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 […]
