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 F

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

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

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

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 Rese

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 Noti

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 S

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

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 Direc

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 f

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

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-

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 Importance

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 Se

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-no

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:

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 Dire

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 Weath