Weather Geeks

Guest: Dr. Mike Farrar, Booz Allen Hamilton

Weather forecasting has come a long way—from hand-drawn maps and limited observations to a world driven by supercomputers, satellites, and real-time data. But as technology continues to evolve, so does the challenge of making forecasts faster, smarter, and more useful for the people who rely on them every day. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Farrar, whose career has spanned research, operations, and leadership across the meteorological community. His company has been tasked to help modernize the National Weather Service, and with that he’s helping shape what the future of forecasting could look like for both meteorologists and the public alike. We’ll talk about the biggest challenges facing weather operations today, how emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing are changing the forecasting landscape, and why communication and public trust remain just as important as the science itself.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Career Background of Dr. Mike Farrar
2. 01:30 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting Technologies
3. 04:18 Transformational Advances in Meteorology
4. 09:15 The Private Sector and Meteorology's Growth
5. 12:16 Break 1
6. 12:19 The Impact of AI and Cloud Computing
7. 19:28 Modernizing the National Weather Service
8. 22:55 The Role of Human Forecasters in the Age of AI
9. 26:51 Break 2
10. 28:01 The North Star of Meteorology: Science and Service
11. 30:18 Skills for Future Meteorologists
12. 33:50 Embracing Change in the Meteorological Field
13. 34:29 Closing Remarks and Resources

Resources

• Booz Allen Hamilton - https://www.boozallen.com
• NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction - https://www.weather.gov/ncep/
• American Meteorological Society - https://www.ametsoc.org
• AWIPS (Advanced Weather Information Processing System) - https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/nws-heritage/-/introducing-awips
• NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) - https://ncar.ucar.edu

Guest links

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mikefarrar-wx

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Guest: Dr. Jennifer Francis, Woodwell Climate Research Center

When we think about the Arctic, it's easy to picture a remote landscape of sea ice and polar bears. But what happens in the far north doesn't stay there. As the Arctic continues to warm at an unprecedented pace, scientists are uncovering how those changes may be influencing weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere—from prolonged heat waves and persistent droughts to heavy rainfall and unusual swings in the jet stream. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by atmospheric scientist Dr. Jennifer Francis, whose pioneering research has helped shape our understanding of the connection between Arctic climate change and the behavior of the jet stream. We'll explore why the Arctic is warming so rapidly, how those changes can ripple through the atmosphere, and what they may mean for the persistent weather patterns we've seen in recent years—including the extreme heat that has gripped much of Europe this summer.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Dr. Jennifer Francis's background and interest in weather
2. 05:22 Jet stream patterns and their role in extreme weather
3. 13:21 Break 1
4. 14:31 Mechanisms of Arctic amplification and feedbacks
5. 22:57 Stratospheric polar vortex and winter weather effects
6. 25:04 Break 2
7. 25:58 Summer jet stream behavior and climate connections
8. 32:08 Ocean heat waves and their influence on jet stream patterns
9. 34:33 Current research and future challenges in Arctic climate studies
10. 37:06 Closing remarks and resources

Resources

• Woodwell Climate Research Center - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/
• Jennifer Francis - Research Profile - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/our-scientists/jennifer-francis/
• Clausius-Clapeyron Relationship - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausius%E2%80%93Clapeyron_relation

 Guest links

• Twitter - https://x.com/WoodwellClimate https://x.com/JFrancisClimate
• Research Center - https://www.woodwellclimate.org/

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Guest: Dr. Jennifer Collins & Dr. Nadia Bloemendaal

When it comes to hurricanes, we often rely on a familiar scale to understand their strength — categories based largely on wind speed. But anyone who’s experienced a storm knows that impacts go far beyond just how fast the winds are blowing. Today, we’re joined by Jennifer Collins and Nadia Bloemendaal, whose work is helping to rethink how we model and measure tropical cyclones. They’re the minds behind the STORM model, a powerful tool for simulating thousands of storms across the globe, and the developers of the Tropical Cyclone Severity Scale — a new way of looking at storm risk that goes beyond traditional categories. In this episode, we’ll explore how large-scale modeling is changing our understanding of hurricane risk, why current classification systems may fall short, and how new approaches could improve the way we communicate danger and prepare for future storms.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to the New Storm Model
2. 00:20 The Storm Model's Impact on Various Sectors
3. 01:02 Challenges in Developing a Global Storm Model
4. 02:21 Modeling Hazards Beyond Wind: Rain and Surge
5. 04:31 Motivation for a New Hurricane Severity Scale
6. 06:42 Limitations of the Wind-Only Scale
7. 08:35 The New Scale: Incorporating Multiple Hazards
8. 10:27 Break 1
9. 11:28 The Concept of a Category 6 Storm
10. 13:05 Public Perception and Education Strategies
11. 15:22 Localized and Personalized Risk Communication
12. 17:27 Real-World Applications and Case Studies
13. 19:20 Future Directions and Climate Change Impacts
14. 21:54 Inertia and Adoption Challenges in Meteorology
15. 23:49 Break 2
16. 25:00 Public Perception of Storm Categories
17. 27:33 The Path Toward Standardization and Adoption
18. 30:12 Future Collaborations and Final Thoughts

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Guest: Dr. Aran Mooney

When you think about saving coral reefs, you probably imagine divers, coral nurseries, or maybe even futuristic technology — but what if part of the solution starts with simply turning up the volume? Because it turns out, coral reefs don’t just look alive… they sound alive. Today’s guest, Dr. Aran Mooney, is helping scientists and conservationists tune into the ocean in a whole new way. His research explores how the natural “music” of healthy reefs — the pops, clicks, and choruses of marine life — can actually help guide coral larvae home and jump-start reef recovery. In this episode, we’ll talk about listening to the ocean, using sound as a conservation tool, and why sometimes the key to protecting our planet isn’t louder warnings — it’s learning how to hear what nature has been telling us all along.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Sound of Coral Reefs
2. 06:00 Sound as a Restoration Tool
3. 12:02 The Mechanics of Sound Playback
4. 17:23 Break 1
5. 17:55 Environmental Influences on Coral Soundscapes
6. 20:17 The Power of Sound in Coral Restoration
7. 26:59 Break 2
8. 27:28 Hurricanes and Their Impact on Coral Reefs
9. 30:43 Understanding the Time Scale of Sound Influence
10. 35:39 Scaling Sound Solutions for Coral Reefs
11. 40:51 Community Engagement and Partnerships for Coral Health

Resources

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - https://www.whoi.edu/
• NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program - https://coralreef.noaa.gov/

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Guest: Brad Panovich, WCNC Charlotte

If you’ve lived in North Carolina for any length of time, chances are you’ve turned to one familiar face when the weather turns serious. But being a trusted meteorologist today isn’t just about what happens on TV—it’s about showing up wherever your audience is, whether that’s on-air, online, or in the middle of a rapidly evolving storm. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte. For decades, Brad has helped guide North Carolinians through everything from day-to-day forecasts to high-impact events—including more recent storms like Hurricane Helene—building a level of trust that goes far beyond the forecast itself. We’ll talk about how his approach to communication has evolved in the age of social media, what it takes to cut through misinformation, and how you balance urgency, clarity, and calm when people are depending on you the most.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Brad Panovich and His Journey
2. 02:55 The Evolution of Weather Communication
3. 05:54 The Importance of Credentialing in Meteorology
4. 08:56 The Role of Trust in Weather Forecasting
5. 12:05 Break 1
6. 12:08 Navigating Social Media as a Meteorologist
7. 15:13 Handling Negativity and Criticism in the Digital Age
8. 20:13 Understanding Public Perception of Weather Forecasts
9. 23:40 Break 2
10. 24:12 The Role of Social Media in Weather Communication
11. 26:28 The Impact of AI on Meteorology
12. 30:11 Personal Reflections on the Impact of Meteorology
13. 34:26 The Educator's Role in Meteorology

 Resources

• Ohio State University Meteorology Program - https://meteo.osu.edu/
• UNC Charlotte Weather Communication Course - https://physics.charlotte.edu/

Guest links

• Brad Panovich on Twitter - https://twitter.com/WXBrad
• Website - https://www.wcnc.com/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wxbrad

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Guest: Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

Every day, new scientific discoveries shape the way we understand our world — from extreme weather to the changing climate. But most of us don’t read scientific journals. Instead, we rely on journalists to translate complex research into stories that inform the public and help us make sense of what it all means. Today we’re joined by Seth Borenstein, a veteran science reporter with the Associated Press who has spent decades covering everything from hurricanes and heat waves to the latest breakthroughs in climate research. Over the years, his reporting has helped bring critical science stories to audiences around the world. In this episode, we’ll talk about how science journalism has evolved, how the media approaches reporting on Climate Change, and what it takes to translate complex science into clear, trustworthy stories for the public.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility
2. 01:43 How Seth Became a Weather and Climate Geek
3. 04:02 The Evolution of Climate Science Narratives
4. 07:47 From Uncertainty to Scientific Certainty
5. 11:53 Finding and Vetting Credible Scientific Sources
6. 16:04 The Role of AP and Wire Services in Science Reporting
7. 17:48 Break 1
8. 18:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Science Journalism
9. 21:52 How Seth Finds His Experts
10. 25:03 Impact of Social Media on Climate and Weather Reporting
11. 27:57 Dealing with Disinformation and Misinformation
12. 28:39 Break 2
13. 29:46 Memorable Stories and Impactful Reporting
14. 32:20 Embedded Reporting with Storm Chasers
15. 34:15 The Human Side of Weather Disasters
16. 36:55 Advice for Future Climate and Science Journalists
17. 39:25 Where to Find Seth's Work

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GUEST: Ken Graham, Director of NOAA National Weather Service

National Weather Service Director Ken Graham visited The Weather Channel for a wide-ranging conversation with Jim Cantore about the future of weather forecasting and public safety.

They will discuss ongoing efforts to modernize the National Weather Service, the challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure, the latest developments in forecasting technology and AI, and what improvements may be on the horizon for everything from hurricane forecasts to severe weather prediction. They also talk about staffing, observations, and the tools that help forecasters turn data into decisions when lives are on the line.

And as he marks four years as Director, Jim will ask Ken to reflect on the experiences that shaped his career, the accomplishments he's most proud of, and what he wants the public to better understand about the work happening behind the scenes every day.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility
2. 00:59 Ken Graham's Ten and Progress Overview
3. 02:24 Reflecting on Achievements and Vision
4. 03:45 Staffing Challenges and Hiring Boom
5. 05:19 Reorganizing for the Future
6. 07:01 Modernizing Infrastructure and Cloud Transition
7. 08:20 Partnering with Emergency Managers
8. 08:59 Radars: Aging Systems and Next-Gen Plans
9. 10:29 Private Sector Collaboration on Radars
10. 12:48 Innovations in Data Collection: Drones and Balloons
11. 13:42 NWS Chat and Communication Tools
12. 14:17 Break 1
13. 14:31 Communicating Strong El Nino and Hurricane Risks
14. 15:47 Aircraft and Data for Better Forecasts
15. 16:38 Improvements in Track and Intensity Forecasts
16. 17:19 AI and Machine Learning in Weather Models
17. 18:36 Future of High-Resolution and Rapid Refresh Models
18. 20:17 Balancing Over-Preparation and Real-Time Response
19. 21:28 Next-Generation Modeling and Cloud Computing
20. 22:50 Break 2
21. 22:50 Vision for Year 10: Fully Cloud-Based, Well-Staffed NWS
22. 24:26 Memories of Weather Disasters and Motivation
23. 25:37 The Drive to Save Lives and Limit Damage
24. 26:30 Engagement with the President and Policy Support
25. 27:35 Office Culture and Workforce Changes
26. 28:49 Challenges of Modernization and Change Management
27. 29:23 Supporting NWS Staff and Future Outlook

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Guest: Adam Fouche, University of Georgia

When you head to a big football game or an outdoor concert, you’re probably thinking about the music, the crowd, and the excitement in the air. But behind the scenes, there’s another team hard at work — one that’s watching the skies. From lightning delays to fast-moving thunderstorms, weather can quickly turn a packed stadium or festival into a serious safety challenge. Protecting tens of thousands of people requires careful planning, constant monitoring, and sometimes very quick decisions. Today we’re joined by Adam Fouche, Interim Associate Vice President for Environmental Safety, Risk, and Resiliency at the University of Georgia. His team works behind the scenes to help keep major events — from concerts to packed game days — safe when the weather takes a turn.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
2. 00:53 Adam Fouche's Weather Geek Origin Story
3. 02:45 Adam's Role in Weather Safety at UGA
4. 04:09 Weather Safety in Large Campus Events
5. 07:09 Weather Risk Assessment for Events
6. 10:22 Lightning Protocols and the 8-Mile Rule
7. 12:57 Debate on Lightning Delay Rules
8. 13:44 Break 1
9. 15:15 Weather Support Models at SEC Schools
10. 18:01 Collaboration with National Weather Service
11. 20:04 Communication Strategies for Weather Risks
12. 21:59 Psychology of Weather Risk Perception
13. 25:01 Venue Design and Weather Vulnerabilities
14. 26:07 Break 2
15. 26:38 Understanding Severe vs. Non-Severe Weather
16. 30:09 Technology and Weather Monitoring Tools
17. 33:33 Public Safety Advice for Weather Preparedness

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Guest: Jordan Hall

Storm chasing has always lived right at the edge—part science, part instinct, and part, let’s be honest… a little bit of chaos. But these days, it’s not just about being in the right place at the right time—it’s also about capturing it, sharing it, and bringing people along for the ride in real time. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking with storm chaser Jordan Hall—someone who’s spent countless hours on the road tracking down everything from classic supercells to high-risk, high-reward setups… all while navigating what it means to be a storm chaser in the age of social media. We’ll get into some of his wildest chase stories, the decisions that matter most when things get intense, and how storm chasing is evolving in a world where your next viral video might be just one tornado away.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Thrill of Storm Chasing
2. 10:01 From Hobby to Career: The Journey of a Storm Chaser
3. 16:17 Break 1
4. 20:10 Navigating the Challenges of Storm Chasing
5. 23:03 Break 2
6. 29:22 Navigating Personal Safety
7. 29:59 The Role of Social Media in Storm Chasing
8. 30:35 Pressure and Competition in Storm Chasing
9. 32:06 Impact of Social Media on Storm Chasing
10. 34:42 International Storm Chasing Adventures
11. 36:55 Choosing Which Storms to Chase
12. 38:06 Awe-Inspiring Natural Phenomena
13. 39:39 Unique Chase Stories
14. 40:09 The Intersection of Storm Chasing and First Response
15. 44:32 Challenges of Chaser Convergence
16. 48:01 The Storm Chasing Community
17. 49:59 Advice for Aspiring Storm Chasers

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Guest: Dr. Michael Pritchard, Director of Climate Simulation Research

When we think about climate models, we often picture supercomputers humming away in government labs or university basements. But increasingly, some of the most powerful tools shaping the future of climate science are coming from an unexpected place — Silicon Valley. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Pritchard, Director of Climate Simulation Research at NVIDIA. Yes, that NVIDIA — the company known for powering gaming, AI, and some of the world’s fastest computing systems. But behind the scenes, NVIDIA is helping drive a revolution in climate and Earth system modeling, using advanced GPUs and machine learning to build faster, higher-resolution simulations of our planet. In this episode, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping climate science, what it takes to simulate Earth in unprecedented detail, and why the future of forecasting may depend as much on silicon as it does on physics.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to AI in Weather and Climate Modeling
2. 03:21 Understanding NVIDIA's Role in Climate Simulation
3. 05:34 The Motivation Behind Earth Simulation
4. 07:40 AI vs Traditional Weather Modeling Techniques
5. 11:10 Addressing Concerns About AI in Weather Forecasting
6. 13:49 Break 1
7. 14:19 The Earth 2 Project and Its Implications
8. 18:37 Open Source Weather Models and Their Importance
9. 23:33 Exploring GPUs and Their Role in AI
10. 24:51 Stormscope: A New Era in Nowcasting
11. 28:55 AI and Machine Learning in Mesoscale Forecasting
12. 31:48 Break 2
13. 32:15 Ensuring Ethical AI in Weather Forecasting
14. 35:31 The Future of AI in Climate Modeling

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