WeatherBrains 129: Forecasting Convection

WeatherBrains Episode 129 is now online (July 14, 2008). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

Our special guest for this episode is Dr. John R. Mecikalski, Associate Professor at UAH, discussing some exciting new satellite technology that could help us forecast afternoon thunderstorms on a summer day. Dr. Mecikalski received his PhD in 1999 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His Doctoral research emphasis was in tropical convection and mesoscale systems, convective-scale dynamics and cloud-resolving numerical modeling. John’s research covers a broad area of interest including satellite data assimilation, numerical model construction and cloud-resolving modeling, atmospheric boundary layer studies, issues of convective initiation, convective scale dynamics, tropical dynamics, land-surface energy budgets, and even precision agriculture related to soil moisture.

James Spann looks into the mailbag which continues running over with comments and questions for which we try to provide some form of reasonably intelligent answer.

From The Weather Center:

WeatherBrains 101: It’s summer and from June to November, weather nuts have a keen eye on the tropics. A feature that occurs in the tropics is the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone, or ITCZ. So what is it and why is it important when watching development in the tropics?

This Week in Weather History: Were you around in 1980? If you were, you probably remember the heat. Bill Murray takes us on a tour of the Heat Wave of 1980.

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 129:

Heat Wave Info from the NWS/NOAA

Billion Dollar Weather Disasters

Article on SATCASTS

Join James Spann, JB Elliott, and Brian Peters for another fascinating netcast on 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 send us an email at question@weatherbrains.com.

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