Weather Geeks

Evan Fisher, creator of explorefall.com, discusses the science and data behind fall foliage forecasting. He explains how he became interested in weather and specifically fall foliage, and how he started creating fall foliage maps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fisher uses remote sensing and satellite data to analyze the greenness of vegetation and identify peak fall color. He also incorporates weather data, such as temperature and precipitation, into his models. Fisher discusses the challenges of forecasting fall foliage and the impact of climate change on the timing and vibrance of fall colors. He also mentions his future plans to expand Explore Fall globally and incorporate other natural phenomena, such as apple blooms and rhododendron and mountain laurel blooms.

In this episode of Weather Geeks, Marshall Shepherd speaks with Roy Wright from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) about the challenges of compound disasters, particularly in the Gulf Coast region. They discuss the recent National Academies report that examines the impact of overlapping disasters, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, on vulnerable communities. The conversation highlights the need for improved communication, community engagement, and policy changes to better prepare for and respond to these increasingly frequent and intense events.

The conversation focuses on the impending hurricane's impact on Florida, discussing its meteorological significance, preparation efforts, and the dual nature of its weakening yet dangerous status as it approaches the coast.

Dr. Matt Bilskie discusses compound flooding, which occurs when multiple flooding sources combine during a storm, such as storm surge, riverine flooding, and heavy rainfall. He explains the hazards associated with each component and how they can interact to increase flooding. Dr. Bilskie emphasizes the importance of understanding and mitigating compound flooding to protect coastal communities. He also discusses his research on coastal resiliency, including the use of computational models and field observations to simulate and study storm surge, tides, and waves. Dr. Bilskie highlights the significance of nature-based solutions, such as barrier islands and wetlands, in reducing flooding and protecting coastal ecosystems. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers, stakeholders, and decision-makers to implement effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Artist Bill Haskell discusses how he incorporates the weather into his landscape paintings. He shares his fascination with weather, particularly sparked by a tornado outbreak in 1974. Living in New Mexico, Haskell finds inspiration in the dramatic skies and monsoon thunderstorms. He describes his process of painting emotions and memories inspired by the weather, using a combination of realism and fiction. Haskell also discusses the inclusion of tornadoes in his artwork as a metaphor for change in life. He emphasizes the importance of creating a unique style and advises aspiring artists to incorporate weather into their work.