Can it be a muse? For us Weather Geeks, we find inspiration in the weather in every single model run and supercell structure, and it turns out that we aren't the only ones! Today on the show we have Bill Haskell to discuss how he incorporates the weather around him into his beautiful landscape paintings.Chapters00:00 Finding Inspiration in Weather02:14 The Power of Weather in Art07:45 Tornadoes as Metaphors13:01 The Appeal of Tornado Paintings18:32 The Smallness of Humanity23:17 Incorporating Weather in ArtSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Scott Rayder, President of LynkerHere on the Weather Geeks podcast, we don't have to remind you what NOAA is and how they work every single day to protect life and property. But there are a lot of others out there who have never even heard of NOAA and don't truly understand where their weather forecasts come from. They may be surprised that The Weather Channel or their favorite mobile phone app isn't the one issuing a tornado warning for their area! NOAA does it all, and they need the funding in order to keep doing it, and unfortunately, they aren't getting enough of it. On the show today we have former NOAA Chief of Staff Scott Rayder to discuss why more funding is desperately needed before it's too late…Chapters00:00 Introduction08:12 Advancements in Weather Forecasting14:54 The Evolving Landscape of Weather Modeling30:59 Recognizing and Supporting NOAA's Critical Work37:42 ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jeremy Werdell, Oceanographer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight CenterFrom the smallest plankton to the grandest cloud formations, the PACE mission is poised to capture the breathtaking complexity of Earth's interconnected ecosystems. PACE stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem. It's a mission that transcends mere scientific curiosity; it's a rallying cry in the face of our planet's most urgent environmental challenges. By unraveling the mysteries of Earth's ecosystems, PACE equips us with the knowledge and tools needed to confront these challenges head-on. On the show today, we have Project Scientist Dr. Jeremy Werdell to break down the mission and why it's so important for the future of our planet…Chapters00:00 Introduction to the PACE Mission06:16 The Importance of Studying Sea and Sky07:42 Aerosols: Understanding Atmospheric Particles14:51 Clouds: Their Role in Climate and Interactions20:35 Instruments of the PACE Mission26:34 Early Success and Data Release34:27 Looking Ahead: Discovery and InterconnectednessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jordan Schnell, Research Associate for CIRES at CU Boulder; NOAA GSLYou know the Phil Collins song that goes “I can feel it coming in the air tonight?” Well that's how allergy sufferers feel when they see the trees starting to bloom again in the spring! It signals the return of pollen, which can be debilitating to millions of people. And that can even extend into the summer with ragweed and grass pollen! Scientists at NOAA have developed a brand new pollen forecast that can both help those with allergies live a sneeze-free life, but can also model how pollen particles move around in and interact with our atmosphere. Today on the show we have Dr. Jordan Schnell to discuss this exciting new product and other air quality hot topics…Chapters00:00 The Impact of Pollen on Allergy Sufferers and the Development of a New Forecast04:03 Dr. Jordan Schnell: Research, Air Quality, and Electric Vehicles15:38 Modeling Pollen and Its Interaction with Weather26:11 Impact of Pollen on Weather33:29 The Future of Pollen Forecasting42:54 Innovative Projects at CeresSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Andrew Brady, Founder of AtmoSphere AnalyticsTo some in the meteorological industry, Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning could seem like scary things. But as technology improves, we can learn to harness these things and use them to our advantage to help further our mission: to save lives and property from the threats that weather can pose. Our guest today is doing just that and then some! Andrew Brady has created a weather prediction model that is powered by advanced machine learning. How is he using this to forecast tornadoes and severe weather accurately from a time frame as short as 1 hour to as far out as 120 hours? Well, that's what we're going to geek out about today…Chapters00:00 The Power of Machine Learning in Weather Prediction06:31 The Creation of MMFS and StormNet16:16 HazCast and Real-Time Data in Severe Weather Prediction26:10 Performance and Real-Time Evaluations of StormNet41:18 Future Developments of StormNetSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Stella Kafka, AMS Executive DirectorThe world of meteorology is vast, with the options of different career paths spreading far and wide! You don't have to be on TV in order to be a successful meteorologist, nor do you have to work for the government at the National Weather Service. In that same vein, you don't have to be a meteorologist to be involved in the American Meteorological Society, even though it's in the name! Your career may take you in a different direction, but there is always a weather geek in there somewhere. That's why today on Weather Geeks, we have the new Executive Director of the AMS Dr. Stella Kafka on the show to talk about her journey into this position and where she wants to take the organization in the future…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Brian LaPointe, Research Professor at Florida Atlantic UniversityAs we are heading into the throes of summer, a lot of you are going to be slathering on sunscreen and heading to the beaches! Heck, you may be listening to this podcast while ON the beach! While you're there, wouldn't you want to know more about the waters surrounding you and what little microscopic critters could be floating around in there? Maybe, maybe not, but we are going to geek out about it either way! I'm here with Dr. Brian LaPointe from FAU who is an industry expert in water quality across our country's shorelines.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:29 Eutrophication and Water Quality27:12 Regulation and Management for Coastal Protection37:13 Warming Water Temperatures and the Growth of Sargassum45:04 The Human Alteration of the Nitrogen Cycle and Harmful Algal BloomsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Rick Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for NWS NormanIf you feel it, chase it! That is the tagline for one of the biggest movies of the summer and probably the biggest weather movie of the decade: Twisters. After the initial geek out took place, we were left with a lot of questions! Did it live up to its predecessor Twister, which inspired meteorologists all across the country to pursue their passion? Will we see a brand new wave of Kates and Tylers in the coming decades? Before we think too far ahead, we've got to break down the SCIENCE in the film, and who better to do that with than Rick Smith, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NWS Norman…Chapters00:00 Introduction to Twisters and Rick Smith09:14 Involvement with the Movie Twisters23:12 Accuracy of Science in Twisters34:02 Weather Modification and Taming Tornadoes36:42 The Future of Twisters and Potential SequelsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jessica Murfree, Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel HillThe biggest event in the sporting world is taking place in Paris this summer! The Olympics brings in hundreds of athletes and even more spectators from all across the world from so many different backgrounds and ideologies. How do all of these minds come together not just to compete, but also think about our environment and climate as they do so? We have sports ecologist Dr. Jessica Murfree here on the show today to talk about the unique intersection of sports, our changing climate, and extreme weather events, and how that intersection can make all of us more future-thinking so we can go for the gold!Chapters00:00 Introduction: Exploring the Intersection of Sports, Weather, and Climate09:51 Understanding Sports Ecology: The Study of Relationships Between Sports and the Natural Environment15:49 The Environmental Challenges of the Olympics: Heat and Climate Change21:23 Adapting Sports to Climate Change: Considerations for Spectators and Infrastructure25:47 The Impact of Climate Change on Sports: Spectator Experience and Adaptation36:10 Rethinking Infrastructure and Practices: How Climate Change is Shaping Major Sports LeaguesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Charles Peek, Storm Tracker for The Weather ChannelIt's the thrill of the chase! After a record-breaking severe season, countless jaw-dropping videos of supercells and tornadoes were live streamed from every inch of Tornado Alley. Coupling that with the much anticipated release of the movie Twisters this summer, the sport of storm chasing has been a hot topic conversation. A lot of chasers would tell you that the movie Twister inspired them to pursue this career, but a LOT has changed since 1996! More technology, the rise of social media, and other avenues to make money are all on the table! On the show today, we have long-time storm chaser Charles Peek from The Weather Channel to talk about chasing in the year 2024 and beyond…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Shepherd & the Creators of Weather GeeksAs long as there has been weather, we have had weather geeks. Before we had the radar to see storms from different layers and the satellites to see hurricanes from space, the fascination of weather has always been there. But only for the past 10 years has there been a Weather Geeks show; first starting as a half-hour geek out on The Weather Channel and now a podcast that you're listening to wherever you are! And since the beginning, Dr. Marshall Shepherd from the University of Georgia has been your host and he's sitting down with us to reminisce and regale about the past 10 years of Weather Geeks…Chapters00:00 The Fascination of Weather Geeks02:14 Bitten by the Weather Bug04:28 Creating a Meet the Press for Weather05:07 The Reluctant Host10:39 The Evolution of Hosting16:17 Fascinating Guests21:39 Geeking Out with Ginger Zee and Janice Hough22:05 A Place to Geek Out22:42 The Value of Weather Geeks in the Weathergeek Community24:21 Challenges and Surprises of Hosting a TV Show26:33 Influencing Teaching Strategies through Weather Geeks29:03 The Future of Weather Geeks: AI, Social Sciences, and Immersive Mixed Reality31:27 Exploring the Fascination of Weather with Weather GeeksSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Campbell Watson, Senior Research Scientist at IBM ResearchAs artificial intelligence, or AI, continues to become more pervasive in our technology, it's only natural to wonder what it means for meteorology and climatology. Believe it or not, AI is already revolutionizing how we develop models in the Earth and Space sciences. Joining us today is Campbell Watson, a Senior Research Scientist at IBM Research, to discuss how we are creating these AI models, and the opportunities and advancements we hope to learn from using them.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI in Meteorology and Climatology01:35 Campbell Watson's Background and Interest in Weather04:18 The Use of AI in Weather Forecasting05:24 The Evolution of AI in Weather Forecasting06:26 Understanding AI at its Core08:09 Difference Between AI and Conventional Weather Model Forecasting10:44 The Difference Between AI and Conventional Weather Model Forecasting13:31 AI Models Learning from Weather Models20:30 Foundation Models and Unsupervised Learning25:12 Verification of AI in Weather Forecasting27:57 The Robustness of AI Models28:24 Learning from Observations29:23 AI Models Learning from Observations30:09 The Importance of Observations30:38 Comparing Deep Learning and AI with Traditional Weather Forecasting Models35:38 Trustworthiness in AI Forecasting36:12 Adopting AI in Weather Forecasting41:46 Nowcasting with AI44:03 AI in Climate Forecasting47:38 The Future of AI in Weather ForecastingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Amanda Schroeder, NWS Fort WorthDescription: Flooding can occur any time of the year and in any part of the United States. It is a weather catastrophe that knows no limitations. Each year, too many people lose their lives to flooding. Communicating the risks of flash flooding can be just as difficult as forecasting flash flooding itself. No one understands that better than Dr. Amanda Schroeder, a Senior Service Hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. She was key in the development of the Flash Flood Severity Index, a scale designed to help convey the risks associated with flood events.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:42 Dr. Amanda Schroeder's Background04:04 Early Work on Flash Flood Research05:16 Work on the Spread Project08:52. Role of a Senior Service Hydrologist10:21 Challenges of Flood Forecasting11:34 Impact-Based Forecasting13:17 Flash Flood Severity Index19:06 Implementation of the Index20:17 Potential Global Application23:16 Memorable Flooding Events26:01 Impact of Climate Change on Flooding28:11 Takeaways for the Public31:08 Overcoming Challenges in the Field32:27 Availability of Information on the Flash Flood Severity Index33:46 A Day in the Life of a Senior Service Hydrologist35:45 ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Clinton Wallace, Director of the SWPCWeather Geeks often spend their time looking up at the sky, but there are some Geeks that look even farther up! Forecasters at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center are tasked with looking at everything PAST our atmosphere to warn us of any impending threats. However, sometimes those threats can be visualized as a spectacle with the Northern Lights, which we were ALL treated to one of the greatest shows of our lifetimes back in early May. How did the Space Weather Prediction Center forecasters know this event was coming? Well they were led by Director Clinton Wallace, and we have him on the show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Dawn Wright, United States Science EnvoyOne of the greatest joys in being a scientist is passing your knowledge onto others, whether that is esteemed colleagues on the other side of a breakthrough or young minds that are infatuated with the field. Sometimes, passing that knowledge takes us out of our comfort zone and into other fields, and even other countries! Our guest today is one of the newly selected Science Envoys for the United States, where she will be sharing her wealth of knowledge while also collaborating and barrier-breaking along the way. Dr. Dawn Wright is an esteemed oceanographer with wondrous stories to tell us about her journeys to the bottom of the sea, and she joins us on the Weather Geeks podcast…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jason Senkbeil, Associate Professor at the University of AlabamaHurricane season is rapidly approaching! Many elements that go into a busy tropical season, like warm SST's and the ENSO phase, already have forecasters worried that we could have a blockbuster season. I'm sure a lot of us Weather Geeks are prepared for what that could entail, but is the rest of the general public ready? And today we're not talking about prep kits or boarded up windows, we're talking about how the public understands the risks that they are under during a landfalling tropical cyclone. Let's discuss that and many more topics with the University of Alabama's Dr. Jason Senkbeil…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: John Ross, authorWhether you've heard about D-Day or the Battle of Normandy through a textbook at school many years ago or from a documentary on TV, the images you've seen of the seaborne invasion surely are etched into your mind. All of the troops storming the beaches from the sea, flanked by gunfire and explosions. Of course the logistics of conducting such an organized siege is one thing, but one aspect that many people don't know is how much of an impact the weather had on that pivotal battle. And if that battle did not happen, there would be cascading effects that would change our history forever. Ahead of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, we have author John Ross on the podcast todaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Paul Markowski, Penn StateWe are in the throes of the springtime severe season and even as we transition to summer, the potential for supercells and tornadoes doesn't slow down. In fact, the severe risk moves more from the Central Plains and into the Eastern states…and that's where we find today's guest! Dr. Paul Markowski is the Head of the Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Department at Penn State and an expert in tornado research. You will be surprised with how many papers he's written on aspects of tornadoes you've probably never even heard of! We've also got Dr. Greg Postel on the show today so we can have an all-encompassing tornado geek out!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Charlie Peachey, Mount Washington Weather ObserverThe United States sees almost every kind of meteorological phenomena imaginable, but there's one place where the weather can be amplified. Located at over 6000 feet in New Hampshire, Mount Washington is famous for its weather extremes. The Mount Washington Observatory is a world renowned institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth's weather and climate. Our guest today is a Weather Observer and Research/IT Specialist with the observatory… welcome to the show Charlie Peachey!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Jared Rennie, NCEI Research MeteorologistGathering and analyzing data today to help us prepare for tomorrow. One sentence with a multitude of implications. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information seeks to provide not just data, but solutions to help the U.S. and those around the world as our climate continues to change. Jared Rennie is a Research Meteorologist with NCEI and works to support the integration of both climate and socioeconomic data. His work encompasses an operational as well as a research aspect with respect to software used in data processing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Falko Judt, Research Meteorologist at NCARIn tropical meteorology, the term ‘rapid intensification' describes a tropical cyclone that does just that: it rapidly intensifies. The official definition is a tropical system whose maximum sustained winds increase by at least 35 mph in a 24-hour period. Sometimes though, it's much more intense. In 2023, Hurricane Otis in the Eastern Pacific saw its winds increase by 115 mph in less than 24 hours before slamming into Mexico as a rare Category 5 storm, while Hurricane Idalia intensified by 55 mph from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in the day before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend. The ‘how' and ‘why' some storms rapidly intensify is still shrouded in a bit of mystery. Here today to help us unveil a bit of that, we welcome Falko Judt, a research meteorologist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.