Canada Talks Weather Meteorologist Jerry Shields

Join us today to talk about all the weather that we’ve missed over the last 3 months and dive into the details to the Ottawa area tornados.

t’s been 3 long months since the last episode and over 4 months since we’ve been able to tie down Daniel and drag him to the microphone.

Welcome to episode #8 of Canada Talks Weather on October 17th, 2018!

Welcome

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Canada Talks Weather – the (now) bi-weekly podcast where we talk about all things weather coast to coast across Canada.

Daniel and Jerry talk about our hiatus from Canada Talks Weather and what our plans are moving forward.  So where have you been Daniel?

Our plan is to shoot for podcasts every other week this fall and winter.  Building a podcast and arranging guests can be hard work and instead of rushing out an episode, we’d like to put more effort into each effort at a manageable pace.

Some weather events over the last several months….

-Fire Season across Canada

-heavy precipitation events.

-The EF4 tornado moved through the Rural Municipality of Alonsa on Friday Aug.3rd killing a 77-year-old man and leaving a trail of destroyed homes and cottages.

-Cold outbreak and Winter early in Western Canada – heat in S. Ontario

-Hurricanes Florence and Michael in the USA

Ottawa Tornados

 Daniel and Jerry discuss the Ottawa tornado in detail with respect to events and the timing of Environment Canada weather watches and warnings issued that day.  Here is the timeline that was built in this analysis:

Summary of Events for September 21, 2018, Calabogie EF-1 tornado (175km/h winds):

Friday 9:20 am:  Severe thunderstorm watch issued for:    Renfrew – Pembroke – Barry’s Bay, Ont.

 

Friday 2:22 pm:  Tornado watch issued for:   Renfrew – Pembroke – Barry’s Bay, Ont.

 

Friday 3:17 pm:  Severe thunderstorm warning issued for:

Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 3:30 pm: Supercell structure visible west of Calabogie (radar indicated)

 

Friday 3:40 pm: Severe thunderstorm warning continued for:   Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 3:50 pm: Tornado formed west of Calabogie and continued through to White Lake (radar indicated)

 

Friday 3:50 pm: Radar indicates velocity couplet WSW of Calabogie but no clear hook echo. Twitter post by @HouckisPokise

 

Friday 3:58 pm: Severe thunderstorm warning continued for:   Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 3:58 pm: Radar indicates velocity couplet WSW of Calabogie but no clear hook echo. Twitter post by @connormockett

 

Friday 4:06 pm: Radar indicates strong velocity couplet just west of Calabogie. Twitter post from @OntStorm4cast

 

Friday 4:07 pm: Severe thunderstorm warning continued for:

Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 4:10 pm: Radar indicates hook echo and strong velocity couplet just west of Calabogie. Twitter post from @cluke5

 

Friday 4:15 pm: Tornado reaches Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 4:17 pm: Tornado warning issued for:   Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 4:25pm: Tornado dissipated

 

Friday 4:44 pm: Tornado warning continued for:

Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

Friday 4:48 pm: Tornado warning ended for:    Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie, Ont.

 

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According to NOAA, the current average lead-time for tornado warnings is 13 minutes. This means that from the time a warning is issued to the time it is predicted to hit your area, you have 13 minutes to seek shelter.

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Join Jerry Shields to learn about the differences between the American National weather service and Canada’s own Meteorological Service of Canada.

We share the longest undefended border with the United States but the way our countries provide weather services is drastically different.

Welcome to episode #7 of Canada Talks Weather on July 19th 2018!

Welcome

 

Thank you for joining me, Jerry Shields, for this episode of Canada Talks Weather – usually the weekly podcast where we talk about all things weather coast to coast across Canada.

This is the second episode in a row that we’ve missed our weekly deadline. My usual co-host, Daniel Liota and I, work as meteorologists for emergency management.

All of the forecast fires in Ontario have made for a lot of work and no play. So we have been trying to find time to record our latest podcast.

I managed to find an hour of time tonight but unfortunately, Daniel is still unavailable.  He remains intensely involved in the situation and so tonight it’s only me.

Daniel did manage to send me his Weather Wisdom segment as well as his pick of the week.  So for those Daniel fans, you can get a bit of your fix.

Today I will give my take on the what I see as the differences between Canada and USA government forecast services.

First I want to talk about a bit about working as an operational meteorologist for emergency services.  This recent run of long shifts and intense forecasting for Daniel and myself has caused me to reflect on how this is different for everyday work.

The main difference for people that work operational meteorology than other weather positions or other jobs for that matter is sometimes you don’t know when you will be working or when you may get home to your home and family.

When weather emergencies occur, operational meteorologists that are responsible for notifying the public or helping with tactical responses are expected to work as required.

There are many events in recent memory that demonstrated this scenario.  Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, Ice Storms , tornadic outbreaks and Hurricane Harvey last year.  Meteorologists often find themselves involved in natural disasters and become vicitms stranded at work.  Living off of vending machine food or emergency rations can be the life of a meteorologist stranded by flood, fire or widespread infrastructure damage.

While these types of storms are no common place – they happen and can be the earmark of a weather forecasting career.   I think I speak for other meteorologists in these situations that the work done is these situations is a labour of passion.  The 16 hour days, fatigue and worry about families at home can be overcome by knowing that your forecasts may help save lives and keep first responders safe.

NOAA/MSC Differences.

 

Regional offices

– USA – 6 (4 of them excluding Hawaii and Alaska)

-122 regional offices

Office of the director has 9 national offices

-(AWC) Aviation Weather Center provides aviation warnings and forecasts of hazardous flight conditions at all levels within domestic and international air space.

– (CPC) Climate Prediction Center monitors and forecasts short-term climate fluctuations and provides information on the effects climate patterns can have on the nation.

-(EMC) Environmental Modeling Center develops and improves numerical weather, climate, hydrological and ocean prediction through a broad program in partnership with the research community.

-(NHC) National Hurricane Center provides forecasts of the movement and strength of tropical weather systems and issues watches and warnings for the U.S. and surrounding areas.

-(NCEP) Central Operations sustains and executes the operational suite of numerical analyses and forecast models and prepares NCEP products for dissemination.

Join us for our interview with Meteorologist Matthew Corkum of Dynasty Power.  Learn how Matt provides weather forecasts for an energy trading company where money is on the line. Many Canadians are apprehensive to believe their local forecast when deciding what to wear or if an outdoor event will be cancelled.  Can you imagine investing your hard earned money on weather forecasts instead?

Welcome

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Canada Talks Weather – the weekly podcast where we talk about all things weather coast to coast across Canada.

Introduction

Canada Talks Weather is usually a weekly podcast but last week we missed our regularly scheduled program due to a health scare.  Jerry found himself in the hospital early last week with all the symptoms of a heart attack but is still alive and happy to be back here on the show this week.

How about the heat?  Heat warnings out way ahead of this event called Early Notification for Extreme Temperatures – thoughts?

 Tornado warnings Friday night to Sunday night (7warnings, 2 watches): Any confirmed in Ontario this weekend.

Matthew Corkum Interview

Find out about Matthew’s path to becoming a meteorologist that involved thirteen years of schooling and a PdD from York University.

Matt has spastic cerebral palsy yet has carved out a lucrative career that includes helping to teach many young meteorologists from York University.

Learn what things are critical in forecast weather for energy consumption and see that meteorology positions exist outside the regular path through Environment Canada or the Weather Network.

You can find Matt on Twitter @windpowermatt  https://twitter.com/windpowermatt

Weather Wisdom with Daniel Liota

This week Daniel speaks about the various types of bulletins that are issued in Canada by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Coast to Coast!

East Coast:

Finally some warm weather for the east coast.  It looks like it may hold on for a few more days before a trough comes through to cool things off.

Quebec/Ontario:

Another few days before the ridge collapses to more seasonal weather this coming weekend.

Prairies:

A ridge builds by the end of the week and brings hot weather back into the region by the end of this week and into next week.

West Coast:

Wet warm weather for the next week before dry hot weather arrives for the middle of the month.

Wx Tips       

Jerry:

Jerry’s pick this week is about phased array radar that could be the next generation radar for NOAA south of the border.  Read a little bit about the history and benefits of this type of radar system.

https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/tools/radar/mpar/

Daniel:

Daniel’s pick of the week is an app called ‘mping’.  The NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory is collecting public weather reports through a free app available for smartphones or mobile devices. The app is called “mPING,” for Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground.  Find this app on your smartphones App Store and read more at:

https://mping.nssl.noaa.gov/

Matt:

Matt’s pick is the website ‘Tropical Tidbits’ run by Ph.D. student Levi Cowan.  This is a favourite or Matt’s and ours for the latest model data and includes lots of good information about tropical storm activity.  The site is free and worth checking out at:

https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/

 Closing       

Thank you for listening today and a special thanks to our guest Mat...

Join us today to learn more about Brad Rousseau’s role as a meteorologist at The Weather Network, and hear about his storm chasing adventures in Canada and south of the border.

If you are like most Canadians, you likely have The Weather Network on in your house or at work through the day. Have you ever wondered what kind of expertise goes into developing those forecasts across all of Canada?  

Introduction

Today we’re going to bring in our guest right off the bat. Brad Rousseau is a graduate of York University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science and a Certificate in Meteorology. While attending York University, Brad worked as a Severe Weather Research Assistant. After graduation, he was hired as a Meteorologist by The Weather Network. Brad is also an avid storm chaser and the witness of several memorable U.S. storms including the deadly and powerful El Reno, Oklahoma tornado in 2013. Brad will join us for the entire show to talk about The Weather Network, storm chasing, and will also participate in our coast-to-coast segment about weather across Canada.

Brad Rousseau Interview 

Brad speaks about what sparked his interest in weather, and how he was able to harness his passion to pursue a career in meteorology. 

Have you ever wondered about how your local forecast is created when watching The Weather Network on television or looking at their mobile app? Learn about some of the operations at The Weather Network and what goes into your weather forecast! 

Brad also talks memorable storm chases in the U.S., including a recent trip this past spring. With an impressive storm track-record his stories will not fail to disappoint! We reflect on this year’s active weather thus far, and touch on what Canadian’s might expect through the remainder of the summer-storm season.

Coast to Coast!

East Coast:

The cool and unsettled regime continues for much of the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada. Up to six feet of snow remains on the ground around Igloo Lake Lodge in Labrador (about 115 kilometres southeast of Happy Valley-Goose Bay). While snow is not uncommon in this area in June, this year’s amounts have been unprecedented. 

Generally, cooler than normal conditions continue this week across Eastern Canada, especially for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quebec/Ontario:

Record-breaking heat in Southern Ontario and severe weather have been the main stories. Windsor, Ontario reached a record-high of 35.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday, June 17th, 2018. 

Two tornadoes were confirmed in Ontario on Wednesday, June 13th, 2018: an EF-2 that tracked through Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, and an EF-0 near Norwich. Storms on Monday, June 18th, 2018 also caused damage west of Ingersoll, Ontario with five people reportedly struck by lightning in Courtland, Ontario.

Drier and cooler conditions are in store with unsettled weather possible by the weekend. Well-above normal temperatures settle into Northwestern Ontario.

Prairies:

Active weather late Thursday, June 14th, 2018 brought significant hail to portions of Southeastern Saskatchewan and Southern Manitoba. A tornado was also confirmed in the community of Waskada, Manitoba. 

It is a quieter week in terms of storm activity, although heat continues to build with widespread Heat Warnings issued across the Central and Northern Prairies.

West Coast:

We are now talking record-breaking heat and even thunderstorms for British Columbia! 

Above-seasonal temperatures continue into the upcoming weekend, but that may change as we head into next week.    

   

Jerry’s Weather Tip of the Week

Jerry’s pick this week is a World Meteorological Organization link about what qualifies people to be considered meteorologists across the world.  The debate often rages about what is a meteorologist and what combination of operational skills and theory are enough to meet a ...

Get a full review of the most popular weather apps in Canada. Find out where your favourite weather app shines, and where it may let you down. Join hosts Jerry and Daniel in today’s episode to hear our inside view of weather apps for your phone and a review of some of the most popular apps in use across Canada.

 

Casual Chat 

A group of climate scientists in New Zealand have suggested the addition of a sixth category to the Saffir-Simpson scale to reflect the increasing severity of tropical cyclones in the wake of warming sea temperatures and climate change. In addition, research done by James Kossin, Atmospheric Research Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests that tropical cyclones are now moving notably slower when compared to the 1940s and 1950s. This idea can also be tied to climate change. Jerry, what are your thoughts (particularly when it comes to climatology and your recollection of pattern matching)?

This past Saturday, June 9th, 2018, widely recognized AccuWeather storm chaser Reed Timmer took a trip to Alberta in anticipation of a severe weather outbreak. While very photogenic shots were captured, no official tornadoes were reported. What does U.S. chasers coming north mean to storm chasing in Canada? 

Several fake photos said to have been taken in Cold Lake, Alberta, including those of tornadoes, have surfaced on social media. This is just another reminder to take what you see on social media with a grain of salt. There have also been some new severe weather risk maps that have emerged online that mimic what is being done by official weather agencies. Can the production of these graphics by non-government organizations be viewed as a good thing, or does it do more harm than good?

 

App Review

Time now for the main attraction of tonight’s show. That our first ever weather app review.  Daniel and I have spent the last week monitoring several apps for several locations across Canada to see how they perform.

Accuweather – DANIEL

Ease to Find Current Conditions = 10

Same day weather forecast = 9

Long Range Outlook = 9

Weather Warnings = 7 (push notifications were hit and miss, but banner always showed up in-app)

Other Features = 7 (minute-by-minute, maps, AccuCast, Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts)

Visual Ease = 5 (ads, hard to navigate, tricky usability)

Accuracy = 5.5

Overall = 52.5/70 = 75% (B)

The Weather Channel (native apple app) – JERRY

Ease to Find Current Conditions = 10

Same day weather forecast = 9

Long Range Outlook = 7 (lacking detail)

Weather Warnings = 0 (none)

Other Features = 1 (none)

Visual Ease = 10 (no ads, super clean one page) 

Accuracy = 7

Overall = 44/70 = 63% (C)

WeatherBug- DANIEL

Ease to Find Current Conditions = 10

Same day weather forecast = 8 (does not forecast precipitation amounts)

Long Range Outlook = 8 (does not forecast precipitation amounts)

Weather Warnings = 1 (alert notifications & push notifications only for US locations, Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts/Spark Lightning alerts only in-app)

Other Features = 8 (interactive maps, lightning data, Thunderstorm Alerts, articles)

Visual Ease = 9

Accuracy = 3

Overall = 47/70 = 67% (C+)

The Weather Network – JERRY

Ease to Find Current Conditions = 10

Same day weather forecast = 9

Long Range Outlook = 9 (like the precipitation amounts that are forecast)

Weather Warnings = 8 (hit-and-miss alerting, but banner works)

Other Features = 7 (radar, articles)

Visual Ease = 4 (ads) 

Accuracy = 8

Overall = 55/70 = 79% (B+)

WeatherLive – Daniel

Ease to Find Current Conditions = 10 (compact/detailed widget, temperature on badge, weather report notifications)

Same day weather forecast = 7 (not as intuitive to nativigate,

Weather enthusiasts around the world are building their own free lightning detection network.  Learn how to get involved in this network and what it takes to build your own sensor.  Our guest Mike Walker talks about how he became part of the Blitzortung lightning network and explains what it takes to get your own detector online.  Mike also talks about ham radio’s involvement in the Canwarn program in Ontario.

INTRODUCTION

General Discussion on recent weather events:

Subtropical Storm Alberto hits the North Channel of Lake Huron last Thursday. I drove through the heavy rain. Daniel did it meet expectations or was it a bust?

Last week on May 31st, Arnold Ashton, veteran severe weather forecaster at the Ontario Storm Prediction Centre at Downsview worked his last shift. After 33 years & ~1500 night shifts, Arnold is leaving Environment Canada. I met Arnold a couple times and he was passionate and brilliant. He was keen on helping other forecasters and will be missed by EC. Congratulations Arnold on your retirement. I hope one day we can get Arnold here on Canada Talks Weather for an interview on his career.

A lot has changed over the years. I’m sure Arnold went from an old-school approach of charts and paper to computer models and screens. Are we losing something with this current generation that never had that background?

Mike Walker Interview About Lightning Detection / CanWarn

Mike speaks about the Blitzortung lightning network, how it works and the technology that anyone can obtain to install.

Listeners can find this network at https://www.lightningmaps.org

This site has live lightning strikes along with rings of thunder that travel from each lightning strike location.

The network was started in Europe and is spreading across North America.  Listen for details on how it works and what you need to install your own sensor.

Mike also talks about his ham radio involvement in Ontario’s CanWarn storm spotter network.  He advocates that even with all the cell phone coverage and social media that this network of amateur radio users can still serve a role in alerting Environment Canada of severe weather.

COAST TO COAST

East Coast:

More Snow early this week in Newfoundland! June 3rd. Isn’t there a Northern Pikes album called ‘Snow in June’ that seems appropriate?

Brief heat this coming weekend but the cooler than normal returns.

Quebec/Ontario:

Alberto came through into Lake Huron/SSM region last Thursday with heavy rain in NE Ontario. This was followed by a cooldown for the start of June.

Northern Ontario returns to above seasonal temperatures this weekend and into next week while Quebec and southern Ontario continue with cool weather. Zonal flow over the middle of Canada turns to brief ridging this weekend before unstable conditions return.

Prairies:

Strong storms over southern Saskatchewan Monday night.

Ridging dries things out for a couple days but an upper trof moves west to east this weekend to bring rain in Alberta by Saturday that migrates to Manitoba by Monday.

West Coast:

Only warmer than normal part of Canada for the start of June.

A trof moves into BC late this week to bring rain that will move out by the end of the weekend with weak ridging and warmer than normal conditions next week.

JERRY’S WEATHER TIP OF THE WEEK

My pick is the lightning maps page where you can find out more about covering your area for lightning detection. The site explains the sensors available and provides contact information to acquire your own sensor.

http://en.blitzortung.org/cover_your_area.php

 

DANIEL’S WEATHER TIP OF THE WEEK

Daniel’s pick is about a commercial jet that sustained heavy damage during a hailstorm.