Chasing Hail

03/12/25 • 41 min

Guest: Dr. Sean Waugh, National Severe Storms Laboratory research scientist

As we’ve seen in the movies, and real life, tornadoes are some of the most destructive forces in nature, capable of leveling homes and damaging entire communities in a matter of minutes. And what about hail? It causes BILLIONS and billions of dollars in damage in the US every year. But how do we get up-close, real-time data on these violent storms in order to learn what is needed for better predictions? That’s where cutting-edge field research comes in. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re diving into the world of storm observation and mobile weather technology with Sean Waugh from NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory. From deploying instrumented drones and mobile mesonets to braving the extreme environments of tornadoes and hailstorms, his work is helping scientists better understand the atmospheric conditions that drive severe weather for years to come...

Chapters

00:00 The Destructive Power of Tornadoes and Hail
02:58 Sean Wu: A Journey into Meteorology
05:57 Innovative HAIL Camera Technology
08:47 Chasing Hail: The Challenges and Safety Measures
11:59 Observing Hail: The Role of High-Speed Cameras
14:46 Mobile Mesonets: Gathering Atmospheric Data
17:59 Machine Learning and AI in Weather Prediction
21:02 AI in Meteorology: Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy
24:23 Hands-On Learning: Training the Next Generation of Meteorologists
26:00 Tornado Research: Understanding Formation and Behavior
28:05 Behind the Scenes of Twisters: A Meteorologist's Role
32:20 Authenticity in Film: The Science of Twisters
36:41 Passion in Meteorology: Inspiring Future Generations

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Guest: Dr. Sean Waugh, National Severe Storms Laboratory research scientist

Chapters

00:00 The Destructive Power of Tornadoes and Hail
02:58 Sean Wu: A Journey into Meteorology
05:57 Innovative HAIL Camera Technology
08:47 Chasing Hail: The Challenges and Safety Measures
11:59 Observing Hail: The Role of High-Speed Cameras
14:46 Mobile Mesonets: Gathering Atmospheric Data
17:59 Machine Learning and AI in Weather Prediction
21:02 AI in Meteorology: Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy
24:23 Hands-On Learning: Training the Next Generation of Meteorologists
26:00 Tornado Research: Understanding Formation and Behavior
28:05 Behind the Scenes of Twisters: A Meteorologist's Role
32:20 Authenticity in Film: The Science of Twisters
36:41 Passion in Meteorology: Inspiring Future Generations

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Previous Episode

Predicting Severe Weather Using AI

Guest: Jason Deese, CEO of Flash Weather AI

Weather forecasting has always been a mix of art and science, relying on tools like the Euro and GFS models to predict everything from tomorrow’s sunshine to next week’s storms. But now, artificial intelligence is reshaping the field, offering faster and more precise insights than ever before. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re exploring Flash Weather AI, a cutting-edge tool designed to revolutionize how we predict and prepare for the weather. How does it compare to the traditional models we’ve trusted for decades? And what could it mean for the future of meteorology? We’re excited to welcome Jason Deese, the creator of Flash Weather AI, to discuss this game-changing technology.

Chapters

00:00 Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting with AI
13:42 The Future of Flash Weather AI
23:27 Real-World Applications and Success Stories
35:34 Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Next Episode

Snow Squall Warning Communication

Guests: John Banghoff, Jonathan Guseman, Jase Bernhardt

We’ve all seen it. A multi-car pile-up accident that seems unstoppable. One weather phenomenon is often at the root of these - snow qualls. These aren't your typical snow flurries; they can bring sudden, near-zero visibility and treacherous driving conditions in a matter of minutes. We're joined today by 3 meteorologists with snow squall experience: John Banghoff, and Jonathan Guseman from NWS State College and Dr. Jase Bernhardt, Associate Professor at Hofstra University. We'll explore the science behind these intense bursts of weather, why traditional winter warnings often fall short, and the critical steps being taken to better communicate the dangers. This is a deep dive into the evolving world of snow squall warnings.

Chapters