Weather Geeks

Guest: Dr. Wallace Hogsett, Science & Operations Officer at the NHC
Every 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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hurricane Forecasting
01:00 Dr. Hogsett's Journey in Meteorology
05:01 Understanding Verification in Hurricane Forecasting
07:12 AI's Impact on Hurricane Prediction
13:47 Break 1
14:13 Rapid Intensification and Forecasting Tools
17:41 Incorporating AI Models into Forecasting
30:29 Break 2
30:31 Communication and Uncertainty in Weather Forecasting
39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Hurricane Prediction

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Guest: Samira Davis, United Cajun Navy
When disaster strikes, it’s often the people on the ground — not the headlines — who make the biggest difference. During Hurricane Florence, while historic floods swallowed neighborhoods across the Carolinas, Samira Davis was among those who stepped up. As a volunteer with the United Cajun Navy, she helped coordinate relief for families, pets, and even horses — filling the gaps between official response and human need. In this episode, we hear her firsthand account of what it’s like to navigate chaos and compassion side by side, the lessons she’s carried from that experience, and how grassroots responders are reshaping what disaster recovery looks like.
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Human Impact of Disaster Response
03:03 Becoming a Weather Geek: Personal Journeys
06:16 The Role of Grassroots Organizations in Disaster Relief
09:02 The United Cajun Navy: A New Era of Response
11:55 Navigating Challenges in Disaster Recovery
14:46 BREAK 1
14:54 The Importance of Preparedness and Community
18:06 Animal Rescue in Disaster Situations
21:09 The Long-Term Effects of Natural Disasters
23:56 Getting Involved: How to Help
27:04 The Power of Community and Collaboration
27:40 BREAK 2
00:27:41 Real Estate Lessons from Disasters
00:31:28 Collective Action and Preparedness
00:34:54 Evolving Strategies in Disaster Relief
00:37:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Guest: James Spann, Chief Meteorologist & Founder of the Alabama Weather Network
When 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.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of James Spann: A Weather Legend
11:38 The Evolution of Weather Broadcasting
17:30 The Impact of Social Media on Weather Communication
18:16 BREAK 1
19:07 The Power of Social Media in Weather Reporting
21:13 Launching the Alabama Weather Network
25:14 Innovating Weather Coverage for the Next Generation
29:56 BREAK 2
30:01 The Importance of Hyperlocal Weather Reporting
39:22 A Commitment to Community and Future Generations

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Weather Geeks Team
What began as Fourth of July thunderstorms in Kerr County, Texas rapidly evolved into a catastrophic flash flood that overwhelmed campgrounds, highways, and homes. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re dedicating our episode to understanding the flood disaster in Texas’ Hill Country, how it happened so fast, and how we can better prepare for the next time the sky opens up. We’ll unpack the meteorological setup as well as the human and infrastructural challenges in warning, evacuation, and rescue. This isn’t just a weather story—it’s a community story, and a wake-up call for every corner of the country vulnerable to sudden flooding.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Texas Hill Country Flood Disaster
01:39 Meteorological Insights and Communication Challenges
05:00 Analyzing the Meteorological Setup
09:32 The Role of Terrain and Hydrology
18:12 The Impact of Communication on Preparedness
25:02 Cloud Seeding Myths and Misunderstandings
27:22 Lessons Learned for Future Flood Events
27:50 The Deadly Overnight Flooding Event
29:02 The Importance of a Nightly Weather Check
29:30 Enhancing Flood Warnings and Public Response
31:18 The Role of Forecasting in Emergency Management
33:44 Public Perception and Weather Warnings
35:41 Psychology of Weather Response
37:31 The Need for Effective Warning Systems
39:54 Advocating for Weather Radios
41:22 The Impact of Climate Change on Flooding
43:49 Understanding Extreme Weather Events
45:57 The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures
51:30 The Human Element in Weather Events

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RECORDED FEBRUARY 21, 2025; Originally released April 30, 2025
Guest: Alan Sealls, AMS President-Elect
For decades, broadcast meteorologists have been the trusted voices guiding us through hurricanes, tornadoes, and everyday forecasts. But behind every great weathercaster is a deep passion for both science and communication. Few embody that balance as well as Alan Sealls—a highly respected meteorologist, educator, and soon-to-be President of the American Meteorological Society. As we head into more uncertain times, Alan will certainly have a lot on his plate in 2026 as he manages the relationship between academic, government, broadcast, and private meteorologists all across the country. How will his tenured career translate to get this done? Let’s ask him right now on Weather Geeks
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Weather Geek
03:07 Career Trajectory and Passion for Meteorology
06:04 Navigating Challenges in Meteorology
09:00 The Importance of Education and Communication
12:00 Lessons Learned in the Broadcasting Industry
15:05 Community Engagement and Impact
18:04 Secrets to Effective Communication and Teaching
20:57 Engaging Communication in Meteorology
22:21 Approaching Severe Weather Coverage
25:42 The Impact of Technology on Meteorology
27:54 The Future of Broadcast Meteorology
30:01 Leadership and Representation in Meteorology
34:13 Exploring African American Contributions to Meteorology
39:57 Alan Sealls' Literary Contributions

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