Archive for June 17th, 2008

WeatherBrains 125: The Topic is Flooding

WeatherBrains Episode 125 is now online (June 16, 2008). The netcast audio program for people who really love weather.

With major flooding going on across the Nation’s bread basket, we place a call to the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office in Des Moines, Iowa. Lead forecaster Miles Schumacher takes a few minutes to discuss the overall weather situation with us plus give us the local perspective on the flooding. The 2008 floods have smashed records from the 1800s. And I mean smashed. The old records were around 20 feet but the crest in Cedar Rapids was around 32 feet – not quite double. And when those things happen, forecasters are really in new territory.

The Weather Brains crew of James Spann, JB Elliott, and Brian Peters discuss some of these event in weather. The experience of these guys brings a unique view of the field of meteorology. And where in the world do you suppose it could be 108 below in June?

Amateur radio has a big day coming up on June 28 and 29 called Field Day. Kevin Pauley, one of our listeners, reminds of the event and two of the Weather Brains crew are amateur radio operators. And we find out a small tidbit that James and Brian came to amateur radio in slightly different ways.

And the mailbag is running over with questions for which we try to provide some form of reasonably intelligent answer.

From The Weather Center:

WeatherBrains 101: How about convection? Thunderstorms and summer just go together, but did you know there are two kinds of convection? The illustrious, wi-fi borrowing professor delves into surface based and elevated convection.

Listener SurveyListener 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 125:

Des Moines NWS Forecast Office

Amateur radio field day PSA

Join James Spann, Brian Peters, and JB Elliott 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.