WeatherBrains 199: A Private Weather Company

WeatherBrains Episode 199 is now online (Nov. 16, 2009). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

The WeatherBrains guest for tonight is Mike Smith, the Founder and President of Weather Data, Inc., based in Wichita, KS. Weather Data provides weather forecasting, consulting, and weather risk management to companies and organizations around the US, Canada, and Mexico. The company was acquired by Accu Weather in 2006.

Mike founded the company in 1981. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and had a television career in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Wichita. Like many meteorologists, his interest in weather was sparked by a major weather event on May 20, 1957, when an F5 tore through Kansas City.

WeatherData just moved into new headquarters in Wichita. His approach is that the warning system isn’t broken, it’s the best in the world. In fact, he has a book coming out in May, 2010, about warnings.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

Our Email Officer (EMO) has a lot to do to catch up on the mail bag this week after a long absence. Spann is so happy Kevin is back on the bridge as Chief EMO.

From The Weather Center:

WeatherBrains 101: It’s called a jet stream and both hemispheres have them. This week 101 takes a look at the jet stream, where it is, and some of the influence it has on our weather.

TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of November 17th which marks the passing of one of the greatest tornado researchers ever to live, Dr. Theodore Fujita.

Listener Surveys: Okay, we continue to drive this topic into the ground, but we really do like to hear from you. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to fill out the Listener Survey. The survey takes just a minute or two to complete and provides us with an opportunity to learn where you are and hear your thoughts and comments on the show. Click here to take the survey.

Web Sites from Episode 199:

Weather Data, Inc.

Wolfram Alpha

Comments for National Hurricane Center on proposed changes

Picks of the Week:

JB Elliott – University of Michigan’s Severe Weather Page

Bill Murray – AMS Survey on Climate Change

Brian Peters – GeoEye Image Gallery

Kevin Selle – Boston Channel Weather Page

James Spann – Storm Spotting Introduction

Join James Spann, JB Elliott, Kevin Selle, Bill Murray, and Brian Peters as they come together for another fascinating netcast about the weather.

We love to hear from you! To leave a recorded message, call 1-888-247-8627. Some calls may be used in future episodes. Also, feel free to post comments to the site and drop us an email at email at (at symbol) weatherbrains dot com.

Category: Pre-November 2010 Posts