WeatherBrains

Big Brains Media LLC
  • 4.6 (164)
  • EARTH SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The world's oldest and greatest weather podcast. Join weather geeks James Spann, Bill Murray, Kim Klockow-McClain, Dr. Neil Jacobs, Rick Smith, Aubrey Urbanowicz, Jen Narramore, and Troy Kimmel along with some of the most brilliant minds in the weather enterprise every week!

  1. 4D AGO

    WeatherBrains 1051: Oh My Cod!

    Tonight's WeatherBrains is all about the NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC)'s convective outlooks. Guest WeatherBrain and SPC forecaster Bill Bunting joins us tonight.  He grew up in Virginia Beach, VA where we experienced a series of hurricanes and Nor'easters at a very young age.  He attended Old Dominion University as well as OU where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.  He's been with the National Weather Service since 1985, where he's worked primarily at local offices in Norman (OK), Kansas City (MO) and Fort Worth (TX).  He was Chief of Forecasting Operations at SPC in 2012, and is now the Deputy Director at SPC since 2024.  Bill, welcome to WeatherBrains! Second and last Guest WeatherBrain (but certainly not the least!) is the brand new Warning Coordination Meteorologist (MIC) for the SPC.  He grew up in Ohio and attended Valparaiso University, and has since worked for the NWS for over 15 years.  He loves historical weather statistics and visualization.  Evan Bentley, welcome to WeatherBrains! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Organization/structure of NWS Storm Prediction Center (14:00) SPCS's Fire weather forecasting (16:00) Science behind SPC's new conditional intensity forecasts (20:30) Deterministic factors for a PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) watch (26:00) Improving communication of impactful weather events to family and co workers (40:00) SPC's philosophy on dealing with QLCS events (51:00) National team approach for warnings?  (01:03:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:29:45) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:32:15) E-Mail Segment (01:24:00) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1051:   Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Bill Bunting - SPC Hazard Climatology James Aydelott - Okie James on Facebook: Two supercell rotation paths Jen Narramore - Southeast Severe Storms Symposium XXIV Rick Smith - NOAA Damage Assessment Toolkit Troy Kimmel - Foghorn Kim Klockow-McClain - Edwardsburg Schools offer support as community mourns loss of student John Gordon - Congressman Eric Sorensen introduces new legislation to investigate major weather disasters Bill Murray - Out James Spann - Out The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 45m

  2. MAR 3

    WeatherBrains 1050: VCP Dance

    Tonight's WeatherBrains episode will cover the Purdue Meteorology Program.  The Panel takes a deep dive into both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Guest WeatherBrain Dr. Robin Tanamachi joins us tonight from Purdue University.  She's a member of the AMS and is working with UCAR and COMET on a radar meteorology course.  She's an avid cyclist and storm chaser.  It's great to have you on tonight, Dr. Tanamachi! Guest WeatherBrain Dr Beth Hall joins us to discuss what's happening with the Indiana State Climatologist office.  She's also the director of the Midwest Regional Climate Center and manager of the Purdue Mesonet.  Tonight's show will be discussing efforts on building a Statewide Mesonet across the Hoosier State.  Thanks for joining us tonight! Last but certainly not least, Guest Panelist Purdue University senior Lindsey Peterson will go through enrollment, meteorology student activities, storm chase trip, and Dr Tanamachi's research.  She's studying atmospheric science and is the President of Purdue's AMS Chapter and has been a NWS student volunteer as well as a 2025 NOAA William M. Lapenta Intern.  She's also involved with the AMS Board of Higher Education and has done undergraduate research focusing on the history of meteorology.  Lindsey, welcome to WeatherBrains! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. March 1st, 2007 Enterprise tornado tragedy anniversary (01:30) Henryville Indiana 2012 tornado anniversary (05:00) Purdue Meteorology program background (09:30) Kentucky bourbon barrels and their climate condition requirements (27:30) What exactly is a Mesonet? (29:45) Current sites/status of Purdue Mesonet (32:00) Indiana Water Balance Network (33:45) PUMA (Purdue University Meteorological Association) (50:00) Purdue Meteorology Program's rich history and tradition (01:01:00) COMET online radar class (01:03:30) Strange and unusual inquiries made to the climate office (01:08:00) Career advice for young people and meteorology students (01:10:00) What is phased array radar? (01:12:30) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:20:30) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:23:15) E-Mail Segment (01:24:30) 2/26/26 Unexpected Trussville AL EF0 tornado (01:30:50) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1050:   Indiana Mesonet COMET MetEd Public Dashboard Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Lindsey Peterson - Earrings from Because Science Dr. Beth Hall - MRCC Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) Dr. Robin Tanamachi - Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences James Aydelott - Girls Who Chase free seminar Jen Narramore - WHO 13's Jeriann Ritter opens up about her health journey Rick Smith - Out Troy Kimmel - Out Kim Klockow-McClain - Chairman Cruz Announces Markup of NASA Reauthorization, NOAA Weather Bill for March 4th John Gordon - Debris Ballers - The Beginning Bill Murray - Out James Spann - NWS SPC on X: Changes to SPC Severe Weather Outlooks The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 48m

  3. FEB 24

    WeatherBrains 1049: Say A Little WeatherBrains Prayer

    Tonight's show is all about radar and reflectivity.  Guest WeatherBrain Charles Kuster works in the radar division of NSSL.  He started his career at the OU Cooperative Institute.  Then, moved to NSSL and has been there ever since.  He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in 2012 and eventually his Master's in 2014. Charles was a Graduate Research Assistant with OU CIMMS before securing a position as Research Associate in January of this year.  Charles, welcome to WeatherBrains! Second Guest WeatherBrain Jami Boettcher came to CIWRO/NSSL after retiring from the National Weather Service, comprised of about 10 years in operations, and 25 years as an Instructor for the Warning Decision Training Division. Her first area of expertise as a trainer focused on the WSR-88D system updates, with the most significant being the conversion to dual polarization. Developing and delivering training that focused on the needs of the NWS operational community was always the priority. Her second area of training expertise was on the cognitive domain of NWS warning operations and its three components: science, technology, and human factors.  Jamie, welcome to the show! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Side lobe contamination (16:00) ZDR column radar signature (19:30) Precursor radar signatures (25:30) Dual-polarization radar general concepts and variables (27:00) Correlation coefficient definition (28:30) KDP/Specific Differential Phase (29:30) Radar spectrum width (43:00) Mitigating side lobe contamination? (55:00) Difference between WSR-88D and phased array radar (01:05:00) Well-known radar gaps and the ensuing issues (01:10:30) X-Band radar vs WSR-88D (01:12:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:27:20) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:29:05) E-Mail Segment (01:31:00) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1049:   Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Charles Kuster - NOAA NSSL Jami Boettcher - NWS/OCLO Warning Decision Training Division James Aydelott - Out Jen Narramore - Record snowstorm for Providence, Rhode Island Rick Smith - Dual-Polarization Radar Training for NWS Partners Troy Kimmel - NWS Weather and Hazards Data Viewer Kim Klockow-McClain - Foghorn John Gordon - Journal of Operational Meteorology "Operational Diagnostic Applications of Isentropic Analysis" by Louis Uccellini Bill Murray - Out James Spann - PRESSURE official trailer - Releases May 29th James Spann - CIRA on X: "May NE US locations received over a foot of snow since yesterday morning due to powerful blizzard and NorEaster...." The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 47m

  4. FEB 17

    WeatherBrains 1048: Keep Thy Mouth Shut

    Tonight's Guest WeatherBrain is Melinda Beerends.  She is the MIC (Meteorologist in Charge) of Grand Forks, ND.  Welcome! Our Guest WeatherBrain No. 2 tonight is meteorologist Carl Jones.  He's a forecaster for the NWS in Grand Forks, ND.  He earned his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.  His professional focus remains operational forecasting and photography.  Thanks for joining us tonight! Last but certainly not least, Guest WeatherBrain No. 3 is a meteorologist from the NWS office in Grand Forks, ND.  He is a St. Cloud State graduate and is seasoned photographer who previously worked in the private sector for several years before entering government service.  Tyler Thomas, welcome to the show! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Deep South Valentine's Day Weekend QLCS controversy (01:15) Importance of being connected with the people you serve!  (06:00) Environmental setup for June 2025 EF5 event (13:00) ND has never had a High Risk outlook (15:30) Flaws/misses in that event's forecast prior to EF5 event (18:00) Did the June 2025 Enderlin event meet the SPC thresholds in place?  (21:00) LCL heights and radar data on day of Enderlin EF5 (22:30) Reflectivity data presentation of Enderlin EF5 (29:30) QRT ( NWS Quick Response Team) preliminary tornado rating of EF3 (50:00) Outside data and sources concerns/review (01:03:00) Rarity of direct observational evidence in these types of events (01:12:30) The three fatalities in the Enderlin EF5 and what we know (01:22:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:28:30) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:30:35) E-Mail Segment (No segment this week - stay tuned!) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1048:   Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Tyler Thomas - Copernicus Browser Carl Jones - NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal Melinda Beerends - YouTube: What clues from tornado outbreaks can help improve prediction? James Aydelott - WeatherFront on X: February 14-15 QLCS Jen Narramore - The Historical Marker Database Rick Smith - Out Troy Kimmel - The Blue Board - United Airlines Flight Tracker and Live Status Kim Klockow-McClain - Louis Uccellini, NWS Director, visits Oklahoma John Gordon - John Kucko on X: Ice Volcano Erupts Bill Murray - Out James Spann - Brian Emfinger video of Enderlin, ND EF5 damage indicators The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 44m

  5. FEB 10

    WeatherBrains 1047: I Hate Miller Bs

    Tonight's Guest Panelist is a meteorologist and author who is President and CEO of NorCast Media Group.  Focusing on the Northeast, NorCast is known for combining detailed forecasting with storytelling.  He recently released a book inspired in part by the influence of his grandmother and his lifelong fascination with weather.  Nick Pittman, thanks for joining us tonight!  Our Guest WeatherBrain for this week's episode is an on-air broadcast meteorologist for FOX Weather.  He's known for combining sharp forecasting, energetic and engaging on-camera style.  He's covered major hurricanes, high impact severe weather, and winter storms.  Bob Van Dillen, thanks for joining us tonight! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Photogenic tornadoes (11:30) Entry level TV met pay rates in early 90s (14:00) Retrospective advice from a seasoned veteran in broadcasting (30:00) Toxicity of social media comments (33:30) Working at FOX Weather (38:00) Streaming services and changing business models (48:00) Hurricane Ida (2021) and other recent memorable weather events (50:30) Conditions that produce hurricane-spawned tornadoes (57:00) Nick's experiences in 2012's Hurricane Sandy (01:01:00) Naming winter storms?  (01:08:00) Biggest forecasts busts! (01:26:00) The importance of remembering analogs when forecasting (01:43:15) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (No segment this week) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:28:00) E-Mail Segment (01:29:30) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1047:   Alabama Weather Network "Rain Date: Unpredictable Lessons from My Life Forecasting the Weather" by Nick Pittman FOX Weather Picks of the Week: Nick Pittman - Ice still covers Delaware River, Bay, and even New Jersey's cranberry bogs as temperatures get above freezing Bob Van Dillen - 3 'Panicking' Men Rescued After Falling Through Ice in Queens James Aydelott - Chris Suchan on X: Mt. Cedar video Jen Narramore - Reminder:  Go to your local library! Rick Smith - Out Troy Kimmel - NWS Memphis: 2025 Year in Review Kim Klockow-McClain - Ryan Hall Facebook video about AI/eating John Gordon - Colorado Climate Blog: How does this year compare to the snow droughts of the past? John Gordon - U. S. Drought Monitor: Colorado Bill Murray - National Storm Chaser Summit 2026 - Roger Hill James Spann - CIPS Analog-Based Severe Probability Guidance The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 55m

  6. FEB 3

    WeatherBrains 1046: Commissioner Emeritus

    Tonight's show is all about the OTUS Project.  It's a nonprofit research mission lead by President Nelson Tucker, Drone Builder and Ops Coordinator Louis Tucker, Lead Engineer Tanner Beard, and chasing expert Eric Fox.  The OTUS Project was founded by engineering and meteorology students, and is pioneering the use of cutting edge UAV technology, software and sensor engineering to investigate tornadoes in ways never before possible.  Their goal is to protect life and property by improving our understanding of wind forces for structural resilience and collecting thermodynamic data to enhance computer models. Also, they prioritize hazard prediction through advanced drone deployment and strategic partnerships as well as real-time field work.  Thanks for joining us tonight! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Meet the OTUS Team!  (05:00) How did OTUS Project start?  (11:30) Drone design development (14:30) What does an OTUS project deployment look like?  (17:30) Successful 2025 chasing season (22:00) May 2025 Arnett, OK tornado intercept (33:00) Difficulties of acquiring viable data with difficult variables during chases (43:00) Leverage controlled environments with drones for calibration activities (56:00) How an airspeed sensor works when chasing (57:30) Status on upcoming OTUS Documentary (01:09:00) Nelson shares footage of actual tornado intercept (01:12:00) 2026 National Storm Chaser Summit (01:28:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:33:15) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:36:00) E-Mail Segment (01:37:00) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1046:   Alabama Weather Network The OTUS Project Picks of the Week: Nelson Tucker - TornadoGenesis.Org Eric Fox - Colorado water officials plan for "exceedingly grim" low reservoir levels James Aydelott - Okie J on Facebook: Shovel Hack video Jen Narramore - SPC Data Viewer Rick Smith - SPC's Liz Leitman explains upcoming changes to SPC convective outlooks Troy Kimmel - Out Kim Klockow-McClain - Panel Discussion 10A - Informed decision-making and ethics: Developing a blueprint for ethical weather and climate communication John Gordon - Barotrophic Instability AKA Karman Vortex Street Bill Murray - Out James Spann - Adding Intensity Information to SPC Convective Outlooks The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 51m

  7. JAN 27

    WeatherBrains 1045: NAM Kicked Booty

    Tonight's show celebrates 20 years of WeatherBrains, still going strong in January 2026! Former show regulars join the panel to reflect on memorable moments, including Aubrey Urbanowicz, Nate Johnson, Dr. John Scala, and Dr. Neil Jacobs.  Over the years, WeatherBrains has covered nearly every topic in meteorology, and panelist Jen Narramore shares audio highlights from some of the most memorable episodes. Thanks for being part of the celebration tonight! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. NOAA Administrator Dr. Neil Jacobs (14:00) Dr. John Scala life update (16:00) Resolving global ensemble model as a prediction system?  (24:30) NVIDIA weather model announcement at AMS (26:00) WeatherBrains Episode 1 - January 31st, 2006 (29:00) J. B. Elliott funny moments (31:00) Groundbreaking weather radar with early broadcast meteorology in the late 1950s (36:00)    Improving providing warnings to immigrant populations (45:30) Looking back at sexual harassment in social media show topic (51:00) Revisiting Episode 1016 concerning the July 2025 Texas Flooding (01:02:30) October 2022 WB Episode on Autism and special needs community (01:10:00) James Aydelott on WB Show 1000 March 2025 (01:17:00)  J. B. Elliott WB highlights (01:22:30) Former WB Panelist meteorologist Kevin Selle life update (01:30:00) Nate Johnson drops in!  (01:39:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:32:50) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:36:05) E-Mail Segment (No segment this week - stay tuned!) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1045:   Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Aubrey Urbanowitz - Frozen spaghetti photo in MN Nate Johnson - Why weather apps may note be the best bet during winter storms Dr. John Scala - California is free of all drought, dryness for first time in 25 years. Inside the remarkable turnaround James Aydelott - Okie James Facebook Post Jen Narramore - Steamnado! Rick Smith - February 2021 US extreme cold write-up Troy Kimmel - Foghorn Kim Klockow-McClain - Foghorn John Gordon - KOCO Field Meteorologist Michael Armstrong helps driver stuck on snow-packed road in OKC Bill Murray - Out  James Spann - NVIDIA's new AI weather models probably saw this storm coming weeks ago The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 55m

  8. JAN 20

    WeatherBrains 1044: Ape Crazy

    Tonight's show is dedicated to a deep dive into avalanches!  Tonight's Guest WeatherBrain is Dr. Ethan Greene from Colorado Avalanche Center.  He's also served as the Director of the NW Pacific Avalanche Center.  We will cover a basic understanding of avalanches, the geographic responsibility of the Colorado Avalanche Center, launch of forecasting avalanches and how they try to prevent avalanches during the off-season.  We will examine how they prepared in this work with the citizens of Colorado and who they collaborate with make this happen.  Dr. Greene joined CAIC as the Director in 2005.  He grew up in Boulder and learned to ski when he was three. He has worked with snow and avalanches since 1990. He worked as a ski patroller (Big Sky Ski Resort) and as a backcountry avalanche forecaster (Utah Avalanche Forecast Center). He studied meteorology (B.S., University of Utah), mountain weather and snow-drift formation (M.S., Colorado State University), and snow metamorphism and microstructure (Ph.D., CSU). In 2016, he received the Bernie Kingery Award and a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Utah. Ethan has published a variety of articles and has been a member of national and international working groups on snow, weather, and avalanche topics. Ethan lives in Leadville with his wife and two children.  Thanks for joining us tonight, Dr. Greene! Also joining us as Guest Panelist is Mark Staples.  He is Director and Avalanche Forecaster at the Gallatin National Forecast Avalanche Center in Boseman.  Mark, welcome to WeatherBrains! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Upcoming AMS Annual Meeting in Houston (03:30) Basic definition of an avalanche (08:00) What do their field technicians do and what instrumentation do they use?  (18:30) How the avalanche watch/warning process works (24:00) Biggest clients in avalanche forecasting (37:00) How does the public get avalanche forecast information?  (42:00) Canadian collaboration on risk communication (47:00) Communicating to young people about avalanche dangers (53:30) Smaller avalanche outbreaks vs major events (01:17:00) FAR and POD metrics vs avalanche warning metrics (01:19:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:27:20) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (No segment this week) E-Mail Segment (No segment this week) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1044:   Alabama Weather Network Avalanche.Org Picks of the Week: Dr. Ethan Greene - Avalanche Explorer James Aydelott - Impactful snow ahead for Oklahoma and southern Kansas this upcoming weekend Jen Narramore - Out Rick Smith - Out Troy Kimmel - 9 rules for using Forecast Models Kim Klockow-McClain - Out John Gordon - Avalanche search and rescue training in Tahoe Bill Murray - Out James Spann - NOAA/NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Radio Communications Dashboard The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

    1h 43m
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4.6
out of 5
164 Ratings

About

The world's oldest and greatest weather podcast. Join weather geeks James Spann, Bill Murray, Kim Klockow-McClain, Dr. Neil Jacobs, Rick Smith, Aubrey Urbanowicz, Jen Narramore, and Troy Kimmel along with some of the most brilliant minds in the weather enterprise every week!

Information

  • Creator
    Big Brains Media LLC
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Big Brains Media, LLC
  • Show Website
    WeatherBrains

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