Guest: Dr. Grace Ahn, University of Georgia

When a hurricane threatens, the most dangerous part often isn’t the wind—it’s the water. Storm surge can arrive fast, rise high, and turn familiar streets into life-threatening hazards. But what if you could experience that danger in a safe way, before it ever happens? Dr. Grace Ahn at the University of Georgia has developed Weather the Storm, a virtual reality experience that puts people inside a realistic hurricane scenario to show just how quickly conditions can turn deadly. By combining immersive visuals, sound, and storytelling, her work is helping coastal residents—and even emergency planners—understand the stakes and make better decisions when the next storm comes.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Understanding the Threat of Hurricanes
2. 05:00 The Role of Virtual Reality in Risk Communication
3. 10:35 Experiencing the Simulation: A Deep Dive
4. 15:27 Reactions and Engagement: The Impact of VR
5. 20:46 Expanding the Reach: Community Involvement and Education
6. 25:43 Future Directions: Beyond Hurricanes
7. 30:18 The Power of Combined Communication Methods

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Guest: Ignacio Gallego-Marcos, Founder of Turbli

If you have ever flown, odds are that you have experienced turbulence. Whether it was minor, or severe enough to make you never want to fly again, turbulence is part of everyday aviation. Our next guest has spent the past several years working on modeling to forecast WHERE and WHEN turbulence might be the worst. Ignacio Gallego-Marcos is using his engineering background to simulate turbulence, and in the summer of 2020 launched Turbli.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to turbulence and Turbli
2. 03:04 Ignacio's Journey: From Engineering to Aviation
3. 05:58 Understanding Turbulence: Causes and Types
4. 08:50 Modeling Turbulence: Techniques and Challenges
5. 11:58 Addressing Fear of Flying: Insights and Solutions
6. 14:48 Turbulence Patterns: Locations and Routes
7. 17:55 The Future of Turbulence Forecasting
8. 20:50 Business Model of Turbli: Revenue and Accessibility
9. 23:42 Climate Change and Turbulence: Trends and Predictions
10. 26:52 Final Thoughts and Resources for Fearful Flyers

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Guest: Tom Weber

When we talk about weather forecasting, we often picture meteorologists at a green screen or storm chasers racing toward a supercell. But behind every forecast is a global network of scientists, technologists, and communicators working on the front lines of climate and extreme weather. In his book Cloud Warriors, journalist Tom Weber introduces us to the pioneers transforming how we understand and respond to the atmosphere. From data-gathering drones and AI-powered models, to humanitarian efforts in the face of heat waves and famine, Weber’s reporting highlights the people pushing weather science into the future while trying to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Cloud Warriors and Weather Enterprise
2. 01:42 Tom Weber's Journey to Becoming a Weather Geek
3. 07:03 The Importance of the Weather Enterprise
4. 15:52 Storm Chasing and Research in Meteorology
5. 16:19 Understanding the Weather Enterprise
6. 20:17 The Balance of Government, Academia, and Private Sector
7. 23:18 Experiences in Storm Chasing with NSSL
8. 30:46 The Role of Technology in Weather Communication
9. 35:00 Understanding Weather Forecasting and Human Behavior
10. 38:51 The Role of Technology in Weather Communication
11. 44:46 Advancements in Weather Modeling and AI
12. 54:52 The Importance of Weather Literacy and Public Awareness

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Guests: Dr. Ellen Prager & Dave Jones

Ever heard someone say sharks are growing legs, or that peeing on a jellyfish sting actually helps? Yeah… same here. The ocean and atmosphere are full of wonder but also full of wild claims that just won’t go away. That’s where today’s guests come in. Dr. Ellen Prager and Dave Jones teamed up to write Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change—a book that tackles your strangest, silliest, and most surprising weather and ocean questions with real science and a healthy dose of humor. From ancient sea creatures to climate change misconceptions, nothing’s off the table. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re setting the record straight, laughing a little, and reminding ourselves why curiosity is one of the best tools we have in the fight against misinformation.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Ocean Wonders and Misinformation
2. 05:58 Curiosity and the Science Behind Questions
3. 12:00 Exploring Myths: Mermaids and Megalodons
4. 17:44 Misinformation in the Age of Social Media
5. 23:55 Balancing Humor and Scientific Accuracy
6. 24:50 Flying High: The Science of Turbulence
7. 26:37 Meeting Audiences Where They Are
8. 28:57 Climate Change: Show Me the Data
9. 35:49 Curiosity and Communication in Science
10. 40:32 Integrating Science into Entertainment

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Guest: Dr. Jon Nese

When we think of the Battle of Gettysburg, we picture tactics, terrain, and turning points but what about the temperature? The clouds? The crushing heat, the unexpected storms, the impassable rivers? In their book The Weather Gods Curse the Gettysburg Campaign, meteorologist Dr. Jon Nese and historian Jeffrey Harding uncover a side of the Civil War that’s often overlooked: the weather. Using firsthand accounts and reconstructed data, they reveal how atmospheric conditions shaped everything from troop movements to morale, and may have influenced the outcome of one of the most pivotal campaigns in American history. Today on Weather Geeks, we go beyond the battlefield to explore how weather wasn’t just a backdrop to Gettysburg—it was an active player. Let’s take a step back in time… and check the forecast.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Weather's Role in Gettysburg
2. 18:34 Uniforms and Soldier Experiences
3. 21:08 The Impact of Weather Forecasts on Strategy
4. 23:22 Historical Weather Analysis and Its Importance

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Guest: Dr. Barb Mayes Boustead

When we talk about climate change, the conversation is often full of data, models, and projections, but sometimes, the most powerful insights come from stories. Long before satellites and Doppler radar, Laura Ingalls Wilder was documenting the weather in her own way: through her vivid accounts of prairie blizzards, scorching droughts, and the struggle to survive it all. In a brand new book connecting Wilder’s writings to the realities of climate change, author Dr. Barb Boustead shows us that the past doesn’t just inform the present—it can shape how we care for the future. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking about the intersection of literature, climate memory, and what we choose to protect when nature pushes back.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Power of Stories in Climate Change
2. 11:58 Resilience in the Face of Unpredictable Weather
3. 23:34 Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Experiences
4. 35:19 Connecting Literature and Climate Preparedness

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Guest: Dr. Neal Driscoll

Wildfire season used to have a start and end date, but in today’s climate, it feels like it never really stops. As flames race across parched landscapes and smoke clouds drift for miles, the stakes for early detection, response, and resilience have never been higher. Enter ALERTCalifornia, a groundbreaking program using high-tech cameras, real-time data, and cutting-edge research to help first responders and communities stay one step ahead of disaster. At the center of it all is Dr. Neal Driscoll, who is leading this powerful collaboration between science, public safety, and technology. How can a network of mounted cameras change the way we fight wildfires? And what’s next for one of the most advanced wildfire monitoring systems in the world?

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to Wildfire Challenges
2. 02:43 The Alert California Program
3. 06:06 AI and Camera Technology in Fire Detection
4. 08:52 Collaboration with CAL FIRE
5. 11:56 Operational Impact and Community Involvement
6. 14:56 Weather's Role in Fire Management
7. 17:43 Data Integration and Future Prospects
8. 20:53 Public Engagement and Awareness
9. 23:48 Cascading Disasters and Multi-Hazard Approach
10. 26:52 Future of Alert California and Technology Advancements
11. 29:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Guest: Dr. Renato Molina, University of Miami

Every year, hurricanes threaten lives, infrastructure, and the economies of coastal communities—but what if better forecasting could actually save billions of dollars? Turns out, it already has! But how can we put a dollar value on something as complex as a weather forecast? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Renato Molina of the University of Miami, who has dived deep into the economic impact of improved hurricane forecasts. From the costs of misjudged wind speeds to the hidden value of getting the forecast right, his research shows just how powerful—and expensive—information can be when a hurricane is on the horizon.

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Economic Impact of Hurricane Forecasting
2. 07:10 Understanding Forecast Accuracy and Economic Value
3. 13:25 Protective Spending and Recovery Costs
4. 20:08 Quantifying the Value of Forecast Improvements
5. 29:56 Connecting Research to Policy and Industry

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Guest: Daryl Herzmann, Iowa State University

Whether you’re a farmer tracking rainfall, a storm chaser following severe weather, or just someone who loves keeping an eye on the sky, today’s episode is for you! We have the pleasure of talking with Daryl Herzmann about the Iowa Environmental Mesonet: a powerful network of weather stations that collects and organizes real-time weather data across the state. We’ll dive into his journey into Meteorology, his role in managing this extensive project, and some of the many data-driven insights you need to to stay informed. From temperature trends and precipitation patterns to storm analysis and climate impacts, we break down the numbers and explain what they mean. Chances are you’ve relied on the Mesonet’s data without even realizing it! So, stick around- this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet
2. 03:02 Daryl's Journey into Meteorology
3. 05:54 Understanding the Iowa Mesonet
4. 09:10 Data Collection and Archiving Challenges
5. 12:05 The Role of the Iowa Mesonet in Weather Forecasting
6. 14:48 Real-Time Data and Its Applications
7. 18:01 The Future of the Iowa Mesonet
8. 21:12 Climate Change Insights from Data
9. 24:05 The Impact of AI on Meteorology
10. 26:59 Conclusion and Future Directions

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Weather Geeks Team

What began as Fourth of July thunderstorms in Kerr County, Texas rapidly evolved into a catastrophic flash flood that overwhelmed campgrounds, highways, and homes.  Today on Weather Geeks, we’re dedicating our episode to understanding the flood disaster in Texas’ Hill Country, how it happened so fast, and how we can better prepare for the next time the sky opens up. We’ll unpack the meteorological setup as well as the human and infrastructural challenges in warning, evacuation, and rescue.  This isn’t just a weather story—it’s a community story, and a wake-up call for every corner of the country vulnerable to sudden flooding.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Understanding the Texas Hill Country Flood Disaster
2. 01:39 Meteorological Insights and Communication Challenges
3. 05:00 Analyzing the Meteorological Setup
4. 09:32 The Role of Terrain and Hydrology
5. 18:12 The Impact of Communication on Preparedness
6. 25:02 Cloud Seeding Myths and Misunderstandings
7. 27:22 Lessons Learned for Future Flood Events
8. 27:50 The Deadly Overnight Flooding Event
9. 29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check
10. 29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response
11. 31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management
12. 33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings
13. 35:41 Psychology of Weather Response
14. 37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems
15. 39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios
16. 41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding
17. 43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events
18. 45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures
19. 51:30 The Human Element in Weather Events

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