WeatherBrains 278: Kevin’s Secret Connections

WeatherBrains Episode 278 is now online (May 23, 2011). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

Tonight’s Guest WeatherBrain is Brent MacAloney. He has a degree in meteorology from Lyndon State in Vermont. He worked as a contractor for National Weather Service Headquarters on the programming of warnings verification and performance statistics. After 5 years, they liked him so much they hired him! He is now involved with the planning, specifications, and training processes. His area of expertise is still with the verification of NWS warnings and oversees the national process of logging severe and unusual weather events process.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

Hurricane season just around the corner – NOAA expects 12 to 18 storms

Tornado struck Brent, AL, toppling WSR-57 radar

Joplin has had rain for much of the time since tornado struck

Another day of severe weather from North Texas to New England

25 in Bridgeport, CA, for Coldest in the lower 48

and more!

The mail bag has been getting some attention, but Kevin has taken a secret government position so James has to fill in – again!

From The Weather Center:

WeatherBrains 101: Radar remains the topic this week as WeatherBrains 101 looks into some of the advantages of phased array weather radar. This is a fascinating technology that will bring some more improvements to the arena of severe weather detection. Something which we seem to see the need for in light of the tremendous tornado devastation that we’ve seen so far this year.

TWIWH: Bill Murray looks back at the week of May 24th which featured an Iowa tornado.

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 278:

National Weather Service Headquarters

FCC Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN)

Picks of the Week:

JB Elliott – Failed to send one in!!!

Bill Murray – NOAA NWS NEXRAD Archive

Brian Peters – Weather Message Software

James Spann – First Person Video of Joplin, MO

The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like JB Elliott, Bill Murray, and Brian Peters. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating netcast about weather.