From Sparks to Surveillance: The Science Behind ALERTCalifornia

Guest: Dr. Grace Ahn, University of GeorgiaWhen 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.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Threat of Hurricanes05:00 The Role of Virtual Reality in Risk Communication10:35 Experiencing the Simulation: A Deep Dive15:27 Reactions and Engagement: The Impact of VR20:46 Expanding the Reach: Community Involvement and Education25:43 Future Directions: Beyond Hurricanes30:18 The Power of Combined Communication MethodsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Ignacio Gallego-Marcos, Founder of TurbliIf 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to turbulence and Turbli03:04 Ignacio's Journey: From Engineering to Aviation05:58 Understanding Turbulence: Causes and Types08:50 Modeling Turbulence: Techniques and Challenges11:58 Addressing Fear of Flying: Insights and Solutions14:48 Turbulence Patterns: Locations and Routes17:55 The Future of Turbulence Forecasting20:50 Business Model of Turbli: Revenue and Accessibility23:42 Climate Change and Turbulence: Trends and Predictions26:52 Final Thoughts and Resources for Fearful FlyersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Tom WeberWhen 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cloud Warriors and Weather Enterprise01:42 Tom Weber's Journey to Becoming a Weather Geek07:03 The Importance of the Weather Enterprise15:52 Storm Chasing and Research in Meteorology16:19 Understanding the Weather Enterprise20:17 The Balance of Government, Academia, and Private Sector23:18 Experiences in Storm Chasing with NSSL30:46 The Role of Technology in Weather Communication35:00 Understanding Weather Forecasting and Human Behavior38:51 The Role of Technology in Weather Communication44:46 Advancements in Weather Modeling and AI54:52 The Importance of Weather Literacy and Public AwarenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests: Dr. Ellen Prager & Dave JonesEver 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ocean Wonders and Misinformation05:58 Curiosity and the Science Behind Questions12:00 Exploring Myths: Mermaids and Megalodons17:44 Misinformation in the Age of Social Media23:55 Balancing Humor and Scientific Accuracy24:50 Flying High: The Science of Turbulence26:37 Meeting Audiences Where They Are28:57 Climate Change: Show Me the Data35:49 Curiosity and Communication in Science40:32 Integrating Science into EntertainmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Jon NeseWhen 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.Chapters00:00 The Weather's Role in Gettysburg18:34 Uniforms and Soldier Experiences21:08 The Impact of Weather Forecasts on Strategy23:22 Historical Weather Analysis and Its ImportanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Barb Mayes BousteadWhen 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.Chapters00:00 The Power of Stories in Climate Change11:58 Resilience in the Face of Unpredictable Weather23:34 Lessons from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Experiences35:19 Connecting Literature and Climate PreparednessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Neal DriscollWildfire 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?Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wildfire Challenges02:43 The Alert California Program06:06 AI and Camera Technology in Fire Detection08:52 Collaboration with CAL FIRE11:56 Operational Impact and Community Involvement14:56 Weather's Role in Fire Management17:43 Data Integration and Future Prospects20:53 Public Engagement and Awareness23:48 Cascading Disasters and Multi-Hazard Approach26:52 Future of Alert California and Technology Advancements29:39 Conclusion and Call to ActionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Renato Molina, University of MiamiEvery 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.Chapters00:00 The Economic Impact of Hurricane Forecasting07:10 Understanding Forecast Accuracy and Economic Value13:25 Protective Spending and Recovery Costs20:08 Quantifying the Value of Forecast Improvements29:56 Connecting Research to Policy and IndustrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Daryl Herzmann, Iowa State UniversityWhether 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!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet03:02 Daryl's Journey into Meteorology05:54 Understanding the Iowa Mesonet09:10 Data Collection and Archiving Challenges12:05 The Role of the Iowa Mesonet in Weather Forecasting14:48 Real-Time Data and Its Applications18:01 The Future of the Iowa Mesonet21:12 Climate Change Insights from Data24:05 The Impact of AI on Meteorology26:59 Conclusion and Future DirectionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weather Geeks TeamWhat 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.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Texas Hill Country Flood Disaster01:39 Meteorological Insights and Communication Challenges05:00 Analyzing the Meteorological Setup09:32 The Role of Terrain and Hydrology18:12 The Impact of Communication on Preparedness25:02 Cloud Seeding Myths and Misunderstandings27:22 Lessons Learned for Future Flood Events27:50 The Deadly Overnight Flooding Event29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings35:41 Psychology of Weather Response37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures51:30 The Human Element in Weather EventsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.