Off the Radar

Smoke Without Borders: Wildfires, Air Quality, and the Climate Connection

This summer's devastating wildfire season has sent smoke across county, state, and even international borders, affecting air quality thousands of miles away from the flames. Host Emily Gracey dives deep into the science behind the haze, exploring why wildfire seasons are stretching longer each year and how a changing climate is literally adding fuel to the fire.You'll discover the invisible dance between smoke and weather systems that determines whether your city wakes up under clear skies or a blanket of particulates. Climate Central's Shel Winkley explains the wildfire-climate connection, while Michigan meteorologist Alec Kownacki makes sense of those color-coded air quality measurements on your phone – what they really mean, how they're calculated, and why the difference between "moderate" and "unhealthy" could determine whether you take that morning jog or stay inside.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Cantore: Weathering Life

For nearly four decades, Jim Cantore has been America's most trusted voice in extreme weather. But in this deeply personal conversation, Emily sits down with the meteorological icon to explore the man behind the legend.Jim opens up about his New England childhood and the path that led him to The Weather Channel's early days, when cable television was still finding its footing. He shares candid stories from those formative years that shaped both his career and his character.The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Jim discusses the personal storms that tested him more than any hurricane ever could—his family's health battles and the challenge of being a father while spending countless days on the road chasing weather across the country. With remarkable honesty, he reveals how these experiences changed his perspective on what truly matters.Jim and Emily also dive into the future of hurricane coverage in an evolving media landscape, and he addresses head-on the swirling rumors of retirement. This episode captures Jim at his most genuine—vulnerable about his struggles, proud of his journey, and refreshingly human. Expect laughter, heartache, and revelations that show why this broadcasting legend has remained so beloved by colleagues and viewers alike.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meteorologist On Set

When the cameras start rolling, there’s one person film and TV productions can’t do without — the meteorologist. This week on Off the Radar, host Emily Gracey is joined by The National Weather Desk’s summer intern Ben Tomfohrde to talk with Brett Zweiback, the on-set weather expert trusted to keep high-budget shoots safe when the weather turns.From hit TV shows like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead to blockbuster films like Jurassic World, Brett’s job is to make sure thunderstorms, lightning, or high winds don’t bring million-dollar days to a halt. He also shares how his skills extend beyond entertainment, as a forensic meteorologist working on legal cases and insurance investigations through his company, Spot On Weather.It’s a fascinating look at the high-stakes world of TV and film production, weather safety, and the unexpected places a career in meteorology can take you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NOAA Weather Radio: Old Tech, New Relevance

When Hurricane Helene knocked out cell towers for weeks and Texas floods left communities without power or internet, one piece of technology kept working: NOAA Weather Radio. In this essential emergency preparedness episode, we explore why this 50-year-old analog technology is more critical than ever in our digital age.The episode opens with a powerful story from Dr. Neil Jacobs, incoming NOAA Administrator, about how a weather radio saved his life during a 1996 tornado. But this isn't just about nostalgia – it's about survival when modern technology fails.Host Emily Gracey sits down with Bruce Jones from Midland Weather Radios to discuss the fascinating history of weather radio, practical setup and usage tips, and address swirling rumors about the future of the NOAA weather radio network. You'll learn why backup communication systems are essential, how weather radios work when cell service fails, and why every emergency kit needs this reliable technology.Whether you're a prepper, weather enthusiast, or just want to keep your family safe, this episode reveals why the humble weather radio deserves a spot alongside your smartphone in your emergency preparedness arsenal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the Flood: Finding Hope in the Aftermath

On July 4th, 2024, flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country claimed multiple lives, including children, leaving a nation searching for answers. In this essential episode, host Emily Gracey talks with Dr. Kim Klockow McClain - NOAA meteorologist, social scientist, and mother - about how we move forward from tragedy.Dr. McClain explains why flash flood warnings are more complex than they appear, addresses the conspiracy theories that emerge after disasters, and offers hope for better science, communication, and community healing. This conversation focuses on learning from loss and building resilience in an era of extreme weather.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.