WeatherBrains

Big Brains Media LLC

The show for weather geeks.

  • 1 hour 45 minutes
    WeatherBrains 954: Toxic Wasteland

    Tonight's Guest Panelist is the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS office in Pueblo, CO.  He got interested in weather as a youngster in elementary school and never got rid of the "bug".  He attended FSU's Meteorology program and following graduation had employment stops as a freshman meteorologist in Wilmington, Ohio and Pittsburg, PA.  He also worked with the Administrator of NOAA in Washington, DC for two years.  He's a veteran of the show and and at the time was the Pacific Regional WCM in Honolulu.  It's great to have him back.  Charlie Woodrum, welcome!

    Our Guest WeatherBrain is a northeast Arkansas native currently attending Mississippi State University as a Graduate student.  She's also a Teaching Assistant for the Broadcast Meteorology program and recently presented at the Southeast Severe Storms Symposium 2024.  Kristina Balentine, welcome to the show!

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.

    ****Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25****

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Central Plains (01:30)
    • Sulphur, OK extreme damage (06:30)
    • Recent Oklahoma tornado fatalities  (09:45)
    • 105 confirmed tornadoes from last Fri-Sun's outbreak sequence (11:00)
    • Influence of Call To Action statements (32:15)
    • Correlation coefficient (33:15)
    • Dealing with loss of life in mobile homes in severe weather (47:15)
    • Do most people have a tornado plan?  (55:15)
    • Tips on job search in meteorology field (01:29:00)
    • What does the future weather forecaster look like?  (01:32:30)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:17:30)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:18:48)
    • National Weather Round-Up 
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 954:  

    Kristina Balentine on X

    WeatherCall

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Kristina Balentine - Video of tornado crossing interstate in Nebraska

    Charlie Woodrum - NWS Lightning Toolkit

    Bruce Jones - 2024 EMAT Workshop Conference

    James Aydelott - Incredible video of a waterspout on Lake Eufaula

    Jen Narramore - Out

    Rick Smith - The April 27-28, 2024 Tornado Outbreak and Flash Flooding Event

    Neil Jacobs - Out

    Troy Kimmel - Manufactured Homes FAQ

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Out

    Bill Murray - Out

    James Spann - Tornado Outbreak of April 26, 2024

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    30 April 2024, 3:23 pm
  • 2 hours 7 minutes
    WeatherBrains 953: Doing This For The Chemtrail Paycheck

    Tonight's Guest Panelist needs no introduction.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in 2016.  Johnny Parker, welcome to WeatherBrains.

    Our Guest WeatherBrains tonight consist of the team from the Tennessee Valley Weather network.  They are redefining local weather broadcasting.  They have a television-quality production with a state of the art studio stationed in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.  It's an innovative approach that brings expert community-based weather reporting directly to viewers in their area.

    First joining us is the Managing Meteorologist of Tennessee Valley Weather, and his two-decades plus career is defined by deep local ties  and a commitment to public safety.  Ben Luna, welcome to the show!

    Next up to introduce themselves is the Chief Meteorologist of TVW who has extensive experience in the field due to his early fascination with weather.   His expertise is complimented by his background in education and community-focused forecasting.  Fred Gossage, welcome.

    Staff Meteorologist Kelli Rosson is originally from Chicago and she handles the mid-day forecasts for the network.  She has a passion for public education and weather safety and boasts an extensive educational background in the field where she earned her Bachelor's from Western Kentucky University.  Kelli, welcome to the show.

    Last but certainly not least, Weekend Meteorologist of the network is joining us and is a dedicated member of the team and is also a self-proclaimed radar expert.  Bryan Wilson, welcome.

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.

    ****Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25****

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • "Forgotten F5" of April 16, 1998 (13:30)
    • Generating revenue/business model (33:00)
    • Tennessee Valley Weather's relationship with local NWS (39:45)
    • DMA switchover process (58:30)
    • Countering hype-driven forecasters online (01:10:00)
    • Importance of gaining institutional knowledge in the industry (01:29:00)
    • Distributing vital information on social media (01:30:00)
    • Hiring opportunities (01:40:15)
    • Street named after Johnny Parker (01:53:15)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:45:09)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:47:27)
    • National Weather Round-Up
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 953:  

    WeatherCall

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Fred Gossage - Tennessee Valley Weather

    Bryan Wilson - Iowa Environmental Mesonet

    Bruce Jones - HEAT.Gov

    James Aydelott - NWS Norman on X: "Are You Ready for Severe Weather?"

    Jen Narramore - 2024 Annual Preliminary Report Summary NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center

    Rick Smith - SPC Severe Weather Outlooks At A Glance

    Neil Jacobs - Out

    Troy Kimmel - Foghorn

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Foghorn

    Bill Murray - Experimental NOAA Surf Forecast Matrix

    James Spann - Scott Thomas on X: "A powerful read in the NWS FWD discussion today. Everyone should give this a read"

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    23 April 2024, 2:18 pm
  • 1 hour 48 minutes
    WeatherBrains 952: On His Fourth Life

    Tonight's Guest WeatherBrain is a familiar face for those who watch The Weather Channel, as she regularly appeared on the network in the early 2000s.  She's an experienced broadcast meteorologist and a podcaster.  She also has a degree in journalism and worked as a reporter for several years to begin her career.  Her first job was as a reporter for WEAR-TV in Pensacola before moving to KIII-TV in Corpus, Christi Texas.  She then moved to Brunswick, Georgia to work in TV there, and then took a job in Bangor, Maine in TV news.  It was in Maine where she really got interested in meteorology, where she attended Plymouth State University and earned her Degree in Meteorology.  Her first major opportunity in weather was WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, before her move to The Weather Channel.  Heather Tesch, thanks for joining us!

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.

    ****Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25****

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • "Beyond with Heather Tesch" (10:30)
    • Profound stories dealing with near-death experiences (16:45)
    • Balancing perspectives in podcasting (35:30)
    • People reporting strengthening feelings of compassion after experiencing near-death (01:01:00)
    • Neath-death studies and their analysis (01:06:00)
    • How these stories have changed the host (01:19:00)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:24:45)
    • Importance of NOAA Weather Radio (01:29:00)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week)
    • National Weather Round-Up (01:33:25)
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 952:  

    Beyond with Heather Tesch on YouTube

    WeatherCall

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Heather Tesch - Mitch West Weather on YouTube

    Bruce Jones - Readers Share Stories of Their Loved Ones’ Deathbed Visions

    James Aydelott - Video of wind in El Paso, TX from Cassie Frey

    Jen Narramore - Out

    Rick Smith - Out

    Neil Jacobs - Red Cross CPR Training

    Troy Kimmel - Latest Disaster for National Weather Service: Paying its Bills

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Out

    Bill Murray - Out

    James Spann - SPC Practically Perfect Hindcast

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    16 April 2024, 3:01 pm
  • 1 hour 39 minutes
    WeatherBrains 951: Wiring Boats, Cooking, and Fishing

    Tonight's episode is a home grown show with the regulars where we will be discussing  a hodgepodge of topics in the weather world and beyond.  We do these from time to time... thanks for tuning in for an all new WeatherBrains.

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.

    ****Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25****

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Where were you during the solar eclipse?  (03:00)
    • Fighting eclipse disinformation on social media (11:30)
    • What makes a good resume according to Dr. Jacobs  (24:00)
    • Rapid change in culture concerning FAR/False-alarm ratio (31:00)
    • Mitigating loss of life of those who live in manufactured housing during severe weather events (43:45)
    • 26th anniversary of April 8th, 1998 Birmingham, AL F5 tornado
    • Rampant conspiracy theories appearing online and the dangerous threats experienced by broadcasters (01:03:00)
    • Preliminary hurricane season analysis (01:27:40)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:09:00)
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 951:  

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Bruce Jones - "On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods - Northern Reaches" by Bruce Bjornstad

    James Aydelott - Cloud Meme

    Jen Narramore - Xenia, OH F5 Tornado April 3, 1974

    Rick Smith - Out

    Neil Jacobs - College of Dupage: Satellite and Radar

    Troy Kimmel - Out

    Kim Klockow-McClain - What About the Dufresnes?

    Bill Murray - Foghorn

    James Spann - 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Through the Eyes of NASA (Official Broadcast)

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    9 April 2024, 2:07 pm
  • 1 hour 44 minutes
    WeatherBrains 950: Fifty Years Ago...

    Tonight on WeatherBrains we tell the story of a generational tornado outbreak that happened 50 years ago.   We look back at the Super Outbreak of April 3rd, 1974.

    Our first Guest WeatherBrains for tonight’s episode has a great deal of experience in public service, having worked in libraries for twenty years.  Her current position is Executive Director for the Greene County Historical Society in Xenia, Ohio, a position she’s held since January of 2008.  She served as a society board member for three years and she stepped into the position when the former Director retired from the position.  Catherine Wilson, welcome!

    Our second Guest WeatherBrain is the Mayor of Guin, Alabama.  He’s served over thirty-five years of appointed and elected roles in his hometown and is now serving as Mayor.  Beginning with the Park and Recreation Board for twenty years, he then served on the City Council and was then elected Mayor of the City in 2004.  During his tenure, he created the first strategic plan for the city and led projects to revitalize downtown.  Mayor Phil Segraves, it’s an honor to have you on with us tonight.

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.

    ****Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25****

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • April 1st, 1974 precursor outbreak (09:05)
    • Xenia, Ohio tornado (12:00)
    • Audio clip from Episode 114 featuring J. B. Elliott discussing Guin tornado (16:55)
    • Looking back at Guin tornado from the perspective of Mayor Segraves (18:00)
    • Heroes during the Super Outbreak (23:00)
    • Changes in Xenia in the years after 1974 (36:00)
    • Guin tornado survivor interview clip (46:50)
    • Importance of remembering and reflecting on events like 1974 (49:15)
    • Wisdom and lessons learned from 1974 (01:05:45)
    • Role of 1974 in the future development of weather radio (01:10:35)
    • 50th Anniversary planned events (01:16:15)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week)
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 950:  

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Bruce Jones – Remembering the Stories of ’74: The Hoosier Experience of the 1974 Tornado Super Outbreak

    James Aydelott – Out

    Jen Narramore – Guin, AL F5 Tornado April 3, 1974 – Tornado Talk

    Rick Smith – Out

    Neil Jacobs – Out

    Troy Kimmel – ANA 787 gets struck by lightning climbing out of Seattle airport

    Kim Klockow-McClain – Out

    Bill Murray – LYK Radio – April 3rd, 1974 disaster

    James Spann – 2024 Eclipse Forecasts

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    2 April 2024, 3:12 pm
  • 2 hours 54 seconds
    WeatherBrains 949: Graham in A Chicken Suit

    Tonight on WeatherBrains is the topic of a significant anniversary in the meteorological field.  Tonight's show focuses on the Super Outbreak of 1974.  Fifty years on, its impact is still being felt.  The warning process, victim impacts and how the event itself changed the weather community forever from a professional standpoint will all be discussed.

    Our first Guest WeatherBrain is a previous alumni of the show, most recently in 2020.  He received his Bachelor of Science in meteorology at Penn State University.  He received his Master's and PhD at the University of Chicago, where he studied tornadoes and severe storms under Dr. Ted Fujita.  He joined the faculty at Penn State in 1978 as an Associate Professor and taught courses in weather analysis and forecasting, natural disasters, as well as other topics.  He retired in 2019 after being the severe weather expert at The Weather Channel for over two decades.  Dr. Greg Forbes, we are honored to have you join the panel tonight.

    Our next Guest WeatherBrain is no stranger to anyone interested in severe weather.  He dedicated well over three decades to the National Weather Service, including 22 years as a Lead Forecaster at the SPC.  He significantly advanced the field of severe weather forecasting and mesoscale convective system motion.  His contributions are recognized with numerous awards and mentorships and have all left a lasting impact on the research and operational  forecasting community.  Steve Corfidi, welcome to the show.

    Guest WeatherBrain No. 3 is making his sixth appearance on the podcast.  He serves as the Director of NOAA's NWS Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.  He's significantly advanced weather operations in the United States through his extensive experience and pivotal roles he's previously played.  His career is distinguished by close collaboration with emergency managers.  Ken Graham, welcome to the show.

    Last but certainly not least, Guest WeatherBrain No. 4 is a legend in his own right.  He received his Degree in Meteorology from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1964.  He earned his Masters and PhD in Meteorology at Florida State University.  He served NOAA in a number of positions in his over four decades with the government agency in both research and operations including forecasting.  He retired from federal service in 2005.  He then served as a Senior Research Scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Research and Environmental Sciences until 2009.  His career began in Miami in the mid-60s as a hurricane specialist at the NHC.   Dr. Joe Golden, thanks for joining us tonight.

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Where our Panelists were in 1974 during Super Outbreak (15:45)
    • Soundings/CAPE/shear data prior to Super Outbreak (28:00)
    • Changing perspectives from mid-70s to today concerning convective outlooks (30:45)
    • Pattern recognition role in early meteorology evolution and it's impact felt today (37:15)
    • How the Super Outbreak changed the National Weather Service (43:30)
    • Role of satellite imagery in Super Outbreak (57:35)
    • Experiences of emergency management and challenges of warning the public (01:07:00)
    • Myths busted during event (01:17:45)
    • Importance of ham radio during Super Outbreak (01:24:00)
    • Development/origins of the Fujita scale (01:28:30)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week)
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 949:  

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Steve Corfidi - Teletype catalog on Ebay

    Bruce Jones - Out

    James Aydelott - Zach Stanford on X: "Convergence of the chaser variety is real this afternoon across western Oklahoma where severe storms are expected later today"

    Jen Narramore - Online Presentation for 50th Anniversary of the April 1974 Super Outbreak

    Rick Smith - March 25, 1948 - The First Tornado Forecast

    Neil Jacobs - Out

    Troy Kimmel - Teletype photo

    Kim Klockow-McClain - NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center on X

    Bill Murray - Photo of Barney Fife and Troy Kimmel in Starkville

    James Spann - Qualitative Analysis of the Lived Experience of Tornado Survivors and Factors Affecting Community Resilience: A Case Study of an EF3 Tornado in Jacksonville, Alabama

    James Spann - User's Guide to the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS)

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    26 March 2024, 3:28 pm
  • 1 hour 54 minutes
    WeatherBrains 948: Hopped Up On Cuban Coffee

    Tonight on WeatherBrains is a skilled meteorologist currently working at The Weather Channel and has been there since 2022.  Previously she worked for Telemundo Oklahoma and Telemundo Utah.  She was born in Havana, Cuba and graduated with a degree in meteorology from the University of Havana.  Lorena Lim, welcome to WeatherBrains!

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Challenges of studying meteorology in Cuba (12:00)
    • Influential tropical weather while studying in Cuba (14:20)
    • Weather radar networks in Cuba/Cuban Weather Service (19:30)
    • The Weather Channel/resources and audience experiences (45:15)
    • Distributing weather information and outreach to underserved communities (51:30)
    • Battling confusion with different dialects on the air when giving public forecasts (01:04:30)
    • Disaster subculture and translation (01:07:30)
    • Upcoming eclipse in April (01:33:45)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:29:13)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:31:30)
    • E-Mail Segment (No segment this week)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 948:  

    Conexion con el Tiempo/TWC Espanol Youtube channel

    Lorena Lim on X

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland Radio

    Picks of the Week:

    Lorena Lim - Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest Cam

    Bruce Jones - Hurricane Seasonal Lager from Tradesman Brewing Company

    James Aydelott - James Aydelott on X: Classic example of sidelobe contamination of the velocity moment distracting from the *real* circulation and possible tornado threat

    Jen Narramore - Out

    Rick Smith - Out

    Neil Jacobs - Stumpy, D.C's favorite cherry tree, to be cut down this year

    Troy Kimmel - Southeast Severe Storms Symposium 2024

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Cherry Blossoms Are Blooming Early From Tokyo to Washington

    Bill Murray - AMS Weather Band Zoom: A Day That Changed Tornado Research - A Look Back at the 1974 Super Outbreak

    James Spann - Storm of the Month webinar announcement/US NWS Warning Decision Training Division

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    19 March 2024, 1:36 pm
  • 1 hour 59 minutes
    WeatherBrains 947: The Old Part of Norman

    Tonight on WeatherBrains is a very special guest.  He's a leading expert in severe weather research at the NSSL.  He's known for his work on tornadoes and severe weather climatology.  He brings a wealth of knowledge to the science and it's an honor to have you with us tonight.  Harold Brooks, welcome!  It's also Harold's birthday - Happy Birthday Harold!

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Pandemic effect on math scores (14:15)
    • German Scientist Hans Ertel and his contribution to meteorology in WW2-Era Germany (18:30)
    • Ertel/Carl-Gustaf Rossby relationship after WW2 (28:00)
    • Chaos in numerical weather prediction (33:40)
    • Ertel and the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (46:45)
    • Bridging generations in meteorology (01:12:00)
    • Complexities/cascade of uncertainty in science (01:15:20)
    • Integrating behavioral science with physical science (01:21:00)
    • Dealing with the problem of manufactured housing and tornadoes/severe weather dangers (01:27:30)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:37:30)
    • E-Mail Segment (01:47:25)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 947:  

    AMS Weather Band

    Midland USA

    Harold Brooks on X

    Picks of the Week:

    Bruce Jones - March 13th, 1990 Hesston KS tornado

    James Aydelott - Colorado ranchers sentenced after tampering with rain gauges to increase crop subsidies

    Jen Narramore - NHC Tropical Cycle Report on Hurricane Otis (2023)

    Rick Smith - Out

    Neil Jacobs - Disappearing cities on US coasts

    Troy Kimmel - Foghorn

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Workshop on Weather Ready Nation: Science Imperatives for Severe Thunderstorm Research, Held 24-26 April, 2012 in Birmingham AL

    Bill Murray - Weatherwise Magazine New Edition

    James Spann - St. Elmos fire and lightning/plasma photo from pilot Joshua Cook

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    12 March 2024, 3:47 pm
  • 1 hour 50 minutes
    WeatherBrains 946: Mic My Grandma

    Tonight on WeatherBrains we are thrilled to welcome the dynamic duo of severe weather coverage from Channel 9 in Oklahoma City.  Together they have captivated audiences with their commitment to keeping their communities safe and informed.  They are both beloved figures in the State of Oklahoma and across the nation.

    Our First WeatherBrain has been at the forefront of chasing and reporting on severe weather and other extreme weather in Oklahoma.  He's an Oklahoma native and grew up in Edmond.  He earned his education at OU and got an internship opportunity at the ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City before his first on-air opportunity at Channel 8 in Tulsa.  David Payne, welcome to the show!

    Our Second Guest WeatherBrain is an Oklahoma native known for her in depth analysis and engaging story telling.  She earned her degree at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and had her internship at News 9 in Oklahoma City and took her first job in TV in Sioux City, Iowa.  She brings a unique perspective to understanding the weather and our atmosphere.  Lacey Swope, we are honored to have you join us on this week's episode.

    Also stopping by the podcast is Zack and Nelson from TornadoTalk.com.  Good to see you guys and welcome to the show!

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Upcoming social eclipse (0:30)
    • Equipment/tech used by on-air staff at Channel 9 (16:45)
    • Work/life balance during severe weather season (26:45)
    • Outreach events/public outreach/social media engagement (31:00)
    • Past memorable and notable severe weather events (50:20)
    • Future of broadcast meteorology in the years ahead (01:01:45)
    • 50th anniversary of April 1974 Super Outbreak (01:41:00)
    • Southeast Severe Storms Symposium (01:44:00)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:17:43)
    • E-Mail Segment (01:35:15)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 946:  

    David Payne on X

    Lacey Swope on X

    Tornado Talk - Get Hooked on Tornado History

    Picks of the Week:

    Tornado Talk - NWS Forecast Office Wilmington, OH

    Bruce Jones - InciWeb Incident Information System

    James Aydelott - Alana Brophy on X: Utah tumbleweeds

    Jen Narramore - ***See TornadoTalk.com Pick

    Rick Smith - NWS: Spring Safety 2024

    Neil Jacobs - Environment Subcommittee Hearing: Winning in Weather: U.S. Competitiveness in Forecasting and Modeling

    Troy Kimmel - NWS Reno LSR

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Foghorn

    Bill Murray - Foghorn

    James Spann - NWS Huntsville building evacuated following fire

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    5 March 2024, 4:19 pm
  • 2 hours 12 minutes
    WeatherBrains 945: REAL WeatherBrains

    We're honored to be joined this week by Thomas Grazulis and his wife Doris! Tom is one of the world’s most knowledgeable experts on tornado climatology. He recently published the long-awaited update to Significant Tornadoes.

    27 February 2024, 5:20 am
  • 2 hours 2 minutes
    WeatherBrains 944: Bucket O' Blood

    Tonight's Guest WeatherBrain is a former registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in nursing practice and education.  He's also been a published author for over 3 decades and has managed the production and publication of numerous healthcare textbooks.  He's now written an incredible book published in 2023 entitled "Donora Death Fog:  Clean Air and the Tragedy of a Pennsylvania Mill Town", which discusses one of the most fascinating events in weather history from the historic Donora smog event of 1948.  Andy McPhee, it's an honor to have you with us.

    Bruce Jones of Midland Weather Radio also is back to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its timely warnings and information.  Also you can now get 25% off a NOAA Weather Radio at MidlandUSA.com by using PROMO CODE SPANN25.

    Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: [email protected].

    • Value of historical societies in meteorological research(08:15)
    • Factors of improvement of air pollution emissions (15:30)
    • Industrial vs residential emissions (19:00)
    • Geography and history of Donora (31:00)
    • Significance of "Cement City" (48:00)
    • Start of Oct 26th event/Donnie Dingbat  (57:30)
    • Origin of Donora town name and its originality (01:36:30)
    • NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2023 (01:47:45)
    • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:37:22)
    • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:38:45)
    • National Weather Round-Up (01:
    • E-Mail Segment (01:41:22)
    • and more!

    Web Sites from Episode 944:  

    "Donora Death Fog" by Andy McPhee

    Picks of the Week:

    Bruce Jones - Rancho Palos Verdes seeks emergency declaration as ground erodes4

    James Aydelott - Convective Chronicles on X: Chico, CA radar favorable wind profile for tornadoes

    Jen Narramore - Brandon Hulse on X: Weather reports

    Rick Smith - Out

    Neil Jacobs - SeCAPS 2024

    Troy Kimmel - Capital Weather Gang post on jet stream in Mid-Atlantic

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Everything to Know About the Great Smog of 1952, as Seen on The Crown

    Kim Klockow-McClain - Last Ones Left in a Toxic Kansas Town

    Bill Murray - No Name Low storymap of Nov. 15-16, 2023/NWS Key West

    James Spann - NWS Baltimore-Washington on X: Weather balloon launch data on upper level wind

    The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    20 February 2024, 4:45 pm
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