WeatherBrains 1050: VCP Dance
WeatherBrains Episode 1050 is now online (March 2nd, 2026). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE podcast for you!
Tonight’s WeatherBrains episode will cover the Purdue Meteorology Program. The Panel takes a deep dive into both the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Guest WeatherBrain Dr. Robin Tanamachi joins us tonight from Purdue University. She’s a member of the AMS and is working with UCAR and COMET on a radar meteorology course. She’s an avid cyclist and storm chaser. It’s great to have you on tonight, Dr. Tanamachi!
Guest WeatherBrain Dr Beth Hall joins us to discuss what’s happening with the Indiana State Climatologist office. She’s also the director of the Midwest Regional Climate Center and manager of the Purdue Mesonet. Tonight’s show will be discussing efforts on building a Statewide Mesonet across the Hoosier State. Thanks for joining us tonight!
Last but certainly not least, Guest Panelist Purdue University senior Lindsey Peterson will go through enrollment, meteorology student activities, storm chase trip, and Dr Tanamachi’s research. She’s studying atmospheric science and is the President of Purdue’s AMS Chapter and has been a NWS student volunteer as well as a 2025 NOAA William M. Lapenta Intern. She’s also involved with the AMS Board of Higher Education and has done undergraduate research focusing on the history of meteorology. Lindsey, welcome to WeatherBrains!
Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com.
- March 1st, 2007 Enterprise tornado tragedy anniversary (01:30)
- Henryville Indiana 2012 tornado anniversary (05:00)
- Purdue Meteorology program background (09:30)
- Kentucky bourbon barrels and their climate condition requirements (27:30)
- What exactly is a Mesonet? (29:45)
- Current sites/status of Purdue Mesonet (32:00)
- Indiana Water Balance Network (33:45)
- PUMA (Purdue University Meteorological Association) (50:00)
- Purdue Meteorology Program’s rich history and tradition (01:01:00)
- COMET online radar class (01:03:30)
- Strange and unusual inquiries made to the climate office (01:08:00)
- Career advice for young people and meteorology students (01:10:00)
- What is phased array radar? (01:12:30)
- The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:20:30)
- This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:23:15)
- E-Mail Segment (01:24:30)
- 2/26/26 Unexpected Trussville AL EF0 tornado (01:30:50)
- and more!
Web Sites from Episode 1050:
Picks of the Week:
Lindsey Peterson – Earrings from Because Science
Dr. Beth Hall – MRCC Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI)
Dr. Robin Tanamachi – Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
James Aydelott – Girls Who Chase free seminar
Jen Narramore – WHO 13’s Jeriann Ritter opens up about her health journey
Rick Smith – Out
Troy Kimmel – Out
Kim Klockow-McClain – Chairman Cruz Announces Markup of NASA Reauthorization, NOAA Weather Bill for March 4th
John Gordon – Debris Ballers – The Beginning
Bill Murray – Out
James Spann – NWS SPC on X: Changes to SPC Severe Weather Outlooks
The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.