Weather Geeks

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Inside Severe Season: A Conversation with the SPC Director Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Dr. Russell Schneider

Spring may mean blooming flowers and warmer days, but for meteorologists, it means something else entirely: severe weather season is officially here. As we head into the months when thunderstorms sharpen, tornadoes spin up, and the atmosphere becomes anything but predictable, there’s one place every forecaster and weather enthusiast looks to: the Storm Prediction Center. Today, we’re joined by the Director of the SPC Dr. Russell Schneider, the person who helps oversee the outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and tornado and severe thunderstorm watches that millions depend on when the stakes are high. We’ll look back at what last season taught us, talk about what’s on the horizon for this year, explore how new tools — including emerging AI guidance — are shaping the forecasting landscape, and discuss the growing influence of storm chasers and open-access model data.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Severe Weather Season
01:03 Dr. Russell Schneider's Journey to Meteorology
04:42 Understanding the Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
10:17 Reflections on the 2025 Severe Weather Season
11:54 Break 1
12:38 Shifts in Tornado Activity and Trends
15:54 The Spectrum of Severe Weather Hazards
22:08 Preparing for the 2026 Severe Weather Season
25:20 Break 2
25:49 Innovations in Weather Forecasting Technology
30:01 Communicating Weather Risks Effectively
33:53 The Role of Storm Chasers and Social Media

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Digital Meteorology with Ryan Hall, Y’all Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Ryan Hall

When severe weather is on the horizon, many people turn to their local meteorologist—but millions are heading to YouTube to get the latest from Ryan Hall, Y’all. With his signature down-to-earth style and real-time, no-nonsense weather coverage, Ryan has built one of the most popular and trusted weather communities online. But what’s it really like to cover major weather events on social media’s biggest stage? How does he balance entertainment with accuracy? And where does he see weather communication heading next? Today on Weather Geeks, we’re pulling back the curtain with Ryan Hall himself. From storm-chasing stories to the power of digital weather, we’re diving into how one YouTuber is changing the way we watch the skies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Hall, Y'all
02:57 Ryan's Journey into Weather
06:07 The Rise of Ryan Hall, Y'all
08:49 Transitioning from Traditional Media to Digital
11:15 The Evolution of Weather Communication
14:37 Building a Community and the Y'all Squad
17:12 The Role of Teamwork in Content Creation
20:27 Navigating Severe Weather Coverage
23:26 Addressing Misinformation in Weather Reporting
26:25 The Impact of AI on Weather Communication
29:26 Advice for Aspiring Weather YouTubers

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Geeking Out About “Wicked Weather” Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Dr. Alexander Gates, Rutgers University - Newark

Weather doesn’t just shape our daily plans — sometimes, it shapes the course of history. From floods that altered empires to storms that changed the outcome of wars, extreme weather has quietly (and sometimes violently) rewritten the human story. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Alexander Gates, professor at Rutgers University–Newark and author of the upcoming book Wicked Weather. In it, he explores the natural disasters that didn’t just make headlines, but changed societies, politics, and the world as we know it. In this episode, we’ll talk about the historical storms, droughts, and disasters that left lasting marks on civilization, what those events teach us about risk and resilience, and why understanding the past may be one of our best tools for preparing for the future.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: Weather's historical influence on civilizations
00:32 - Dr. Gates’ background & inspiration for Wicked Weather
01:06 - How natural disasters shape human societies
03:29 - The significance of weather-related events like hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes
06:37 - Most impactful natural disasters in history
07:30 - Volcanoes from 536-540 AD changing the global climate
09:24 - The hurricane that helped end the American Revolution
11:06 - Human decisions impacting disaster resilience
11:40 - Break 1
11:42 - Building resilience: lessons from historical events
13:19 - Climate change’s role in intensifying weather extremes
16:16 - Lessons from historical weather disasters on modern emergency preparedness
17:37 - How different types of disasters prompt societal change
20:44 - Responses to weather-related disasters in different countries
23:31 - Break 2
23:33 - The importance of societal response and adaptation
28:04 - The science behind storms and the importance of understanding natural causes
29:28 - Final reflections: societal resilience and future preparedness

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Rethinking the 100-Year Flood Event Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Dr. Younes Alila, University of British Columbia

Floods are some of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth—washing away homes, reshaping landscapes, and testing the limits of our infrastructure. But what if the way we measure and plan for floods is decades out of date? A new study out of the University of British Columbia led by Dr. Younes Alila reveals that the so-called “100-year flood” may now be striking every 10 years or less across parts of British Columbia. Dr. Alila joins us to unpack how land-use changes, deforestation, and a warming climate are amplifying flood frequency, why natural features like wetlands and forests are key to protection, and what communities can do to adapt.

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U.S. Forest Service Fighting Wildfires with Meteorology Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Dr. Marcus Williams, Research Meteorologist

Wildfire is one of the most complex weather-driven hazards we face — shaped by wind, terrain, fuel, and timing, where the forecast isn’t just about what happens next, but about keeping people safe in real time. Behind every major fire response and every carefully planned prescribed burn is a team of scientists working to understand those conditions down to the finest detail. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Marcus Williams, a research meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service whose work sits at the intersection of science, operations, and on-the-ground decision-making. We’ll talk about what it takes to provide weather support during major California fires, why prescribed fire depends so heavily on getting the forecast right, and how USFS research is shaping the future of fire weather forecasting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wildfire and Meteorology
00:51 Marcus Williams: Journey to Meteorology
04:58 Role of Meteorologists in the US Forest Service
07:46 Experiences in Wildfire Deployment
10:52 Understanding Prescribed Fires
12:33 Break 1
12:40 Meteorological Tools in Prescribed Fires
15:32 Challenges in Fire Management
18:14 Weather Modeling and Its Applications
21:09 Break 2
21:40 Leadership and Mentorship in Meteorology
25:46 Future of Meteorology in Fire Management

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Keeping Up With Cappucci Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Matthew Cappucci

If you’ve ever watched a weather forecast and thought, “Wow, that meteorologist has way more energy than the atmosphere itself,” there’s a good chance you were watching Matthew Cappucci. He’s a scientist, a storyteller, a storm chaser, an author, a communicator who somehow manages to make jet streaks sound exciting — and now he’s back on the show! Today, we’re talking to Matthew about how he brings weather to life across TV, print, social media, and whatever platform he conquers next. We’ll chat about the state of weather communication in the age of algorithms, how he cuts through the noise without losing the science, and where he thinks the industry is headed as our storms — and our conversations — keep evolving.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Cappucci
03:02 Matthew's Journey into Meteorology
05:51 Creating Engaging Weather Content
08:48 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication
11:48 Challenges in Weather Forecasting
14:59 Navigating the Noise in Weather Communication
18:04 The Role of Meteorologists in the Digital Age
21:01 Future of Weather Communication
23:49 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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The 2025 Hurricane Models Report Card Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Dr. Wallace Hogsett, Science & Operations Officer at the NHC

Every hurricane season tells a story — not just through the storms that form, but through the forecasts that guide us. And once the season ends, the real detective work begins: Which models nailed the track? Which ones struggled with intensity? And what did we learn that will help us prepare for the next big storm? Joining us today is Dr. Wallace Hogsett from the National Hurricane Center, one of the experts who turns those post-season numbers into meaningful insight. We’ll break down the verification results from the 2025 season, explore how models are improving — and where they’re not — and talk about the growing influence of AI-based forecasting tools. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the scorecard that shapes the future of hurricane prediction, straight from the people who know the models best.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Forecasting
01:00 Dr. Hogsett's Journey in Meteorology
05:01 Understanding Verification in Hurricane Forecasting
07:12 AI's Impact on Hurricane Prediction
13:47 Break 1
14:13 Rapid Intensification and Forecasting Tools
17:41 Incorporating AI Models into Forecasting
30:29 Break 2
30:31 Communication and Uncertainty in Weather Forecasting
39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Hurricane Prediction

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The Human Side of Hurricane Response Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Guest: Samira Davis, United Cajun Navy

When disaster strikes, it’s often the people on the ground — not the headlines — who make the biggest difference. During Hurricane Florence, while historic floods swallowed neighborhoods across the Carolinas, Samira Davis was among those who stepped up. As a volunteer with the United Cajun Navy, she helped coordinate relief for families, pets, and even horses — filling the gaps between official response and human need. In this episode, we hear her firsthand account of what it’s like to navigate chaos and compassion side by side, the lessons she’s carried from that experience, and how grassroots responders are reshaping what disaster recovery looks like.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Human Impact of Disaster Response
03:03 Becoming a Weather Geek: Personal Journeys
06:16 The Role of Grassroots Organizations in Disaster Relief
09:02 The United Cajun Navy: A New Era of Response
11:55 Navigating Challenges in Disaster Recovery
14:46 BREAK 1
14:54 The Importance of Preparedness and Community
18:06 Animal Rescue in Disaster Situations
21:09 The Long-Term Effects of Natural Disasters
23:56 Getting Involved: How to Help
27:04 The Power of Community and Collaboration
27:40 BREAK 2
00:27:41 Real Estate Lessons from Disasters
00:31:28 Collective Action and Preparedness
00:34:54 Evolving Strategies in Disaster Relief
00:37:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

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James Spann and the Next Era of Local Weather Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Guest: James Spann, Chief Meteorologist & Founder of the Alabama Weather Network

When it comes to weather, few names carry the respect, trust, and authority of James Spann. For decades, he’s been the steady voice that Alabamians turn to when the sky turns dark — part scientist, part storyteller, and always a servant to his community. But beyond the green screen, James has become a powerful advocate for local weather, founding the Alabama Weather Network to bring hyper-local, science-based forecasting back to the people who need it most. Today, we talk with James about how the weather and media industries have evolved, why social science is now at the heart of saving lives, and how meteorologists can stay grounded in service even as technology and the atmosphere continue to change.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of James Spann: A Weather Legend
11:38 The Evolution of Weather Broadcasting
17:30 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication
18:16 BREAK 1
19:07 The Power of Social Media in Weather Reporting
21:13 Launching the Alabama Weather Network
25:14 Innovating Weather Coverage for the Next Generation
29:56 BREAK 2
30:01 The Importance of Hyperlocal Weather Reporting
39:22 A Commitment to Community and Future Generations

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Texas Flood Disaster | Re-released Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

Weather Geeks Team

What 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.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Texas Hill Country Flood Disaster
01:39 Meteorological Insights and Communication Challenges
05:00 Analyzing the Meteorological Setup
09:32 The Role of Terrain and Hydrology
18:12 The Impact of Communication on Preparedness
25:02 Cloud Seeding Myths and Misunderstandings
27:22 Lessons Learned for Future Flood Events
27:50 The Deadly Overnight Flooding Event
29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check
29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response
31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management
33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings
35:41 Psychology of Weather Response
37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems
39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios
41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding
43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events
45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures
51:30 The Human Element in Weather Events

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