Archive for December 7th, 2009

WeatherBrains 202: It’s a Boomer Sooner

WeatherBrains Episode 202 is now online (Dec. 7, 2009). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

wb120709.mp3

Gary England, Chief Meteorologist, News9We have Gary England joining us for this episode of Weather Brains. A recipient of numerous awards and honors including two Emmys and the Silver Circle Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Heartland Division, Gary England is Oklahoma’s top rated television meteorologist. Gary is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and meteorology. He is an internationally recognized authority in severe weather.

In 1981, Gary England became the first person in history to use Doppler radar for direct warnings to the public. The author of four books and the subject of another, Gary England is also a popular public speaker. Besides appearing in the Steven Spielberg movie, “TWISTER”, he has become a much sought after consultant for weather specials produced by international channels from all areas of the globe.

In 2006, he was asked to be a keynote speaker for the dedication of the new National Weather Center in Norman, OK. Additionally and in conjunction with the Oklahoma Centennial celebration in 2007, Gary England was immortalized by the sculpting of his bust which honored ‘100 Heroes and Outlaws’ of Oklahoma during the state’s first 100 years.

In 2009, Gary, his weather team and News 9 were awarded the National Edward R. Murrow Award for best in the nation in the category of breaking news/weather in competition among all large television markets.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

  • JB had no lunch – but breakfast for lunch – he was running late
  • Winter weather something in effect for lots of counties
  • Severe weather possible in Southeast Tuesday in Wednesday
  • Heavy snow in Southwest – up to 30 inches in some spots
  • 28 below in Wyoming and 84 in Florida
  • and more!
  • Our mail bag has seen some incoming. Kevin gives us a rundown on the email. Our friend in the UK, Paul, has sent a link to global warming conference in Copenhagen. A note came in about the tracking project of red weather balloons. We got pictures of Niagara Falls frozen over.

    From The Weather Center:

    WeatherBrains 101: Last week the topic was one of the most used indices in severe weather forecasting, CAPE. So this week the professor takes on another index used to unravel the future happenings in the atmosphere, the Bulk Richardson Number or BRN.

    TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of December 8th. And the big topic of discussion centers on aircraft and lightning.

    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 202:

    News9 in Oklahoma City

    Gary England’s bio at News9

    May 3, 1999, Tornado Outbreak

    Weathering the Storm – book by Gary England

    Email Links:

    International Climate Headlines – from Paul Friend

    DARPA Weather Balloons – from Kevin Adair

    John Christy in CRU Email – from Matthew Romei

    Frozen Niagara Falls 1911 Images

    Picks of the Week:

    JB Elliott – Pictures of the Northern Lights

    Bill Murray – Coping with your dog’s fear of thunder

    Brian Peters – Davis weather station comparative

    Kevin Selle – Tipper Gore’s Photography

    James Spann – Storm Prediction Center Mesoanalysis Page

    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.