WeatherBrains 168: Wake Low/Gravity Wave

WeatherBrains Episode 168 is now online (April 14, 2009). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

wb041409.mp3

Dr. Tim discusses the recent wind event that occurred across parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The event has been called a gravity wave or a wake low, so Dr. Tim describes the event which he explains was both. Wake lows were first identified by Dr. Ted Fujita which is rapidly descending air on the back side of a large rain area dropping the pressure quickly. This creates a gradient of pressure similar to a hurricane.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

100 already in Texas

snow cover only at 9 percent

severe weather outlook for southwest Texas on 16th

75th anniversary of highest wind (232 mph) at Mount Washington (1934)

wind at recording time was 9 mph

and more!

Our mail bag has been been jammed pack and Kevin puts it in perspective.

From The Weather Center:

WeatherBrains 101: There are three levels of risk as seen on the severe weather outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). So this week after having seen all the levels over the last couple of weeks, this episode of 101 takes a look at what they mean.

TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of April 15th. While lots of people focus on April 15th because of the tax implications, Mr. Murray looks at some interesting weather facts that go from heat to war to snow.

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 168:

Gravity wave post by Dr. Coleman

Mount Washington Observatory

WeatherInsiders

Wind Farms on Radar in Wisconsin

Weather Books One and Two

Picks of the Week:

Kevin Selle – 2009 Hurricane Season Forecast

Brian Peters – Interactive Global Geostationary Weather Satellite Images

James Spann – Tropical Archives

JB Elliott – No Pick again!! Back to sleep!!

Dr. Tim Coleman – Web cam catches gravity wave

Join James Spann, JB Elliott, Kevin Selle, Dr. Tim Coleman, 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.