First Alert Weather's Beyond the Green Screen

Doing the weather on TV might seem simple, but for students just starting out, it’s anything but. Marisa Ferger sits down with First Alert Meteorologist Pete Mangione to explain how mastering this craft takes dedication, practice, and plenty of hard work.

Arizona offers some of the most majestic lightning pictures in the world. But it is also important to stay safe when snapping those beautiful pictures. We talked with two experts, including an author who wrote a book about Arizona lightning.

Summer is just around the corner and before it gets too hot in Arizona, we are speaking with Josh Coddington of the Arizona Office of Tourism about some outdoor bucket list items you have to check out!

Play ball! We talk with Surprise Head Field Manager Eric Roberts about getting the baseball fields ready for Spring Training. He also gives us tips on how to keep your grass green in this desert climate.

Meteorologist April Warnecke and Sports Director Mark McClune chat with PGA Meteorologist Wade Stettner about his unique career and what it's like to forecast for the WM Phoenix Open. 

With the largest crowds on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open is known as the place to see and be seen, part party and part sporting event. But with those massive crowds, how did it become a zero-waste event? First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin goes in depth with David Brannon, the Four Corners VP of the tournament’s title sponsor WM, the environmental solutions company that has turned the event into the "Greenest Show on Grass.”

Climate change can impact snowfall and the length of the winter season. Dr. Elizabeth Burakowski from the University of New Hampshire joins Pete Mangione to discuss how this affects skiing and the winter economy. 

Abundant fall rains and hints at a decent winter rainy season have wildflower hunters hoping for a big spring bloom. Angelica Elliott from the Desert Botanical Garden is on the Sonoran Sky First Alert Podcast, and she told Royal Norman, things are looking good!

The Valley of the Sun mostly sparkles year-round with endless blue skies, but around the holidays the dreaded “brown cloud” returns year after year threatening to spoil our views and our health. First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin goes in-depth with a communications specialist from Maricopa County’s Air Quality department to break down the reasons behind our dirty air. From our topography and winter weather patterns to that cozy, backyard fire pit and a few fireworks combined, can almost instantly pollute your own neighborhood’s air quality to dangerous levels. 

You’ll hear a lot in the media that wildfire season in Arizona is all year long. That’s not the case, according to Arizona State Foresty Management Officer John Truitt. He shared his view on the Sonoran Sky Podcast with meteorologist Royal Norman.

From reporting hard news to forecasting the weather, Holly Bock has done it all at Arizona's Family! Holly discusses the similarities and differences between telling a news story versus a weather story. 

With less than a year to go, the Colorado River states have yet to renew an agreement how to divide this great resource of the Southwest. In a new Sonoran Sky podcast, Meteorologist Royal Norman talked with Sarah Porter, the Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, about how time is growing short to get a agreement.

The San Pedro River is in southern Arizona, flowing north out of Mexico past Sierra Vista and For Huachuca. In recent years, the San Pedro has come under tremendous pressure due to drought and increased usage of the ground water in the area.  The river’s flows are trending drier. On this week’s Sonoran Sky podcast, Meteorologist Royal Norman talked with Kim Schonek of The Nature Conservancy who is optimistic that the river can be saved.

Mike Nelson is a highly respected retired broadcast meteorologist. He envisions a future with something he calls The Great American SuperGrid that transmits renewable energy around the country, and he joined Sonoran Sky to discuss the endeavor with Pete Mangione.

Snow skiing is a part of the allure of Arizona for almost 90 years. Since 1938, folks have headed up to Flagstaff to ski on the state’s highest peak, which happens to be a dormant volcano! On this edition of Sonoran Sky, First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin takes you through the upcoming ski season, from enhanced snowmaking to something called tree glading, it’s everything you need to know before heading up to the southernmost major ski resort in the continental U.S.!  

"You said it was going to rain at my house and it didn't. Imagine getting paid to be getting wrong!" We hear it all from viewers from reasonable complaints to downright ridiculousness. April Warnecke and Ian  Schwartz chat about some misconceptions in the weather biz. 

In this episode of Sonoran Sky, we explore the best patios in the Valley to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Hosts April Warnecke and Ian Schwartz discuss their favorite outdoor spots, from hidden gems to popular hangouts, perfect for dining and relaxing. Tune in for restaurant recommendations, insights on Arizona's unique fall season, and tips for making the most of outdoor activities in the Valley of the Sun. 

In this week's episode of Sonoran Sky, we talk about the best spots across the state of Arizona to see the leaves change colors in the beautiful reds and yellows. But you have to go soon, before it's too late! We're joined by Josh Coddington, the Director of Communications for the Arizona Office of Tourism, who shares details on the best spots all across the state, from northern, to eastern, and southern Arizona, and the hidden gems in between.

Known by many names of the years, the Arizona monsoon is one thing: unpredictable. But it’s that mystery that drove Dr. Jonny Malloy to write the book called North American Monsoon. On the Sonoran Sky Podcast, Meteorologist Royal Norman tells us Malloy’s book is accessible to all.

The forecast is in. A strong La Nina pattern is setting up in the Pacific. It’s a stretch of cold water along the surface of the ocean. Shel Winkley of Climate Central joined the Sonoran Sky Podcast and told Chief Meteorologist Royal Norman that this is big news for Arizona and cold result in a dry winter ahead.

Join us as Holly Bock interviews the legendary Royal Norman about Arizona’s unique weather, the evolution of the monsoon, dust storms (and haboobs!), and the challenges of forecasting in the desert. Get behind-the-scenes stories, expert insights, and practical tips for staying safe during monsoon season.

Whether it’s hiking or ski season, forecasting the weather in Arizona’s mountains is especially challenging. In this episode, meteorologist Pete Mangione sat down with Arizona Public Radio meteorologist Lee Born. He’s an expert in Arizona mountain forecasting and he says there are always high stakes in the high country.

Meteorologist Pete Mangione is joined by Sean McLaughlin, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry and 19 years with Arizona's Family, as he shares his journey from local Arizona weather coverage to his exhilarating yet grueling stint at MSNBC. They dive into the intense hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, including the unforgettable Hurricane Katrina. Sean provides an insider look into the challenges of forecasting, the emotional toll, and the balance between professional dedication and family life. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the most dramatic times in weather broadcasting history.

As the water levels continue to drop at Lake Powell, the possibility of dead pool becomes more and more likely. As Royal Norman found out from Zak Podmore, the author of the book “Life After Dead Pool,” a trusted water system in the west begins to break down quickly. 

Water is Arizona's most vital resource. Sarah Porter, the Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University, joins Royal Norman for an in-depth discussion on the complexities of water management in Arizona, discussing the role of the Kyl Center, groundwater issues, aquifer recharge, and the challenges facing the Colorado River. They also examine the positive strides Arizona has made in water stewardship and the innovative proposals to ensure a sustainable water future for the state.

On this episode of Sonoran Sky, Royal Norman dives into the art of gardening in the challenging Arizona desert with expert gardener Angela Judd from Growing in the Garden. Angela shares her journey of mastering desert gardening, offers practical tips for beginners, and discusses essential topics like soil preparation, effective watering systems, and the best crops to plant in August. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on how to make your desert garden flourish. Don't miss out on Angela's advice and expertise to help you achieve gardening success in the desert!

The weather has always had the power to inspire, and that's certainly been true with music. Ian Schwartz welcomes in Rich Berra from The Johnjay & Rich Show to discuss their favorite weather-inspired tunes. Plus, Ian gives us his winding journey to becoming a meteorologist. 

Dave Hondula is the city of Phoenix Director of Heat Response. For more than a decade, he’s been trying to figure out how to keep people cool when summer temperatures soar in the Valley. Finally, last year, there was a hint of success as the death rate from heat drop slightly. But for Dave, it was only a start. Royal Norman and Pete Mangione talked with “The man who wants to cool Phoenix down.”

In a special Sonoran Sky and Extra Point crossover episode, Meteorologist April Warnecke and AZ Family Sports Director Mark McClune talk to legendary angler and TV host Johnny Johnson. They find out the wild road Johnny took to TV fame, his favorite spots to fish in Arizona, and how the weather impacts fishing. 

In this episode of the Sonoran Sky podcast, Royal Norman is joined by Dan Henz and Jonny Malloy from Maricopa County Flood Control to discuss the intricacies of Arizona's monsoon season. They talk about the unusual weather patterns, the impact of urban areas on weather, and how the monsoon season has evolved over the years...and the ways it hasn't. Both guests share their personal journeys into meteorology, influenced by memorable weather events, and highlight the wealth of data and resources available for tracking Arizona’s unique climate phenomenon. Tune in to gain insights into the science behind monsoons, the challenges in forecasting, the critical role of flood control in managing Arizona's weather risks, and why the expectation of a monsoon that produces more rain than the seasons of the past five years is rising.

For much of his young life, Paul sailed large boats in the Caribbean. He sailed to foreign countries and dozens of islands. And during one of those island stops, Paul came face to face with one of the strongest hurricanes of the last century. His survival story ignited his passion to make weather his career.

Royal Norman talks with Tom Frieders from the National Weather Service in Phoenix, who is an expert on hot weather. And as much as we don’t like it, we need to heat to help bring the monsoon into Arizona. But we need it in the right doses.

A view of the northern lights is always a treat in Arizona! Why is it hard to predict when there will be good views? Also, what is space junk and how is it tracked? Pete Mangione is joined by Katrina Bossert, an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School Of Earth and Space Exploration, to discuss!

You don’t have to be a local to know our summer monsoon can create towering walls of dust that roll up and into the Valley. They are an obvious hazard to drivers, but now a new study, decades in the making, confirms these filthy monsters are hazardous to your health. This research focuses on dustorms in three states and tens of thousands of ER visits for those caught outside in the swirling clouds of dirt. Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin is joined by Dr. James Crooks to discuss the study and the danger to your health.

As Arizona's climate changes, so too does the monsoon. Chief Meteorologist Royal Norman and meteorologist Pete Mangione talk with Shel Winkley from Climate Central on how the state's extreme heat is impact our summer storm season.

Lovers of Arizona, join us under the Sonoran Sky starting on May 28! Each Wednesday, Arizona's Family First Alert Meteorologists will bring you in-depth and entertaining conversations on our state's weather, natural wonders, gardening, hiking, and outdoor activities. Your time under the Sonoran Sky will help you understand how the weather impacts your life.

If we didn’t have water, we wouldn’t have an Arizona as we know it. Royal Norman talks with Tom Buschatzke, the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources on this edition of Beyond the Green Screen. The question is: can we adequately manager water resources into the distant future.

Almost since the very beginning, Good Morning, Arizona became a mainstay of morning television across Arizona. And right there at the start were the two main players, Jodi Applegate and Dan Davis. Royal Norman, who also helped start the show, got a chance to reunite with Jodi and Dan and that conversation is this week’s Beyond The Green Screen.

Mike Watkiss is a legendary reporter for Channel 3 who did it all, from the pursuit of O.J. Simpson, to exposing Warren Jeffs and the FLDS church. He was at ground zero in New York in the days following 9-11 and he covered the trial of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. Mike even liked to chase thunderstorms! On this edition of Beyond the Green Screen, Royal Norman catches up with Mike to share memories and life updates.

Arizona State Climatologist Erinanne Saffell was born to track weather and climate. Raised in Arizona, she’ll tell you her first childhood memory is of a huge flood in the East Valley and stacking sandbags around the family home. In the latest episode of Beyond the Green Screen, Meteorologist Royal Norman talked with Erinanne about the epic flood of 1970.

Ever wonder what it's like to chase tornadoes? First Alert Meteorologist April Warnecke talks with Arizona's own storm chaser, Mike Olbinski, who shares his experiences and thoughts on the new movie Twisters.

Saguaros are the sentinels of the desert, with a life span more than 150 years and heights that can reach over 50 feet. Yet little is understood about how the saguaro will survive and adapt as our climate gets hotter and drier. Meteorologist Royal Norman talked with an saguaro expert, Don Swann, a biologist at the Saguaro National Park in Tucson.

Maricopa County Flood Control wants to save your property and your life. Formed in the late 1950s, the sole job of Flood Control was to limit the damage from desert floods. Over more than 60 years, the organization has grown into one of the top Flood Control Districts in the country, serving a county that’s land area is greater than seven individual states, including Massachusetts and New Jersey. Dan Henz at County Flood Control talks about how he was born to be a meteorologist.

Master gardener Angela Judd returns to the show to recap the spring growing season and give tips on what to grow during Arizona's hot summer. Learn more from Angela at growinginthegarden.com

Just in time for the summer travel season, First Alert Meteorologist April Warnecke shares ideas for exploring, taken from her Good Morning Arizona franchise "April's Arizona Bucket List." She shares her favorite road trips, hikes, hotels, and small towns. April also interviews Chief Meteorologist and Arizona legend Royal Norman about his best stories of exploring Arizona over his decades at AZFamily. 

As the Earth's climate changes, the impacts are felt in just about every way...including baseball. Royal Norman talks with Christopher Callahan from Stanford University about his research into how a warmer planet is impacting America's pastime. 

The Phoenix Fire Department responded to 199 mountain rescues last year. So far in 2024, they have responded to 14 in January, 20 in February, and more than 20 in March. In 2021 the City of Phoenix introduced a pilot program that shut down popular hiking trails like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa on excessive heat days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. That program was put into full force in 2022, and just last year they extended the closure hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. Phoenix Fire Captain Bobby Dubnow talked about what goes into their training for these types of rescues, and has a look at the difference in mountain rescues calls during different times of the year. 

Arizona has amazing hiking trails from southern Arizona, to the Valley, all the way up to Flagstaff. During this time of the year, a lot of people may want to try out new hikes while the weather is still nice. Holly Bock spoke with a couple of avid hikers who have done it all. They have suggestions for the person who may just be starting out and doesn’t want anything too challenging, or for the person who may want to push themselves and try something new.  

It seems like allergy season is upon us once again, and our wetter and warmer-than-average weather so far this year has made everything come into full bloom. But did you realize you can create a mostly “allergy-free zone” inside your car with a few simple tricks? First Alert Meteorologist Sean Mclaughlin talks with auto-repair expert Glen Hayward, from Good Works Auto Repair in Tempe, on how to find and change your cabin air filter, what to set your air conditioner on, and why that free hand-wipe at your local car wash will become your new, best friend.

In 2008, the National Weather Service decided to start the Arizona Monsoon every summer on June 15 and end it on September 30. Before that, forecasters tracked dewpoints and looked for three consecutive days of dewpoints of 55-degrees or more to decide the “monsoon had arrived” for the year. Tony Haffer, who spearheaded the change, was the head of the National Weather Service office in Phoenix at the time and talked with Royal Norman on the latest installment of the First Alert Beyond the Green Screen Podcast.