Archive for December, 2024

WeatherBrains 985: Below 40 I’m Incapacitated

WeatherBrains Episode 985 is now online (December 2nd, 2024). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is a 3-time veteran of the show.  He’s a 1992 graduate of the University of Missouri, where he holds a Degree in Journalism and Atmospheric Science.  He has served the National Weather Service in El Paso, Texas for over three decades.  He’s passionate about innovation and integrating web tools into weather service operations.  He also co-developed the National School Outreach Team.  Tim Brice, welcome back!

The second Guest WeatherBrain tonight is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the NWS in Lubbock, Texas.   She has over fourteen years of experience at the NWS and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.   She’s a former senior meteorologist at the NWS Atlanta, and is a key advocate for the NWS Buddy System.  Marissa Pazos, welcome to WeatherBrains.

Our third Guest WeatherBrain began her NWS career as an intern, while she studied at Georgia Institute of Technology.  She earned both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech.  She served north Georgia for over twenty years, and has been the senior Service Hydrologist for the last six years.  She directed her focus toward operational hydrology and hydroservices, and co-founded the NWS Buddy System in 2023.  Laura Belanger, welcome to the show!

Last but certainly not least, our fourth Guest WeatherBrain is the co-Lead of the Tiger Team Task Force within the NWS Office of Organizational Excellence.  She has over twenty years of experience in forecasting and leadership roles.  She’s a graduate of Iowa State University with Advanced Degrees in Management and Leadership. Lisa Schmit, welcome to WeatherBrains.

Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.

  • What is the NWS Buddy System and how does it work?  (13:00)
  • Tiger Team Task Force/Approach (17:15)
  • Limitations of vision in Broadcasting (26:30)
  • Structural changes to accommodate life circumstances (40:30)
  • The migration away from shift work (01:10:00)
  • The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:25:35)
  • This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:27:17)
  • E-Mail Segment (01:30:20)
  • National Weather Round-Up
  • and more!

Web Sites from Episode 985:

NWS National School Outreach

Picks of the Week:

Tim Brice – Google Alerts

Laura Belanger – NWS Peachtree City GA – Drought Whiplash

Lisa Schmit – NWS Organizational Health Toolkit

Marissa Pazos – West Texas Mesonet

James Aydelott – Spann Statue Photoshop at Bryant- Denny

Jen Narramore – Coffee County GA/Damage from Hurricane Helene images

Rick Smith – Get your snow smarts on: 9 forecast tools you can use – NOAA

Neil Jacobs – When do iguanas fall from trees in Florida?

Troy Kimmel – GFA: Prog Chart – Aviation Weather Center

Kim Klockow-McClain – Chuck’s Chatter

Bill Murray – An Uncertain Future Requires Uncertain Prediction Skills

James Spann – One of the Greatest Iron Bowl Games Had the Worst Weather of the Series

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, Dr. Neil Jacobs, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.