Episode #44 is interactive, as Dr. Hal answers career questions from a high school student interested to one day work in meteorology, climatology or disaster science.

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast 17 years ago today. We reflect on the upheaval this disaster caused in the region, and get hurricane forecast/ communication tips from Chris Franklin, Chief Meteorologist of WWLTV, in New Orleans.

Catastrophic Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast 17 years ago this month. This podcast remembers Katrina in an interview with Chris Franklin, New Orleans native and Chief Meteorologist with WWL-TV, in part 1 of a 2-part podcast.

Sea-level rise is emerging as a high-profile topic related to climate change. Renee Collini shares the science behind rising seas, some surprising impacts right at the coast and inland, as well as some adaptation options to mitigate the impacts of this hazard.

Franziska Elmer and Paola Diaz share insights about sargassum seaweed inundations, which have a growing impact in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. Sargassum can inflict a coastal hazard for the ecosystem, economy, and public health.

The National Tropical Weather Conference is a reliable source of information as we head into the heart of hurricane season. This episode goes behind the scenes of the conference, interviewing Alex Garcia and Tim Smith, who provide leadership for both the weekly virtual conference and the in-person conference every April.

Peter Davis, award-winning lifesaving expert and water sports athlete, shares about hidden dangers in complex coastal environments. He also provides some life lessons about teamwork and preparing for all contingencies that are applicable both at the coast and far inland.

Chile peppers are a prolific food in New Mexico, showing up in omelettes, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and even cheeseburgers. Dr. Stephanie Walker takes us behind the scenes in this episode to explore the history of this crop, as well as the impacts of weather and climate on its growth.

Students at the University of New Mexico are designing and deploying flood sensors to improve flood prediction models. Dr. Fernando Moreau and Dr. Su Zhang share about the unique culture in this university, where students are encouraged to create and innovate science, while involved in student mentorship. This work helps improve the prediction and response to flooding from monsoon rains in the summer months.

Santa Rosa, New Mexico experienced a population explosion after the railroad came to town in 1901, and the city remained well-connected, as iconic Route 66 brought people through town from the Depression through the 1970s. Throughout its history, the town has experienced severe droughts and floods, with both hazards striking the town hard in 1937. On this podcast episode, local historian Dan Flores shares perspectives of both natural and human history in this region of eastern New Mexico.