When Storms Break: How Kentucky’s Changing Weather Impacts Mental Health

2025-10-14

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky Guests: Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist, UK Ag Weather Center and Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-being Season 8, Episode 16 In this episode of Talking FACS from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, host Mindy McCulley visits with Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist at the Ag Weather Center, and Dr. Nate...

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky

Guests: Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist, UK Ag Weather Center and Natese Dockery, PhD Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-being

Season 8, Episode 16

In this episode of Talking FACS from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, host Mindy McCulley visits with Matt Dixon, Senior Meteorologist at the Ag Weather Center, and Dr. Natese Dockery, Assistant Clinical Professor and Extension Specialist for Mental Health and Well-Being. They discuss recent shifts in Kentucky’s weather patterns, rising disaster frequency and costs, and notable events like the 2021 EF4 tornadoes and major flooding the following spring.

The conversation covers how extreme and changing weather affects mental health — from immediate fear, anxiety, and sleep problems to longer-term issues like PTSD and survivor’s guilt — and highlights vulnerable groups such as children and older adults. Matt shares climate and rainfall trends, while Natese outlines emotional responses and lasting impacts after disasters.

Key takeaways include practical coping strategies (acknowledging feelings, staying connected, mindfulness, limiting media exposure), preparedness tips (knowing watch vs. warning, sheltering, evacuation planning, multiple ways to receive alerts), and resources including a recommended weather app and extensions’ disaster-response materials available in the show notes.

For more information about the Weather Alert App, click on the image. To download the app, scan the appropriate QR code for your device (links for devices are available in the article linked in the image.):