What Is It About The Weather: Recent Episodes
Weather
Because there is more to weather than weather itself. What Is It About The Weather is a podcast/vidcast series where we explore the various ways weather is intertwined into and impacts our lives. Weather itself is interesting and amazing, but what can be even more fascinating and intriguing is how much influence it actually has in our lives. In this journey we hope you will find yourself laughing, enjoying, and learning and from time to time even uttering “I did not know that”. Weather geek by nature, atmospheric scientist by degree and meteorologist by trade, your host Mark T Jelinek loves
Is it in-ter-es-ting, in-tres-ting, intra-sting…no matter how you say it, what does it have to do with weather?
Thoughtful gifts are always the best, but how do you find the right one for the weather enthusiast in your life?
We seem to be warned about everything these days, but are warnings to protect us from hazardous weather keeping up with how we live?
That says I’m certified, qualified and bona fide, but do I know anything about the weather?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could order your own weather? How has our modern subscription society impacted weather media?
We know Aristotle was key in the history of weather, but was weather important in allowing him to be born?
There are subtleties in translations, flavors, but how nuanced is your impactful weather?
Drones seem to be doing everything these days, but can they help with weather forecasts?
Our understanding and forecasting of weather has come a long way over the millennia…and then along came the geeks?
Our understanding and forecasting of weather has come a long way over the millennia…who needs a weather forecast anyway?
Our understanding and forecasting of weather has come a long way over the millennia…why was Aristotle so important?
Our understanding and forecasting of weather has come a long way over the millennia…what did the ancients get right?
Do you feel like every time you go to a favorite restaurant lately they have a new menu?
It seems these days we can control the volume with everything…how about with the weather?
If you had to choose a mascot for your company, organization, group, or even yourself…what would it be?
You soak your hair and run outside naked into freezing temperatures, okay so you are crazy, but will you catch a cold?
It seems like today's weather is clear sky, no precip, no clouds, not too hot, not too cold, so what should we talk about?
Hey look it is a weather gizmo 2022 ultimate instrumentation package! Aw, what a thoughtful gift. Can’t wait to use that to measure every moment of weather around me!
Did you get a new fangled 5G device for a gift? Are you planning to fly in bad weather in the near future? Do you like good weather forecasts? Hmm, that could be a problem!?!
So many choices, mushrooms, pepperoni, banana peppers, bacon, spinach, but wait where are the anchovies? What do you mean El Niño ate the anchovies?
Welcome to What Is It About The Weather? A podcast where we explore the many ways that weather intertwines itself into our lives!
Ah yes, tis the season for 24 hour Christmas music stations. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Holy schmoly, look at that, this weather journal has been around over 50 years, I would have never thunk it. I wonder what things they were researching back then?
Time to check headlines … You need an umbrella today … Level 5 Atmospheric river and Bomb Cyclones team up with California in their targets … hmm which one to read?
Okay time to run some budget numbers, let’s make sure we have all the categories - rent, utilities, food, transportation, weather, medical, insurance … wait a minute?
You know what they say, 60% of the time it works every time … but what in the world does that have to do with weather?!?
There went the lights, what a storm, where are the candles? Hmm, what about some wine, a little romantic music, and some … wait, wait, wait, this is a family friendly show
Pain reduction, lowering blood pressure, reducing blood clot risks … leeches are amazing creatures, I wonder if they can forecast the weather?
Got a lot done today, made some donations, got groceries for the next week, helped a neighbor remove a dead tree, but the forecast was for rain and it was a beautiful fall day. What can I do about that?
Let’s see here … New crypto currency … Messi and Ronaldo to play together for Atlanta United … Could quiche be the next diet craze? … 12 major hurricanes forecast for the hurricane season? … Wait, what???
Phone - check, laptop - check, map - check, tape measure - check, camera - check, paper clips???
The door opens, cold air rushes in and the sound of the wind drowns out all other noise. A weary traveler enters the room, pulls off bundles of clothes, pauses, and then scream "Eureka"!
You hear "Hurricane Yoda is due to make landfall in Bergvilleton", you think 'wait didn't hurricane X-ray just strike there last week?'
You settle into a comfy spot, grab the remote, on they come, the Olympic games. The first words out of the announcers mouth is 'it is so hot'...
You pull out your best elk skin for a night around the fire, but alas, rain puts it out, bummer! Lucy says ugh, ogh, wag lash, which translates as 'is it time to send bob out to harvest sky fire'?
The asteroid is coming, no avoiding it. You make your way to your predesignated cave. The door locks, the weather shifts to a constant temperature and humidity forever. How will you cope?
You decide to get a little morning exercise, it has been a bit warm but you are sure you can handle it. You start a light jog, you notice sweat forming quickly, then poof you are talking to your your creator!
You make your favorite drink, it was a long day, it was a long week, you find that comfy spot on the sofa, start flipping through options to watch - Netflix, Disney, HBOMax, AppleTV+, The Weather Channel?
Its 2030, you hop in your car, it starts taking you to work and suddenly hopes off the interstate and moments later lightning strikes right in the middle of the interstate?
Its cold day. Its been a brutal winter. But why in the world would you believe an animal crawling out of the ground to tell you when spring will arrive?
Its a beautiful summer day and you just finished a great outdoor lunch with friends. Someone suggests heading to the new hang gliding venue folks have been talking about. But wait, weren't afternoon thunderstorms in the forecast? What do you do?
You woke up this morning, checked the weather, adjusted your outfit. But have you ever stopped to think about how weather actually shape the fashion industry?
Weather influences almost everything around us, but understanding the behaviors is critical for those who design the structures that surround us.
We have examined many ways weather is connected to our bodies, but can weather be used to treat our bodies?
With the announcement new climate normals, what does that really mean and how does it impact your weather decisions?
Vanilla is a complex spice in more ways than one. Is weather the reason that we have spent the last couple of centuries trying to create a replacement?
We have discussed the increasing role AI and machine learning is playing in weather forecasting, but how will weather forecasts start impacting AI based decisions?
Why does it seem that sometimes the same number in weather speak does not properly reflect how it feels?
We know as seasons change allergies take hold, but can you actually be allergic to the weather itself?
Do you spend a lot of time complaining about the weather? Maybe it is time to change your perspective about the weather.
Weather influences many phases and aspects of most products we consume, but how about beer?
Winds and ships have a long and delicate history. What happens when the balance gets out of sync and how do we best avoid those outcomes?
Given all the challenges in forecasting weather and how often people are disappointed in the forecast, should it be forecasted to begin with?
Trust and weather don't always go hand and hand, but can weather make you trust? Maybe more importantly how do you decide who to trust when it comes to weather?
Do you find your weather has a certain smell? Is it pleasant, is it nasty? Why does this happen?
We have discussed in the past the challenges Hollywood seems to have with doing weather well, so what makes Star Wars different?
You may wonder, do you ever have a failed episode? Yes...now let's discuss why that is.
Have you ever wondered how weather is treated under the law? Can you use weather as a defense? Can you blame your forecaster for a bad forecast?
We have talked about how weather influences markets and even participants within. How about investing directly in weather? Or do you want to spice it up and gamble a bit?
AI has been creeping into weather forecast for years. Do you trust a fully automated forecast or do you need the human touch?
Are you familiar with the Blue Economy? Ever thought about how it is impacted by the weather?
You have probably heard about white noise but what about pink noise? Pink noise might be beneficial to you, but what role does weather play?
How important are the words we choose related to weather? What emotional impacts can they have on us?
Look at all the items you used today. Have you ever thought about how weather influenced the process of creating it?
Have you ever felt like certain types of weather impact your ability to breath? How exactly does weather impact the ability to breath safely and efficiently?
In this season of thanks and gratitude, are we grateful for the weather around us and its role in our life?
In the world of 'big data' we have begun to analyze what our personal data is worth. Have you thought about your weather data?
We have talked before about weather modification, but is it feasible to modify weather in a way where it becomes a weapon?
Exposure to air provides very visual reminders of its influence on metal, but how does weather impact this building block of the modern world?
Honeybees like a good sunny day for gathering and pollinating, but can we use this as a way to forecast the weather?
Lightning may not strike twice but how about millions of times? Or is just twice enough to cause a curse?
How does my weather situation change as I go vertical? Have you ever thought about the challenges you can face when you escape to higher altitudes?
Do you feel certain weather makes you sleepy or even keep you up at night? How exactly does weather impact the quality of our ZZZZZZZs?
We often think about weather events as very large scale, but like many things both its origins and impacts can be microscopic.
Do you know the role weather plays in curing your sweet tooth? No matter the season, weather plays a roll in influencing the many sources of sugary treats.
Can weather improve your alertness or reaction time? How does weather impact or ability to make decisions and stay aware?
What do you think about before you head on a shopping trip? Does it include a weather check...even if you are shopping indoors?
We often associate weather with putting us in a bad mood or even depressed, but can weather actually make you happy?
We know weather triggers animal migration, but is weather really a primary reason we migrate? Do we place an amenity value on weather?
Can accuracy and consistency both exists in weather forecasting? Which is more important in keeping trust when developing a weather forecast?
Certainly severe weather can make it hard to see well at times, but how does weather impact the colors we see every single day?
There may be no industry with a more direct connection to weather than the construction industry. How do they, if at all, utilize weather data in their project planning and management?
It is well known that weather extremes can impact prices of commodities, market segments or individual companies, but what about financial markets as a whole? Can weather make market movers act even if in an irrational way?
Does weather impact the cooking we do in our kitchen? Can we adjust to keep weather from ruining our favorite treats?
What does weather have to do with your current elevation? Maybe nothing, but it sure is likely that if you are determining your elevation that measuring the weather is key.
COVID has had many far reaching impacts. Is it possible that one of those impacts is the quality of our weather forecasts?
Do you love summer so much that you crave its arrival? Is this memory driven response, related to body chemicals or something even more fundamental?
Many types of weather can lead to those dreaded weather delays, but which types of weather are the most dangerous for today's large jets?
Getting the weather right in a movie can certainly be a tricky thing, particularly when snow is involved. Getting those winter scenes just right can be important to conveying the right mood, but mother nature does not always want to cooperate. What happens when she doesn't?
Enhancements in technology have helped improve weather forecasting for many years, but now we are facing a clash between technology advancement and weather forecasts. Will our push into 5G technology set us back decades in weather forecasting?
You would think that anyone who was going to build a ski resort that they would consider the weather...right? Well apparently they don't always do that or if they do maybe they just block it out in their mind.
Did weather change how we travel through the air? In 1937 the airship Hindenburg caught fire during its landing in NJ. Was weather to blame and did it bring about the end of airships as an effective air travel method?
Do you suffer from weather related fatigue? How is it different from normal fatigue? What signs are there for this type of stress fatigue? How might we leverage similar situations we are dealing with related to the COVID pandemic?
Have weather forecasts reached a state where we trust and rely on them too much? Are they really good enough to allow us to plan days in advance for time sensitive tasks? Or will they just let us down when we need them most?
In this time of abnormal, we want to connect things to 'normal'. So is the connection of COVID to seasonal flu one we can make? Is seasonal flu even connected to the weather?
Certainly weather has shaped history on a global scale, but weather impacts lives every single day. Are there examples of cases where the impacts have been important for a local area or region such that it shaped the future? Some useful links: Great Storm of 1900 brought winds of change https://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/history/article/Great-Storm-of-1900-brought-winds-of-change-7724171.php One legacy of the […]
Weather certainly impacts just about anything we do outdoors including sports, sometimes in positive ways and other times creating chaos. Soccer is not only dominate the world over, but it is clearly linked to the world of weather. But do you really understand the connections? In this episode we look at how important weather is […]
What would you do to survive weather extremes if you could not move? Plants don’t have the luxury of seeking shelter when bad weather comes, so how do they survive those extremes? Some useful links: How Trees Survive Extreme Cold (Or Not) https://www.howplantswork.com/2014/01/29/how-trees-survive-extreme-cold-or-not/ Do Plants Change the Weather? https://www.howplantswork.com/2016/06/01/wip-do-plants-change-the-weather/ How Cacti Survive: Surprising Strategies Quench […]
How sensitive is agriculture to small changes in weather? For a long time we have understood the idea of microclimates, but did you know that it plays a meaningful role in the foods and beverages we consume? Some useful links: The ‘micro-climate’ that turned Monticello into an agricultural sweet spot https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/05/18/the-micro-climate-that-turned-monticello-into-an-agricultural-sweet-spot/ Microclimate – ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/microclimate […]
Can we overcome weather? Or can we at least push back a little? In this episode we explore some areas where we use our brains to at least keep weather at bay when needed. Here are some useful links: Living Snow Fences: Functions and Benefits http://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/agroforestry/components/UMN-Extension-LivingSnowFences.pdf StormSmart Properties Fact Sheet 6: Sand Fencing http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/czm/program-areas/stormsmart-coasts/stormsmart-properties/fs-6-fencing.html Skin […]
Earth weather can be hostile and deadly, but is it really all that bad? Would you trade earth weather for that on another planet or moon in our solar system? We discuss what your options might be in this episode. Here are some links you might want to flip through: List of Solar System objects […]
We have spent much time and effort in our attempts to modify ourselves and things around us to minimize weather impacts. We have also worked for decades to modify the weather with as many failures as successes. How about cheating weather? Can we be a bit more sneaky … and successful, in surprising weather? Some […]
We all understand the key role that weather plays in creating life. When it comes to severe weather however, we often focus on the danger, destruction and death that they deliver. But is that fair? Take something like lightning … is it just a source of danger? In this episode we explore the role lightning […]
Communicating weather information is challenging even in the best situations. How do we do this well in the mobile era with so little space and small absorption time? How do we make sure there appropriate consistency between varied sources so that people don’t get conflicting information during key decision making moments? Not an easy thing […]
Did Weather Give Us The United States? Kind of a big question to answer and maybe not easy to do. However, in this episode we explore the formative stages of the colonies that would come together and revolt against a distant monarch. Was weather a key element of their eventual success? Episode related links: The […]
Can Weather Change Time? Since the marriage of Mother Nature and Father Time, weather and time have had a long history. From Daylight Saving Time to UTC to conservation of angular momentum, we dig into the intertwined nature of weather and time. But can weather change time … have a listen to find out. Here […]
How does being out in the weather make you feel? How about just the sounds of weather and nature? Do they help relieve stress or calm you down? In this episode we explore the idea of how weather and nature sounds can help ease tension and stress in your life. Some useful links from the […]
Can weather save lives? So often we explore impacts that have unfortunate or negative outcomes on lives, but not everything is negative. Weather and our understanding of weather can play important and positive roles in our lives. In this episode we explore how our the discovery of the barometer would change our understanding of how […]
Why don’t we get more good weather movies? Is something wrong with weather as a key element or core plot? In this episode we explore why Hollywood so often disappoints when it comes to delivering on the weather front. Is it possible to change this? Is weather just too easy of a cheap thrill or […]
Weather has long been a part of our language, but is it losing its critical place in our conversations? Is weather becoming too emotionally charged to utilize it as a basic construct in conversations? In this episode we explore the role of weather in our communication process and how it might be changing. Is language […]
Weather and Energy have a long history together. What does the future of that relationship look like? Smooth sailing or rocky roller coaster? We explore both the past and the future of this fundamental relationship in the this episode. A few links for you: Renewables and the future of energy meteorology http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wea.2066/full In The Elements […]
If life is an inalienable right, then what falls into the category of steps to ensure that basic human right is protected legally? Do weather forecasts fall into that category? Do weather forecasts not provide critical information to preserve ‘life’? And if they do, at what point do we step beyond protection and into useful […]
Each year millions around the globe deal with severe cases of the flu. So is weather to blame? Is weather a cause of you catching the flu? Does weather influence how flu spreads around the globe each year? Let’s dive into the issue and try to get to the bottom of the flu/weather connection. Some […]
Many places on the earth tend to experience a specific range of weather types, but what about when the unusual happens? In the past we have explored these limits, but what about when things seek outside the norms? Here are some links from this episode: Us Fleet Preparations – Tornadoes & Waterspouts https://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/cnrj/cfa_okinawa/pdfs/NEO/Tornados/Tornado%20Pamplet.pdf Hawaii Ski […]
So what exactly happens at a weather conference? Is it just a bunch of meteorologists giving weather forecasts one after the other? In this episode we explore the world of weather conferences and in particular the upcoming AMS Annual Meeting where our host will discuss the results of the recent survey many of you participated […]
We wrap up our series on where our weather forecasts come from. In this last phase of the process, the delivery, we explore the challenges and future changes to look for as your weather forecast source does its best to turn the fire hose of weather forecast inputs into a coherent and accurate forecast for […]
Does weather play a role in your charitable giving? In particular, does cold weather make you more likely to help others or give to a worthy cause? In this winter season, we explore the connection between weather and how likely we are to donate to charities in this episode. Here are some links for those […]
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was a bit of a jab at Napoleon? Maybe you have heard that the march into Russia in 1812, was the start of Napoleon’s demise. You may have also heard about some brutal weather Napoleon’s forces faced as it traveled from Moscow back home. However, was weather […]
Have you ever wondered where your weather forecast actually comes from? How about how much it changes from when the model spits it out and you actually receive it? Many forecasts that reach you will have undergone some sort of correction to improve its quality. Post processing is a common element of the forecasting routine. […]
Please take the survey – www.WhatIsItAboutTheWeather.com/survey. Do you ever think about your relationship with weather in terms of an equation? Maybe you should. From simple aspects of how weather makes you feel to the more complex evaluation of how you act when potentially dangerous weather is forecast. Understanding a logical course of behavior can be […]
Do you always pay attention to the weather? How about when it looks like clear skies are likely? Some seem to and clearly some others should, especially if they are in the demolition or nuclear waste industries! In this episode, we take a look at how seemingly benign high pressure systems can actually cause lots […]
Trust factors influences many aspects of our decision making process, and it is no different with weather. Who do you trust to educate you about weather? Who do you trust to prepare you for weather? Who do you trust to protect you from weather? Who do you trust to save you during weather? Who do […]
Have you ever wondered where your weather forecast actually comes from? The ways in which we receive our weather forecasts has changed quite a bit over the last two decades, from the delivery, to the creators, to even the sources of weather information. So how does it really happen, from the first measurement of temperatures […]
We certainly live in a time of increased sensitivity to issues as well as one that is more provocative. This disruptive time creates an interesting environment in particular for high profile weather forecasted events as well as strong criticism of when the forecasts fail to live up to expectations of the recipient. Are the criticisms […]
What weather do you find spooky? How about scary? Is there a difference between the two? Does it matter? We explore the idea of weather that may put you on edge or just scare the beejeebers out of you! Some useful links from this episode: On the nature of creepiness http://scottbarrykaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/McAndrew-Koehnke-2016.pdf 10 of the spookiest […]
Have you ever wondered where your weather forecast actually comes from? The ways in which we receive our weather forecasts has changed quite a bit over the last two decades, from the delivery, to the creators, to even the sources of weather information. So how does it really happen, from the first measurement of temperatures […]
When dangerous weather is headed toward you, how prepared are you? What will you do if you find yourself stuck in dangerous weather situation or trying to deal with an event you were impacted by? We dive into the idea of what you might want to think about when planning for weather events that might […]
We often thinks about car wrecks or burglars breaking into our homes when we think about our insurance needs. However, have you ever really thought about what causes the bulk of insurance claims? (Hint – it might have something to do with the weather). In this episode we explore the many ways that weather influences […]
Who was the father of meteorology? While maybe not the first to document weather or have weather theories, Aristotle would become the defacto source of weather theory for nearly 2000 years. Imagine the earth being surrounded by water then air and then fire. Well, those beliefs lasted a long time and served as a baseline […]
Numerical weather prediction was born before computers and to this day leverages every technology advance we have seen. Why is it that weather forecasting is arguably the most effective discipline for maximizing the benefits of technology? Here a few useful links from this episode: The quiet revolution of numerical weather prediction http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v525/n7567/abs/nature14956.html The weather social […]
The way weather information is communicated has evolved significantly since the rise of television as have the skill sets of most meteorologists who engage with the public. Even as things have improved, is there enough emphasis on the communication element of the job? Have expectations become too high given the skills needed to not only […]
We have explored many cases of when weather changed history, but is it possible that history changed weather? We explore a well known event in the world’s history, the sailing of the HMS Beagle and its well known passenger … Charles Darwin. So what does this have to do with the weather? We explore this […]
On the heels of some very tragic weather related events, we ask why does weather get politicized? Is this a bad thing? Can it serve a positive purpose? Join the the conversation in the latest episode! Pick an option and support the Harvey (and Mumbai) victims Where to Donate to Harvey Victims (and How to […]
How was your Eclipse experience? Did the eclipse change your weather? Was their too much hype around the eclipse? With high coverage from ‘weather’ oriented sources, are we seeing signs that people get too much input from weather folks? Everywhere we turn there are weather forecasts, does this translate into weather forecast/information overload and lead […]
Do you dream about weather events? Have you ever wondered what it might be telling you? In this episode we explore the connection between your dreams, specifically weather dreams, and what your body and mind are trying to tell you or help you process. Here are some links if you want to dig into topics […]
The science that governs the weather also governs flight. No doubt that weather can contribute to the potential for problems when a plane takes to the sky, but how concerned should you be about it? One of the most common weather sensations we experience in flight is called clear air turbulence, but it is highly […]
The great US solar eclipse is coming. One cloud could be the difference between a spectacular view and big disappointment. So is it time yet? Can I get my eclipse weather forecast? In short, NO! There are some things you can be thinking about to improve your odds, but it is way to soon. You […]
How would you deal with weather if you couldn’t move? Imagine being stuck in the desert or an arctic region, not exactly the easiest weather in which to survive. Even close to home we experience weather that can be harsh and requires us to escape. The natural world can teach us a thing or two […]
There has been a lot of buzz around the world of augmented and virtual reality over the last couple of years. What is the role in forecasting your weather? Increasing our understanding of the weather? How real can it make your weather? Here are some links for exploring more about today’s topic: Simulation and visualization […]
Air conditioning is a fairly ‘young’ invention. While it seems we are becoming increasingly dependent on its availability, we have used many techniques for staying cool over human history. From parasols to high ceilings to just a cool swim, these approaches among others have been employed for centuries. However, there are some things we have […]
Tornadoes don’t go through cities. It’s a dry heat. It’s too cold to snow. Just a few common statements we have likely all heard and can put you in dangerous situations. Don’t be weather ignorant when it comes to your life. Let’s explore common weather misconceptions and what you can do to make sure you […]
The weather is ruining my hair! Oh the humidity! I am having a bad hair day! Just a few of the utterances that connect weather and hair, but what is really going on? Where does the reality lie in the relationship between weather and hair? Do you find this hairy topic interesting? Here are a […]
Can competition advance meteorology? Can forecasting improve because of competition? Can over-competition put lives in danger? Is weather forecasting better suited for the public or private sector? What is the right balance of competition versus unified message? How do we encourage the right mix innovation, improvement, invigoration, and impartiality in the weather enterprise? Will all […]
Do you ever wonder about why you don’t see ‘that’ weather that is in the news? In this episode we explore lightning, tropical cyclones, tornadoes and sleet. Who gets them and why. We have a lot of resources for you to explore in this episode should you want to examine any of the types of […]
“What Is It About The Weather?” turns 50. In this episode we explore a variety of questions from the last year asked by friends, family, listeners, and complete strangers. No hemming and hawing, let’s jump right to the episode …
Is weather the reason we have Mario Kart? Or for that matter, drive a Toyota, Honda, or Lexus? Take pictures with a Canon? Watch movies from Sony? You can probably see where we are going here. All these are iconic Japanese brands that exist today. Today we explore if weather was critical in holding off […]
Do we do enough to make weather available to everyone? How can we better convey weather information for those with impairments? Will new sonic visualization and haptic feedback technologies break barriers? Special thanks to Steve Bauer for his inputs for this week’s episode. Steve does a Jazz radio show called The Sunday Jazz Brunch which […]
Certainly a solar eclipse can impact the temperatures you feel much like a cloud or just moving into the shade on a sunny day, but can it really change the weather? Come find out as we also discuss planning for the weather in the upcoming 2017 solar eclipse that will cross the continental US. Here […]
What app do you use to get your critical weather alerts? Has it ever failed you? Is it reliable? We explore the key issues around alert apps and discuss our top three in the latest episode. If you are interested in exploring our top choices you can check them out here: FEMA MyRadar Storm Good […]
Can I grade weather forecasts I use whether it be from a website, person, or app? Sure you can, and in this episode we discuss both the why and how behind this process of forecast verification. You can try this service from ForecastAdvisor if you use olnine services or some of the common apps. If […]
Have you ever wondered just how much energy exists in the weather? Energy can come from things like tropical cyclones or lightning and of course even the sun, but how about something as simple as wind? Join the conversation as we explore the weather-energy connection. If you want to read a bit more, here are […]
Do harsh winters really reduce insect populations? How do those pesky bugs survive winter? What is the Butterfly Effect? All this and more in the latest episode of What Is It About The Weather? Are you interested in reading a bit more about the topics in the latest episode? Check out these stories about insects […]
Rain, sleet and snow may not stop your mail delivery person, but for millennia it has been wreaking havoc on our lives. So how did we learn to keep ourselves dry? And what technologies have we used and developed to achieve that goal? Come listen to the latest episode to find out. If you want […]
Weather can impacts sports in many obvious as well as subtle ways, but have you ever thought about how cloud cover might impact your peak performance? We explore this idea in the latest episode. If you want to read a bit more about items covered in today’s episode, catch these links: The Impact of Cloud […]
Do you have an interest in weather? Maybe a bit more than your average Joe? In the latest episode we dive into how you can do that. Of course this translates into lots of different resources, and here is a list of many of the items mentioned in this week’s episode: The Weather Prediction by […]
While advances in weather forecasting have improved our ability to predict costly and deadly weather events, weather related cancellations and delays now cost us billions of dollars each year. So have these weather forecasting advances made us wimpier or wiser? Join us as we explore the issue. For those interested in learning more about and […]
How many ways do we need to be alerted about severe weather? What is the best way to do it? How might you answer that question differently based on your age, location or socio-economic position? Just a few of the questions we ponder in this episode. Do you want to dig a bit deeper into […]
Does your favorite weather forecaster too often have you altering your plans or seeking shelter for weather events that don’t pan out? Are they just trying to be cautious? What happens when you get different weather warnings from different sources? What to do? All this and more in the latest episode. If you want to […]
In 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger burst into flames just over 70 seconds after takeoff. Despite it being a blue sky day, did weather play a role in its demise? What would be the long term implications? We get back to ‘Did weather change history?’ in the latest episode. As mentioned in the podcast, March […]
Will social media be the primary platform to deliver weather forecasts in the future? What challenges must be overcome for that to be a reality? How do you know who you can trust on social media to give you a quality weather forecast? We dive into these questions and more in the latest episode. Interested […]
Did you know your phone has weather instruments on board? Did you know that people just like you are sharing their weather with others? Will all this translate into mobile phones becoming the future of weather forecasting? Want to dig a bit deeper into today’s topic? Main Story Another Milestone Toward Making Cell Phones The […]
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Did you want to be a weatherperson? Did you know that the National Weatherperson’s Day was this week? what famous people dabbled in the world of weather? All this and more this week! Now if you want to dig into today’s topics a bit […]
Does weather seem complicated to you? Do you feel that meteorologists go out of their way to make things complicated? How complicated is telling the future?
Have you ever thought about how weather has evolved something as seeming simple as a tire? Weather can huge impacts of transportation around the globe and often finds its way into the news when major distributions occur. However, the simple everyday transportation vehicles are heavily influenced in the operation and design by weather. In this […]
What terms that you use to describe weather are unique to your country or even local community? In this episode explore the pros and cons of weather terms that are attached to specific areas. Want to read a bit more about this topic? Here are some items for you: Main Story The Beaufort Wind Scale […]
Have you ever noticed your dog behaves a certain way before severe weather? Is it really the weather driving the behavior or something else? We explore this idea in the latest episode. Want to read a bit more about this week’s topics? Here are some links for you: Main Story Can animals predict disasters Pets […]
We have looked at different ways weather has shaped history, has the opposite occurred? In the latest episode we explore the role of the telegraph in shaping weather forecasting. Want to read a bit more, check out these stories from today’s episode: Main Story Benjamin Franklin – America’s 1st Weatherman Joseph Henry, The Smithsonian, and […]
Have you ever imagined a world without snow? Would we be having this conversation if snow or ice did not exist? In this latest episode we explore the role of frozen water on our lives today.
Why do we have such a fascination with snow? Could it be the anticipation of snow days? Is It something more primal or more nuanced? Join us in this episode where we explore our complex relationship with the white stuff. Interested in learning the nitty gritty about snow? Check out SnowCrystals.com or watch this neat video […]
Technology and weather have a rich symbiotic relationship. The idea of numerical weather prediction existed before modern day computers and a ‘human’ computer was even hypothesized to do the needed calculations. In current time, Big Data has become a key part of that relationship. This is a key factor in answering the question … Why […]
Have you ever wondered how weather impacts both the gifts you give and receive? Maybe you should be singing about a White Halloween instead of a White Christmas. Join us as we explore the various connections between weather and shopping behavior as well as generosity. Want to read about a bit more about this week’s […]
What does weather have to do with the spread of English? Have you ever heard about the weather and the Spanish Armada? Join us in the latest episode where we get back to the idea of ‘whether weather’ changed history. Want to dig a bit deeper into this week’s topics? Here are some links for […]
Do changes in the weather cause you pain? Do you have a relative that swears they can tell you about the weather based on how their body is feeling? Join us in the latest episode as we explore the connection between weather and pain. Want to dig a bit deeper in topics from this week? […]
What causes animals to rain from the skies? Could Sharknado really happen? Join us in the episode to learn about what we know about non-aqueous rain. For those of you who want to did into this week’s topics a bit more, here are a few links for you: Main Story Strange Rain: Why Fish, Frogs […]
Have you ever wondered if weather changed who won election? How about the differences between local and national elections? What is the impact of weather on our election behavior and psyche? We delve into these questions in the latest episode. For those interested in digging into today’s topics a bit more, here are some links […]
Is our weather being modified? YES! You might be surprised just how many countries doing it and what they are up to. Come listen to the latest episode to learn more about the truths of weather modification. Do you want to read a bit more about items covered in this episode? Then here are some […]
We have all heard them, catchy phrases that are used to foretell the weather. So, are they true? We discuss the history of weather lore and how accurate they are in the latest episode. Ready to dive into a bit more detail about today’s topic? Here are some links for you: Main Story Weather Lore: […]
Have you ever seen a UFO? Was it tied to the weather? In this week’s episode we explore the long relationship between weather and UFO sightings. If you are interested in reading more about topics in this episode, here are some links for you. Main Story: Article about █████████████ ██████████████ ███ ███████ ██████████████ █████████ ███████████ […]
Weather and technology are known to be linked in this modern age, but did you know that the relationship dates back to the stone age? In this latest episode we look at device that first appeared over 5000 years ago and is still being used today by millions if not billions of people. If you […]
Weather has been known as an influence on artist for generations. However, the way weather is reflected in art ranges drastically. In this episode we explore these many facets and even cases where the artist may have even been unaware of what they were seeing. Want to dig into today’s episode topics a bit more […]
Are you looking for an app to give you a good precipitation forecast beyond the next few hours? Is there an app that can do it? Why is it so hard to do? We explore the challenges and best options when it comes to precipitation forecast and why you might want to look to a […]
Do meteorologist lack compassion? Does chasing severe weather show disrespect to those negatively impacted? Come join us as we explore these issues in the latest episode. Want to dig a bit deeper after listening to the episode? Here are some good sources for you. Main Story Capital Weather Gang article pre 2013 deaths Slate article […]
Time to get back to ‘Whether Weather Changed History?’ In this episode we explore the connection between weather/climate and the Bubonic Plague outbreak known as The Black Death. Did weather trigger the start or spread of the disease? Or were more long range shifts at work? Come find out. If you are interested in digging […]
Have you ever wondered how changing air pressure impacts fish? Is steady, falling or rising barometric pressure the best for catching fish? Is it the pressure or accompanying weather changes that really matter? Find out the answers in this week’s episode. Want to dig a bit deeper into the topics discussed in the episode? Here […]
Do you consider the weather when planning your vacation? Has bad weather around you ever encouraged you to take a weekend trip? What do you do when weather impacts your vacation? Just a few of the questions we dive into in this episode where we explore the connection between weather and vacations. Want to dig […]
What is your favorite weather song? For centuries, composers, lyricists and artists have made weather a recurring theme in the music and songs we listen to. Whether you like classical, modern, pop, metal, country or even nature music, there is something for you. We explore how weather events and emotions are conveyed via music. Want to […]
Did you just see or hear a weather forecast that promised a specific temperature? How often are those right, not very. Deterministic forecasts, while quick and convenient, do not properly convey the given uncertainty and confidence a forecast has. While some meteorologists convey probabilities with subjective terminology that surrounds a deterministic forecast, those terms can […]
Broadcast meteorologists have been a mainstay of television newscasts for years, but declines in local news audiences as well as surging weather apps and social media outlets are redefining the industry. While it makes up less than 10% of the weather enterprise, broadcast meteorology is the most common link between the industry and most consumers […]
Is it really possible that weather had enough impact to change the course of humanity? In this episode we explore the weather and weather forecasting associated with the D-Day invasion of World War II. The success of the Normandy campaign is considered a key factor in how and when World War II would end. Join […]
In this episode we explore the connection between language and weather. So you may have heard before that the Inuit have over XXX words for snow. Have you ever wondered whether or not that is true? Well, is it? Born out of an introductory text written back in 1910s by Franz Boas, we explore this […]
Is there really such a thing a definite or deterministic weather forecast? Not really, but there is a good reason for that. What is most important is making sure however you understand what the probabilities you are being provided actually mean. In this episode we explore the “Probability of Precipitation” and “1 in a XX […]
We switch gears in this episode as we head to hollywood to discuss weather themed and influenced movies. So what is your favorite movie? And what are the elements of a good weather movie? Looking at some of the worst and best weather movies of all times, we consider this question from the perspective of […]
In this episode we explore the impact of weather on mood and behavior. Are you inclined to prefer the weather of your youth? Do temperature and humidity impact your behavior? Is being male or female more likely to make you susceptible to the influence of weather? Is your mother to blame to for your ‘weather […]
I welcome you all to enjoy this first unedited slightly edited version. It will stay unedited for roughly a week while I explore intro and transition music/sound effects, etc. There are some cracks and rough spots given the recording was done on just a phone headset. Of course I hope to change all that going forward. Your […]