Unlocking Radar Data Amidst Record Severe Weather

Guest: Dr. Stephen Nesbitt Five years ago, Dr. Steve Nesbitt joined us to unpack the fundamentals of radar meteorology. Since then, atmospheric science has undergone a massive evolution moving from how we capture severe weather to how we decode it using artificial intelligence and cloud computing. As a UIUC Professor, incoming Associate Dean, and newly named AMS Fellow, Steve has spent his career studying Earth’s most explosive storms. Today, he’s leading a new frontier in meteorology, building open-source tools like Radar DataTree to turn decades of legacy radar files into AI-ready intelligence. We’re sitting down with Steve to catch up on what’s changed since his last visit, how AI is reshaping weather science, and the physics behind the Midwest’s wild tornado season.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:05 How Dr. Nesbitt Became a Weather Geek03:59 AI's Impact on Meteorology and Weather Resilience06:57 Recent Tornado Trends in Illinois and the Midwest09:58 Break 109:59 Remote Sensing Technologies in Severe Weather Study15:35 Introduction to Radar Data Tree and Its Applications20:53 Stakeholder Engagement: Insurance and Water Resources22:08 Current Research Projects and Urban Resilience26:17 Break 226:17 Future Advances in Satellite and Radar Technology29:18 Climate Change and Severe Weather Patterns32:57 The Evolving Role of Academics in Public Engagement35:51 Resources and Final ThoughtsResourcesAtmosScale.ai - https://atmoscale.aiEd Zipser - Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,11&qsp=5&q=edward+zipser&qst=ibRelampago Project - https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/102/8/BAMS-D-20-0029.1.xmlRadar Data Tree - https://atmoscale.github.io/radar-datatree/index.htmlNASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission - https://trmm.gsfc.nasa.gov Guest linksLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/steve-nesbitt-b8a06a54See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Samantha MontanoWhen a disaster strikes, most of us focus on what we can see: the storm, the wildfire, the flood, or the earthquake. But what if the real story begins long before the event—and continues long after the headlines fade?  Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dr. Samantha Montano, a disaster researcher, author, and one of the leading voices helping the public better understand how disasters actually work. Through her work in "Disasterology," she examines the systems, decisions, and vulnerabilities that can turn natural hazards into human disasters—and what we can do to build more resilient communities.  We'll talk about some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding disasters, why recovery is often the most overlooked phase of the disaster cycle, and how individuals, communities, and leaders can better prepare for the challenges that come before, during, and after a crisis.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Disasterology and Dr. Montano01:05 How Disasterology Became a Field02:07 The Human Side of Disasters03:36 Disaster Research and Human Responsibility05:08 The Role of Community and Leadership07:10 Impact of Physical and Social Vulnerability09:16 Training and Roles of Emergency Managers11:50 Public Misconceptions and Personal Responsibility13:51 Communication Strategies During Disasters14:29 Break 114:30 Recovery Challenges and Success Factors18:49 Community Leadership in Recovery22:24 Social Media and Disaster Communication26:19 The Future of Disaster Communication28:51 Break 228:51 Increasing Costs of Disasters and Communication36:16 Building Resilient Communities39:01 The Future of Disaster Management41:03 Optimism and the Next Generation of Emergency ManagersResourcesBook - Disasterology: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Climate CrisisDr. Samantha Montano - Website - https://disaster-ology.comFEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency - https://www.fema.govGuest linksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/samlmontano/Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/samlmontano.bsky.socialSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Mike OlbinskiFor most people, a thunderstorm is something you watch from a window. But for storm chasers, it's a front-row seat to some of nature's most spectacular displays—and few have captured those moments as beautifully as today's guest. On this episode of Weather Geeks, we're joined by storm chaser and filmmaker Mike Olbinski. Based in the Desert Southwest, Mike has spent years documenting everything from towering monsoon thunderstorms and dramatic haboobs to lightning-filled skies across the Great Plains, creating breathtaking imagery that has inspired weather enthusiasts around the world. We'll talk about what makes chasing storms in Arizona so unique, some of the unforgettable moments he's experienced on the road, and how the art of storm storytelling has evolved alongside advances in cameras, social media, and live streaming.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mike Olbinski and his work13:38 Break 113:39 How technology has changed storm chasing24:38 Break 224:40 Advances in weather models and forecasting26:53 Mobile connectivity and Starlink for storm chasing28:22 Apps and tools for real-time weather data28:45 Use of drones in storm photography29:45 Carving out a niche in storm photography30:22 Advice for aspiring storm chasers and photographers32:34 Platforms to follow Mike Olbinski33:24 Closing remarks and upcoming projectsResourcesStorm Photo Contests - https://stormphotocontest.com/Stormchaser Atlas App - https://stormchaseratlas.com/Weatherfront App - https://weatherfront.com/ Guest linksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikeolbinski/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/mikeolbinskiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Dillon AmayaThe Pacific Ocean covers nearly a third of our planet, and yet some of its most important changes happen far from shore and often out of sight. But whether it's a developing El Niño, a cooling La Niña, or an expansive marine heat wave, what happens in the Pacific can influence weather, ecosystems, and communities around the world. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Dillon Amaya, whose research focuses on the complex relationship between the ocean and the atmosphere. We'll explore the growing scientific interest in Pacific marine heat waves, what we've learned from some of the most notable events in recent years, and how these episodes can ripple through both weather and climate systems.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Marine Heat Waves02:32 Dylan Amaya's Journey into Meteorology05:34 Understanding Marine Heat Waves08:48 Marine Heat Waves vs. Ocean Warming11:38 Impact of Marine Heat Waves on Weather13:37 Break 113:39 Marine Heat Waves and El Niño17:45 Causes and Effects of Marine Heat Waves20:54 Ocean Temperature Changes and Jet Stream Dynamics22:11 Marine Heat Waves and Climate Variability23:59 Ecosystem Impacts of Marine Heat Waves25:41 Coral Reefs and Marine Heat Waves27:17 Global Hot Spots for Marine Heat Waves28:05 Break 228:06 Understanding Atlantic Niña and Its Effects30:32 European Heat Waves and Ocean Anomalies31:37 Surprising Discoveries in Marine Heat Wave Research34:13 Climate Change and Ocean Temperature Trends36:22 Future Research Directions in Marine Heat Waves37:41 Machine Learning in Marine Heat Wave ForecastingResourcesNOAA PSL Marine Heat Waves Forecast System - https://psl.noaa.gov/marine-heatwaves/NOAA Ocean Temperature Monitoring - https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/GODAS/El Nino and La Nina Explained - NOAA - https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/elninolanina/Marine Blob Tracker - NOAA - https://www.integratedecosystemassessment.noaa.gov/regions/california-current/california-current-marine-heatwave-tracker-blobtrackerScripps Institution of Oceanography - https://scripps.ucsd.edu/Guest linksLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/dillon-j-amaya-2bb2a892Twitter - https://twitter.com/dillonamayaNorth Carolina State University - Dillon Amaya Profile - https://meas.sciences.ncsu.edu/people/djamaya/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Craig SetzerWhen most people think of meteorology, they think of forecasts on television, hurricane updates, or severe weather warnings. But some meteorologists work in places most of us rarely consider—guiding ships across vast oceans, helping industries make critical weather decisions, and even reconstructing past weather events to answer important questions long after the skies have cleared. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by maritime meteorologist Craig Setzer. Throughout his career, Craig has helped bridge the worlds of weather, ocean navigation, and risk management, providing forecasts and expertise for operations that depend on understanding conditions far from land. We'll explore the unique challenges of forecasting weather at sea, how the cruise industry uses meteorological information to keep passengers and crews safe, and the fascinating field of forensic meteorology—where weather data, observations, and science are used to piece together what happened during past events.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maritime Meteorology05:31 Differences Between Maritime and TV Forecasting08:32 Cruise Industry and Weather Disruptions10:27 Operational Decisions During Hurricanes12:38 Pressure and Responsibilities of a Maritime Meteorologist15:16 Legal Considerations in Maritime Operations16:42 Other Weather Hazards in Maritime Forecasting18:55 The Impact of Meteorology on Cruise Experiences20:51 The Value of Weather in Maritime Safety21:16 Break 121:17 Introduction to Forensic Meteorology22:05 Craig Setzer's Background and Expertise23:36 Understanding Forensic Meteorology25:09 The Role of Captains and Meteorologists26:40 Clients and Cases in Forensic Meteorology28:22 Challenges in Weather Data Analysis30:28 The Importance of Buoy Data32:12 Historical Data from Ships33:38 Break 233:38 Hurricane Forecasting and the Cone39:01 Communication in Meteorology40:21 Advice for Future Meteorologists ResourcesRoyal Caribbean Group - https://www.royalcaribbean.com/NOAA Buoy Data Center - https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Metropolitan State University of Denver - https://www.msudenver.edu/University of Oklahoma - https://www.ou.edu/ Guest linksLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/craig-setzer-ccm-03095422aTwitter - https://twitter.com/craigsetzerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Tim GallaudetThe ocean shapes our weather, our climate, our economy, and ultimately, life on Earth itself. And yet, for something so vast and so essential, there’s still so much we’re only beginning to understand. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Dr. Tim Gallaudet—oceanographer, former NOAA administrator, and longtime advocate for advancing ocean science and literacy. His new book takes readers deep into the challenges, discoveries, and opportunities tied to the future of our oceans, while also reflecting on the leadership and innovation needed to better understand and protect them. We’ll talk about the inspiration behind the book, the emerging technologies transforming ocean research, and why collaboration and communication may be just as important as the science itself when it comes to shaping the future of ocean stewardship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ocean's Role in Earth's Climate00:47 Dr. Gallaudet's Background and Ocean Passion01:48 From Coast to Navy: A Dual Passion for Fluids02:48 Career Highlights and Leadership in the Navy07:22 Serving as NOAA Deputy and Leading Through Challenges09:32 Motivation Behind Writing 'Holding Fast in Heavy Seas'11:31 Break 111:32 Stories of Leadership and Resilience15:09 Advances in Ocean Mapping and Research Initiatives17:35 Bipartisan Support and Environmental Wins21:14 Leadership Pillars: All In, All Good, All For One21:44 Break 221:46 Coral Reefs: Biodiversity, Protection, and Economic Impact28:20 The Role of Private Sector in Ocean and Climate Science31:02 UAPs and the Quest for Scientific Truth33:55 Where to Find the Book and Future Research DirectionsResourcesHolding Fast in Heavy Seas by Tim Gallaudet - https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Fast-Heavy-Seas-NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - https://www.noaa.govOcean STL Consulting, LLC - https://oceanstl.comGuest linksWebsite - https://timgallaudet.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/TimGallaudetSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Amanda Staudt We live in an era where the weather is breaking records, reshaping economies, and dominating global headlines. Navigating this rapidly changing landscape requires a unique blend of cutting-edge science, public trust, and bold leadership. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the American Meteorological Society, Dr. Amanda Staudt is stepping into the helm at a pivotal moment. From the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in forecasting to the battle against climate misinformation, she is tasked with guiding the scientific community into the future. Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Staudt to discuss her vision for the future of meteorology, how AMS is adapting to the AI revolution, and what it takes to inspire the next generation of weather and climate professionals.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Amanda Staudt's background00:50 How Amanda became a weather enthusiast04:02 AMS's history and Amanda's leadership role04:58 Bridging academia, government, and private sector07:42 AMS's publications, conferences, and programs10:46 The new AI-focused journal and its significance14:57 AMS's role in policy and advocacy15:46 Break 120:01 Communicating science to policymakers and the public25:00 The importance of conferences and professional development27:47 Break 230:00 Future vision for AMS and the evolving weather enterprise33:55 AMS's organizational structure and volunteer engagement36:43 Closing remarks and gratitudeResourcesAmerican Meteorological Society (AMS) - https://www.ametsoc.orgAMS Journals - https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/index.cfm/publications/journals/Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship - https://www.nationalacademies.org/programs/NRCEO-CCX-23-P-56AI in Environmental Systems Journal - https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/publications/journals/artificial-intelligence-for-the-earth-systems/National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine - https://www.nationalacademies.orgGuest LinksLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/amanda-staudt-27ba22b8Twitter - https://twitter.com/amandastaudtSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Amber Sullins, Chief Meteorologist at ABC15When most people think about dangerous weather, they think about hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards. But in the deserts of the Southwest, one of the most impactful—and often overlooked—hazards can arrive as a towering wall of dust. Today on Weather Geeks, we're joined by Amber Sullins, a longtime Arizona meteorologist who has spent her career helping people navigate everything from extreme heat and monsoon storms to the massive dust storms that have become synonymous with life in the desert Southwest. We'll talk about her journey forecasting some of the country's most unique weather, and we'll take a deep dive into the development of the new PHX-DUST scale—a groundbreaking effort designed to classify dust storms and better communicate their impacts to the public. From the science behind the scale to the challenges of translating complex research into actionable information, we'll explore how meteorologists are working to improve awareness and resilience in the face of one of Arizona's signature weather threats.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dust Storms in the Southwest01:00 Amber Sullins' Journey in Meteorology02:21 Unique Weather Challenges in Arizona03:22 Forecasting Monsoon and Dust Storms05:05 Factors Influencing Dust Storm Severity07:16 Impact of Water Scarcity on Dust Storms08:40 Health Risks from Dust Storm Particulates10:33 Types of Dust Storms and Their Detection14:15 Break 114:18 Development of the Phoenix Dust Scale17:02 Using Air Quality Data for Dust Severity20:27 Safety Tips for Dust Storms22:11 Assessing Dust Storm Intensity Quickly24:17 Applicability of the Dust Scale Elsewhere25:19 Break 228:37 Sharing the Dust Scale with the Public30:01 Acceptance and Validation of the Scale32:41 Future Weather Challenges in Arizona33:40 Upcoming Weather Events and OutlookResourcesphoenixdust.asu.edu - https://phoenixdust.asu.eduAmerican Meteorological Society - https://www.ametsoc.orgArizona State University - https://www.asu.eduSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of NOAA's National Hurricane CenterThe peak of hurricane season is right around the corner—and whether you live along the coast or hundreds of miles inland, what happens in the tropics can have real impacts on your life. The question is: what do you actually need to know before the season really ramps up? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re getting a preview straight from the source. Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, joins us to walk through what forecasters are watching this year, how hurricane prediction continues to improve, and where the biggest challenges still remain. We’ll also talk about new tools and products coming out of the National Hurricane Center, how technology is shaping the future of forecasting, and what all of this means for you when the next storm is on the horizon.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Season and Its Impacts02:45 Understanding Tropical Storm Arthur and Its Effects05:41 El Niño's Influence on Hurricane Activity08:34 The Importance of Preparedness and Messaging11:59 Evolving Forecasting Techniques and Challenges14:15 Break 114:40 Advancements in Predictive Modeling and AI17:44 The Role of Communication in Weather Forecasting20:46 Inland Hurricane Threats and Their Impacts23:51 Future Directions in Hurricane Research and Forecasting26:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Hurricane Preparedness26:58 Break 227:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Hurricane PreparednesResourcesNOAA National Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/Google DeepMind - https://deepmind.com/Hurricane Forecasting Models (HWRF, HAFS) - https://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/products/hwrf/Guest LinksTwitter - https://twitter.com/NHC_AtlanticLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brennan-5a90322b2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Mike Farrar, Booz Allen HamiltonWeather 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Career Background of Dr. Mike Farrar01:30 The Evolution of Weather Forecasting Technologies04:18 Transformational Advances in Meteorology09:15 The Private Sector and Meteorology's Growth12:16 Break 112:19 The Impact of AI and Cloud Computing19:28 Modernizing the National Weather Service22:55 The Role of Human Forecasters in the Age of AI26:51 Break 228:01 The North Star of Meteorology: Science and Service30:18 Skills for Future Meteorologists33:50 Embracing Change in the Meteorological Field34:29 Closing Remarks and Resources ResourcesBooz Allen Hamilton - https://www.boozallen.comNOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction - https://www.weather.gov/ncep/American Meteorological Society - https://www.ametsoc.orgAWIPS (Advanced Weather Information Processing System) - https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/nws-heritage/-/introducing-awipsNCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) - https://ncar.ucar.eduGuest linksLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mikefarrar-wxSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.