Behind the Front

Feeling depressed during the dog days of summer? It could be tied to Seasonal Affective Disorder. While SAD is normally associated with the colder times of the year, Dr. Josh Klapow explains how the heat can be just as guilty in affecting your mood.

It’s the unthinkable. A parent leaving their child in a hot car. You tell yourself that it would never happen to you. But Dr. Josh Klapow explains how you could be at a higher risk for leaving your kids in the car than you could ever imagine.

“I have probably surveyed a tornado in pretty much every month.” Those are the words of Chris Darden. He’s the Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service in Birmingham. He shares details on some of the craziest weather he’s seen in the state of Alabama, as well as, a look at how he ended up here in the first place.

Music and Meteorology. J-P Dice speaks with First Alert teammate, Wes Wyatt, on growing up in Tuscaloosa County, his love of music, and where his love for weather started. Plus, Wes reflects on his first day as the Chief Meteorologist at WTOK in Meridian, MS, which fell on Sept. 11th, 2001.

How do you plan for a hurricane? J-P Dice speaks with David Bernard, Chief Meteorologist for FOX 8 New Orleans, on forecasting tropical weather, the frustrations of inaccurate reports on social media, and the job of explaining uncertainty to viewers.

Most people leave the coast when a tropical storm or hurricane is heading their way. Imagine if your job was to fly right into one! J-P Dice speaks with Captain Will Simmons, a pilot with the U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunters, on how flying into these storms can reveal vital information on each tropical system.

Did you know there is an air quality meteorologist? They are responsible for issuing the air quality forecast each day, based on the Air quality index. J-P Dice speaks with Matt Lacke, an air pollution meteorologist in Jefferson County, who explains why air quality is so important during the summer. And what factors determine issuing a code yellow, code orange, etc.

How do meteorologists work together across the state? WBRC First Alert Chief Meteorologist, J-P Dice, speaks with Josh Johnson, Chief Meteorologist from WSFA in Montgomery, and Brad Travis, Chief Meteorologist from WAFF in Huntsville, on how stations across Alabama work together during major severe weather events.

Are you familiar with STEM? It refers to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. For years it’s been male-dominated field. But an ongoing push has led to more women landing science-related jobs. J-P Dice speaks with meteorologist, Jill Gilardi, on discovering a passion for science and facing obstacles throughout her career.

Do tornadoes follow the same paths? J-P Dice speaks with Dr. Tim Coleman, of UAH, on his research into tornado tracks. Dr. Coleman also shares some of his wildest memories from storm chasing across America.