Off the Radar

Latest Episodes:

Fearless Female Forecasters Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In honor of Women's History Month, this episode honors some of the most inspiring women in meteorological history, spotlighting trailblazing figures who shattered barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. We’ll also hear from two current industry leaders: Jen Carfagno, a trusted weather anchor at The Weather Channel for 27 years, and Tanja Fransen, the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service office in Portland, OR. They’ll be discussing their careers and sharing advice on overcoming confidence struggles. Join us for an insightful and candid conversation with these accomplished professionals in the field of meteorology.

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Secrets of The Old Farmer's Almanac Mar 18, 2025

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Spring begins this week, so let's dive into the pages of North America's oldest continuously published periodical. Join us as we sit down with Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of The Old Farmer's Almanac to uncover the mysterious methods behind their legendary weather predictions and seasonal forecasts. How has this publication survived for more than two centuries? What's in their secretive forecasting formula? Whether you're a skeptic or devotee, discover how this American institution continues to guide farmers, gardeners, and weather enthusiasts through the changing seasons. Learn essential spring planting tips straight from the source and find out why generations have turned to this trusted companion for everything from frost dates to fishing forecasts.

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Rip Currents: Tech Tools for Survival Mar 11, 2025

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As spring break approaches, thousands will flock to beaches worldwide, but few understand the invisible threat of rip currents lurking beneath those inviting waters. In this potentially life-saving episode, we dive into both the science and survival of these powerful water channels.

Ocean safety expert Bruckner Chase shares what you need to look for the minute you step onto the beach, while Greg Dusek from the National Ocean Service explains the science behind rip currents and introduces RipFinder – groundbreaking AI technology designed to detect these deadly hazards.

Whether you're a beach regular or occasional visitor, learn how to spot danger signs, understand when and where rip currents form, and discover the counterintuitive actions that could save your life if caught in one.

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Volcano Monitoring: Santorini's Seismic Swarm Mar 04, 2025

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The Greek Islands might make you think of turquoise waters, stunning architecture, and Meryl Streep singing ABBA. But the island of Santorini – which was formed by volcanic activity – has a destructive past. In early 2025, over 20,000 small earthquakes prompted a Santorini evacuation. Geologist Shawn Willsey discusses the quakes on Santorini, and dives into the island's destructive past as well as its future. We'll also cover volcanic science and monitoring around the world, including here in the US.

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The Artificial Future of Forecasting Feb 25, 2025

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Artificial Intelligence has become a hot-button issue, with questions about AI accuracy and precision. But this week, we're exploring the role of artificial intelligence in weather forecasting! Come Off the Radar with us as we learn about how generative AI modeling can now use historical weather data to make hyper-local predictions about future weather probabilities. We'll be talking to Dr. Amy McGovern from the National Science Foundation's AI Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography. We'll also be chatting with Ilan Price, a Senior Research Scientist at Google DeepMind whose work centers around using AI in weather forecasting. If you rely on your phone to check the weather forecast, you won't want to miss this one!

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The Hidden Figures of Meteorology Feb 18, 2025

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This week Emily sits down with Alan Sealls, President-elect of the American Meteorological Society, to uncover the remarkable but often overlooked contributions of African American meteorologists. From pioneering weather observers to modern-day scientists, these trailblazers didn't just forecast the weather—they transformed the field of meteorology. Sealls, a veteran broadcaster, author and educator, shares stories of scientific excellence and perseverance, while highlighting how diverse perspectives in meteorology are crucial for protecting all communities during severe weather events.

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Evolving Everest Part 2: The Scientist Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

When a climbing expedition discovered a century-old leather boot in 2024, they weren't just finding a piece of gear – they were unearthing a clue to mountaineering's greatest mystery. Join meteorologist Emily Gracey as she investigates how climate change is exposing Mount Everest's long-buried secrets, including remains from the legendary 1924 expedition of George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine. Featuring glaciologist Duncan Quincy from the University of Leeds, this episode explores the ancient Khumbu Glacier's transformation and what these changes mean for both future climbers and the mountain itself. As Everest's ice continues to retreat, there's no telling what other secrets might emerge from its frozen depths – including a camera that could finally answer who reached the summit first!

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Rebuilding Hope: The New Orleans Superdome Story Feb 04, 2025

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This weekend it will host the Super Bowl LIX, but in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Superdome became a shelter of last resort for nearly 30,000 residents, only to suffer catastrophic damage that left those seeking safety in dire conditions. This episode tells the story of this iconic structure's darkest chapter and its remarkable resurrection. We'll sit down with the architect, Trey Trahan, who was tasked with the challenge of not just repairing a damaged stadium, but reimagining it for an era of climate extremes. Learn how innovative engineering solutions transformed a symbol of tragedy into a beacon of hope, creating a stronger structure designed to protect New Orleans from future storms. This is more than a story about rebuilding a stadium – it's about a community's resilience and how architecture can help heal a city's wounds.

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Groundhog Day: Shadow or Science? Jan 28, 2025

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Groundhog Day is coming up this weekend so, move over Phil- the real weather experts are stepping into the spotlight! Join us as we chat with Climate Central meteorologists Bernadette Woods and Shel Winkley, fresh from the American Meteorological Society's annual meeting. They'll share their personal and professional take on our favorite furry forecaster while giving us their takeaways from America's biggest convergence of meteorologists.

Then, we're heading to Gobbler's Knob with meteorologist Joe Murgo - the real-life Phil Connors who's witnessed 23 consecutive Groundhog Days! Like Bill Murray's character in the classic film, Joe has seen it all: the pre-dawn chaos, the top-hatted ceremonies, and yes, plenty of Phil's questionable weather predictions. With a perfect blend of scientific insight and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, Joe reveals how this quirky tradition has evolved from folk custom to cultural phenomenon.

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Evolving Everest Part 1: The Climber Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

In this first installment of a two-part series, we are exploring the changing face of Mount Everest through the experiences of Scott Thuman, news anchor at 7 News Washington, DC, who trekked beyond Everest's base camp. Through Thuman's account, you'll learn about the brutal conditions of high-altitude hiking – from the oxygen-starved air to the punishing winds and subzero temperatures – while discovering how climate change is transforming this iconic landscape. We'll examine the increasingly unstable Khumbu Glacier and what these changes mean for the future of high-altitude mountaineering, setting the stage for Part 2's upcoming discussion with a glaciologist studying these dramatic transformations.

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