Weather Geeks

Measuring Tornadoes from Space

Guest: Dr. Connell Miller, Western UniversityWhen a tornado tears through the landscape, one of the first questions we ask is, how strong was it? Answering that usually means boots on the ground, surveying damage piece by piece. But what if part of that story could be told from hundreds of miles above Earth? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Connell Miller, whose research explores how satellite data can be used to detect and measure tornado damage from space, especially in rural and agricultural areas where traditional damage indicators can be hard to find. We’ll talk about using vegetation signals to infer tornado intensity, how this approach could complement ground surveys, and what it means for improving tornado climatology and post-storm analysis.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tornado Research and Satellite Data05:46 Innovative Use of Satellite Data in Tornado Assessment12:12 Correlation Between Satellite Data and Ground Surveys14:00 Break 117:56 Limitations and Future of Satellite Data in Tornado Rating25:03 Break 225:05 AI and Automation in Tornado Damage AssessmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stop and See the Clouds

Guest: Dr. Bruce Albrecht, University of MiamiMost of us look at the sky every day but let’s be honest, we usually only glance up long enough to decide if we need an umbrella. But what if your phone could actually help you notice the atmosphere again? Not doomscrolling… cloud-scrolling! Today we’re joined by Dr. Bruce Albrecht, the mind behind SeeMyClouds — the app that’s turning sky-gazing into a social, creative, totally addictive hobby. Whether you’re a cirrus superfan, a cumulus connoisseur, or someone who just likes a good sunset photo, Bruce is here to talk about why clouds deserve their moment…and how his app is bringing weather geeks and casual sky-watchers together one snapshot at a time.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Appreciation02:56 Bruce Albrecht's Journey in Meteorology05:50 The Science of Cloud Microphysics09:06 Exploring Cloud Radar Technology11:17 Break 111:49 Inspiration Behind See My Clouds App15:02 The Role of Social Media in Cloud Appreciation18:00 Features and Functionality of See My Clouds20:10 Break 221:08 Potential for Scientific Research24:03 Understanding Cloud Seeding26:55 Final Thoughts on Cloud EnthusiasmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looking Back at Winter 2025-26

Guest: Paul Goodloe, Weather Channel Meteorologist Winter is officially in the rearview mirror and while some parts of the country were digging out from snow and ice, others were wondering if winter ever showed up at all! So today, we’re doing something a little different. We’re sitting down with a familiar face from The Weather Channel, meteorologist Paul Goodloe, to look back at the season that was. From headline-making storms like Winter Storms Fern and Hernando, to the surprisingly quiet winter across much of the Western United States, there’s plenty to unpack. So grab a warm drink — or maybe start thinking about putting the snow shovel away — as we recap the biggest winter weather moments of the season.Chapters00:00 Winter Weather Overview10:55 Paul Goodlow's Journey to Meteorology13:39 Characterizing the Winter of 2025-202619:44 Break 119:46 Winter Storm Fern: A Deep Dive31:19 Break 231:21 Winter Storm Hernando: The Big Nor'easter32:16 Hurricane Forecasting and Model Accuracy34:53 The Impact of AI in Weather Forecasting35:08 Experiencing Winter Storm Hernando39:25 Blizzard Conditions and Snow Accumulation41:48 Comparing Winter Storms: Fern vs. Hernando46:07 Public Response to Weather Forecasts48:15 The Western Winter: A Lack of Snow54:23 Avalanche Risks and Climate Change58:24 Wildfire Threats Due to Low Snowpack01:00:02 Looking Ahead: Weather Patterns and DroughtsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inside the Forecast: From the Air Force to the White House

Guest: Lt. Col. Andrew GayForecasts don’t just matter for farmers, travelers, or weekend plans — they can influence decisions that ripple across the globe. Few people know that better than Major Andrew Gay, who has served as a meteorologist in the U.S. Air Force, at the White House, and at the Pentagon. In those roles, weather wasn’t simply data — it was mission-critical information that could impact safety, security, and strategy at the highest levels. Today, we’ll hear how his career has bridged science and service, and what it takes to forecast when the stakes couldn’t be higher.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Weather Forecasting02:51 Andrew Gay's Journey to Meteorology05:56 Career Path in the Air Force08:53 Supporting Military Operations11:44 Weather Forecasting at the White House12:30 Break 114:44 Current Role and Responsibilities17:55 Challenges in Weather Forecasting21:52 Emerging Technologies in Meteorology22:26 Break 225:06 Effective Science Communication29:50 Advice for Aspiring MeteorologistsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inside the American Weather Enterprise Association

Guests: Doug Hilderbrand & Jennifer Sprague-HilderbrandWhen you think about the weather world, you might picture satellites spinning overhead, supercomputers crunching data, or meteorologists trying to explain that yes, the cone is not the size of the storm. But behind all of that is a whole community of people working together to keep us informed and safe. Today, we’re joined by two people who know that ecosystem better than almost anyone: Doug and Jennifer Hilderbrand, co-founders of the American Weather Enterprise Association. Together, they’re building a space where the public, private, and academic sectors can actually talk to each other — and maybe even agree on a few things — to strengthen the entire weather community. We’ll dive into why they launched the association, what they hope to change, and how collaboration can help us all navigate a future with more complex storms, more data, and more demand than ever.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Weather Community03:04 Personal Journeys into Meteorology06:03 The American Weather Enterprise Association Explained07:56 The Importance of Economic Valuation in Weather13:16 Break 113:45 Building a Strong Foundation for the Future20:00 Advocacy and Engagement with Policymakers25:50 The Personal Dynamics of Building an Organization26:30 Break 232:02 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.