Weather Geeks

Guest: Brad Panovich, WCNC CharlotteIf you’ve lived in North Carolina for any length of time, chances are you’ve turned to one familiar face when the weather turns serious. But being a trusted meteorologist today isn’t just about what happens on TV—it’s about showing up wherever your audience is, whether that’s on-air, online, or in the middle of a rapidly evolving storm. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte. For decades, Brad has helped guide North Carolinians through everything from day-to-day forecasts to high-impact events—including more recent storms like Hurricane Helene—building a level of trust that goes far beyond the forecast itself. We’ll talk about how his approach to communication has evolved in the age of social media, what it takes to cut through misinformation, and how you balance urgency, clarity, and calm when people are depending on you the most.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Brad Panovich and His Journey02:55 The Evolution of Weather Communication05:54 The Importance of Credentialing in Meteorology08:56 The Role of Trust in Weather Forecasting12:05 Break 112:08 Navigating Social Media as a Meteorologist15:13 Handling Negativity and Criticism in the Digital Age20:13 Understanding Public Perception of Weather Forecasts23:40 Break 224:12 The Role of Social Media in Weather Communication26:28 The Impact of AI on Meteorology30:11 Personal Reflections on the Impact of Meteorology34:26 The Educator's Role in Meteorology ResourcesOhio State University Meteorology Program - https://meteo.osu.edu/UNC Charlotte Weather Communication Course - https://physics.charlotte.edu/ Guest linksBrad Panovich on Twitter - https://twitter.com/WXBradWebsite - https://www.wcnc.com/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wxbradSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Marcus Williams, Research MeteorologistWildfire is one of the most complex weather-driven hazards we face — shaped by wind, terrain, fuel, and timing, where the forecast isn’t just about what happens next, but about keeping people safe in real time. Behind every major fire response and every carefully planned prescribed burn is a team of scientists working to understand those conditions down to the finest detail. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Marcus Williams, a research meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service whose work sits at the intersection of science, operations, and on-the-ground decision-making. We’ll talk about what it takes to provide weather support during major California fires, why prescribed fire depends so heavily on getting the forecast right, and how USFS research is shaping the future of fire weather forecasting.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wildfire and Meteorology00:51 Marcus Williams: Journey to Meteorology04:58 Role of Meteorologists in the US Forest Service07:46 Experiences in Wildfire Deployment10:52 Understanding Prescribed Fires12:33 Break 112:40 Meteorological Tools in Prescribed Fires15:32 Challenges in Fire Management18:14 Weather Modeling and Its Applications21:09 Break 221:40 Leadership and Mentorship in Meteorology25:46 Future of Meteorology in Fire ManagementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: Dr. Wallace Hogsett, Science & Operations Officer at the NHCEvery hurricane season tells a story — not just through the storms that form, but through the forecasts that guide us. And once the season ends, the real detective work begins: Which models nailed the track? Which ones struggled with intensity? And what did we learn that will help us prepare for the next big storm? Joining us today is Dr. Wallace Hogsett from the National Hurricane Center, one of the experts who turns those post-season numbers into meaningful insight. We’ll break down the verification results from the 2025 season, explore how models are improving — and where they’re not — and talk about the growing influence of AI-based forecasting tools. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the scorecard that shapes the future of hurricane prediction, straight from the people who know the models best.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Forecasting01:00 Dr. Hogsett's Journey in Meteorology05:01 Understanding Verification in Hurricane Forecasting07:12 AI's Impact on Hurricane Prediction13:47 Break 114:13 Rapid Intensification and Forecasting Tools17:41 Incorporating AI Models into Forecasting30:29 Break 230:31 Communication and Uncertainty in Weather Forecasting39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Hurricane PredictionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guest: James Spann, Chief Meteorologist & Founder of the Alabama Weather NetworkWhen it comes to weather, few names carry the respect, trust, and authority of James Spann. For decades, he’s been the steady voice that Alabamians turn to when the sky turns dark — part scientist, part storyteller, and always a servant to his community. But beyond the green screen, James has become a powerful advocate for local weather, founding the Alabama Weather Network to bring hyper-local, science-based forecasting back to the people who need it most. Today, we talk with James about how the weather and media industries have evolved, why social science is now at the heart of saving lives, and how meteorologists can stay grounded in service even as technology and the atmosphere continue to change.Chapters00:00 The Journey of James Spann: A Weather Legend11:38 The Evolution of Weather Broadcasting17:30 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication18:16 BREAK 119:07 The Power of Social Media in Weather Reporting21:13 Launching the Alabama Weather Network25:14 Innovating Weather Coverage for the Next Generation29:56 BREAK 230:01 The Importance of Hyperlocal Weather Reporting39:22 A Commitment to Community and Future GenerationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.