Off the Radar

In this final episode of Off the Radar, host Emily Gracey reflects on how the podcast started back in April 2023, how it grew into more than 150 episodes, and the unexpected journey along the way. From learning how to tell stories and break down complex science, to memorable conversations with astronauts, experts, and friends, this show became something much bigger than originally planned. Emily also shares her gratitude for the guests, the weather community, and the team behind the scenes who helped bring Off the Radar to life - along with a hint at what’s coming next. https://www.facebook.com/emilygraceyweather/ https://x.com/GraceyWeather https://www.instagram.com/eegracey/

As hurricane season approaches, this repeat episode revisits one of our most memorable and moving conversations about the human impact of extreme weather. Emily goes off the radar with Traci Curry, director of the National Geographic docuseries Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, and hears from Shelton Alexander, a New Orleans resident who survived the storm inside the Superdome and later captured his experience in a powerful poem. It’s a sobering reminder of how these storms shape lives, and why those stories still resonate today.

Adam Met, best known as the bassist for chart-topping band AJR, is as active offstage as he is on it. In this repeat episode, Emily revisits her conversation with the climate advocate, nonprofit founder, Columbia University lecturer, and author of Amplify. Together, they explore how music and art can drive real-world change, the urgency of the global climate crisis, and what it will take to hold corporations accountable before it’s too late.

In Part 2 of our Earth Day special, we're returning to Niagara Falls, NY, where residents of the idyllic-sounding Love Canal community confronted tragedy. Last week, we talked to toxicologist Stephen Lester, who helped the residents study Love Canal when the government refused to help them. This week, we're talking to Luella Kenny. She's a former Love Canal resident who lost her son after he was born with health problems due to environmental pollution. Luella turned her grief into determination, dedicating herself to a life of activism. She's committed to making sure no one else gets sick from corporate irresponsibility and government obstruction. Guest hosted by Brian Pietrus! See Privacy Policy at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠.

For Earth Day this year, we're heading to Niagara Falls, New York, where the idyllic-sounding Love Canal community holds a dark secret: a neighborhood was built on top of a toxic waste dump. Residents were lied to. Adults got sick, babies were born with unbelievable health problems, and the government spent years trying to conceal the truth. In Part 1 of this two-part special, we'll talk to Stephen Lester, the toxicologist who helped prove what the residents knew all along: that something was very wrong with Love Canal. He's been helping communities for the past 40 years with the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) as well as the Texas Health and Environment Alliance. Next week, we'll be talking to Luella Kenny, a former resident of Love Canal and a lifelong activist who's committed to making sure no one else gets sick from corporate irresponsibility and government obstruction. Guest hosted by Brian Pietrus! See Privacy Policy at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy⁠ and California Privacy Notice at ⁠https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info⁠.

What is the forecast for the 2026 hurricane season? In this episode, we break down the newly-released 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook from Colorado State University (CSU), one of the most trusted long-range forecasts in meteorology. Recorded at the National Tropical Weather Conference on South Padre Island, this episode features a conversation with Dr. Phil Klotzbach, lead researcher behind the CSU forecast. We discuss why the 2026 hurricane season is expected to be below average, how a developing El Niño could impact storm activity, and why factors like vertical wind shear and sea surface temperatures play a critical role in seasonal forecasts. You’ll also learn how El Niño vs. La Niña can influence where hurricanes form and track, including potential landfall patterns in the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and Caribbean. Plus, a look at the history of the CSU hurricane outlook and the key variables that could still shift the forecast as the season approaches. If you’re looking for the latest hurricane forecast, expert analysis, and what it means for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, this episode breaks it all down!

On a hot afternoon in 1970, a single lightning strike on a Florida football field changed lives and reshaped how we think about storm safety. In this episode of Off the Radar, we take a deeper look at one of nature’s most powerful and misunderstood forces. First, lightning safety expert John Jensenius joins us to break down what actually keeps you safe in a storm - and the myths that can put people at risk. Then, Dr. Tim Logan from Texas A&M explains how scientists are studying lightning in new ways. As the director of the Houston Lightning Mapping Array Network, he’s helped discover two of the longest lightning flashes ever recorded. He shares what those massive “megaflashes” reveal about storms, along with the questions scientists still can’t fully answer. From safety to cutting-edge science, this episode explores what lightning can do, how to stay safe, and why it still leaves everyone (even experts!) in awe.

For the first time in more than 50 years, humans are preparing to venture back into deep space. With the launch of Artemis II, part of NASA’s Artemis program, four astronauts will travel around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, flying farther from Earth than any crew since the Apollo era. Powered by the Space Launch System (SLS), this historic mission marks a major step toward returning humans to the Moon and building a long-term presence beyond Earth. In this episode, we explore what makes Artemis II different, why this mission matters right now, and how it connects the legacy of Apollo to the future of human spaceflight, including future lunar missions and Mars exploration. We’re joined by planetary scientist Dr. Barbara Cohen of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, whose work on lunar samples, meteorites, and impact history helps us better understand the Moon and what it can teach us about Earth and the solar system.

Was last week’s severe weather forecast a “bust” - or was it just misunderstood? The Storm Prediction Center is making changes to how it communicates severe weather risk, with a new focus on not just where storms could happen, but on how intense they might be. But with that shift comes a challenge: how do you convey higher-end potential without creating expectations that may not fully materialize? In this episode, we break down a recent East Coast setup that left many wondering why a widely discussed severe threat didn’t result in a major outbreak everywhere it was forecast. Joining the show is Evan Bentley from the Storm Prediction Center, who takes us inside how these outlooks are created, why they are rooted entirely in science and probability, and how they are designed to inform meteorologists and communicators. We also explore the growing conversation around trust in forecasting: when things don’t play out as expected, should meteorologists apologize? Or is the real issue how forecasts are interpreted by the public? This is a candid look at uncertainty, communication, and the responsibility of forecasting when severe weather is on the way!

For seventy-six years, Pluto was a planet. Then, in 2005, astronomer Dr. Mike Brown discovered Eris - a distant icy world roughly the same size as Pluto - forcing astronomers to confront a question they had quietly avoided for decades: what actually counts as a planet? The answer led to the 2006 vote that redefined the solar system and stripped Pluto of its status, turning Brown into the unlikely public face of a controversial decision.  But this story isn’t just about Pluto. It’s about how scientific definitions evolve. It’s about the vast, largely unexplored region beyond Neptune known as the Kuiper Belt. And it’s about Brown’s current hunt for something even bigger: a massive, unseen ninth planet whose gravity may already be shaping the outer solar system. In this episode, we go to the edge of our cosmic neighborhood with the astronomer who changed it - and may be on the verge of changing it again.

Every winter, aircraft depart in snow and freezing rain under a simple but unforgiving rule: a clean aircraft flies. That rule was shaped by tragedy. In this episode, we revisit the 1982 crash of Air Florida Flight 90 - a disaster that exposed the deadly consequences of ice contamination and inadequate thrust on takeoff, and helped transform winter flight standards. The lessons from that day reshaped deicing procedures, crew training, and federal regulations that still govern cold-weather operations. We’re joined by retired airline captain and aviation safety expert Steven Green, whose four decades of flying and deep work in aircraft icing and accident analysis bring critical perspective to the science and the stakes. Together, we examine how ice disrupts flight, the crashes that rewrote the rules, and why the margin for error in winter aviation remains razor thin.

One week after the Blizzard of 2026 buried parts of the Northeast under more than three feet of snow, we’re going behind the forecast. On this episode of Off the Radar, Emily Gracey sits down with fellow meteorologists Joe Martucci and Chris Gloninger to break down the science and strategy behind one of the most impactful winter storms of the season. From the early model signals to the moment confidence surged, they walk through how the forecast evolved as the bomb cyclone rapidly intensified. Joe and Chris also share what it was like to predict a major storm while living in the communities directly in its path, the biggest challenges they faced communicating impacts, and what made this blizzard stand out from others in recent memory. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, data, and real-world experience that shaped the forecast for the Blizzard of 2026.

In Part One of this series, meteorologist Emily Gracey examined the science behind Alaska’s rapidly changing climate - the warming trends, disappearing sea ice, and extreme storms reshaping the state. In Part Two, we hear what those changes sound like on the ground. When the remnants of Typhoon Halong struck Western Alaska in October 2025, more than a thousand people were displaced. Entire villages flooded overnight. In Kwigillingok, Tribal Resilience Coordinator Dustin Evon watched the tide rise at midnight and barely made it to safety. He was one of the lucky ones – entire homes drifted away, many still containing families who weren’t able to leave in time. It was the challenge of a lifetime to see a community disappear. Now, he faces a new challenge: how to rebuild ...or whether rebuilding is possible at all. With no roads connecting rural villages to the rest of Alaska, evacuations must happen by air. And with federal funding fragmented and competitive, long-term relocation can take years…if it happens at all. This episode explores the human cost of climate change in Alaska, the structural gaps in disaster assistance, and what it means to consider leaving behind the land that your ancestors have occupied for thousands of years. Because in Western Alaska, resilience isn’t just about surviving the storm. It’s about deciding whether it’s possible to stay once the storm is over.

Behind every chatbot response, AI-generated image, and large language model is a vast network of data centers consuming enormous amounts of electricity and water. In this episode, Emily talks with Dr. Amanda Smith of Project Drawdown about the hidden environmental footprint of generative AI and what it means for a warming, resource-constrained world. Dr. Smith explains how data centers operate, why they are often located where power is cheap and reliable, and why water remains the most efficient way to cool the servers that power today’s AI systems. We unpack the difference between carbon footprints and water footprints, explore why training AI models is especially energy intensive, and clarify common misconceptions about how much water tools like ChatGPT actually use. The key question is not whether we should use AI, but how we use it. Thoughtful deployment, smarter infrastructure, and informed users will shape whether generative AI becomes part of the climate problem or part of the solution.

For more than a century, the Winter Olympics have depended on cold, reliable conditions. But as the planet warms, that foundation is becoming harder to find. As the Games return to Northern Italy, this episode of Off the Radar examines how climate change is reshaping the future of winter sports. Meteorologist Emily Gracey speaks with Dr. Daniel Scott of the University of Waterloo, whose research shows a rapidly shrinking list of cities capable of hosting the Winter Olympics safely and fairly. We explore why warmer temperatures mean more than just artificial snow, how deteriorating snow and ice increase risks for athletes, and why the Paralympic Games face even steeper challenges as competition moves deeper into warmer months. With fewer cold places left on the map, the question is no longer theoretical. Can the Winter Olympics survive in a warming climate, and what decisions made today will determine their future?

The future of weather forecasting is being built right now. Recorded on site at the annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society in Houston, this conversation with Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service, looks at where meteorology has been, where it is headed, and what it will take to get there. This year’s conference theme, “Fast and Slow Thinking: the Human Factor in a Rapidly Changing World,” took on added meaning as a major winter storm disrupted travel and kept some participants away. But it did not slow the collaboration, innovation, and urgency inside the meeting rooms. Ken Graham shares how artificial intelligence is transforming weather models, why partnerships across the weather enterprise matter more than ever, and how modern communication, from weather radios to social media, plays a critical role when it matters most. He also talks about the energy he sees across the National Weather Service, the next wave of talent coming in, and why he is genuinely excited about the year ahead. It is a conversation about technology, trust, and turning forecasts into action.

Climate science is most often communicated through charts, graphs, and visual models. But data does not have to be seen to be understood. In this episode, meteorologist Emily Gracey explores how climate data can be translated into sound. Emily is joined by mathematician and musician Harlan Brothers, who creates climate sonifications by converting real datasets into music and audio you can hear. Using measurements such as global temperature over land, sea surface temperatures, and sea level rise, Harlan turns long term warming trends into melodies that reveal patterns over time. The conversation looks at how sonification works, why sound can engage people differently than visuals, and how music can add a new dimension to climate communication without compromising scientific integrity. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear examples of these climate sonifications woven into the discussion, offering a chance to experience climate data through a different sense.

Alaska is warming faster than any other U.S. state- nearly four times the global rate. Permafrost that's been frozen for thousands of years is thawing. Villages are sinking. Homes are floating away. And Indigenous communities are paying the highest price. In this episode, meteorologist Emily Gracey talks with Rick Thoman, one of the foremost experts on Alaskan climate and weather, about the extreme events reshaping the state. From the unprecedented remnants of Typhoon Halong that displaced over a thousand people in October 2025, to the disappearing Bering Sea ice and collapsing salmon populations, Rick walks us through what the data tells us about Alaska's rapidly transforming climate, and why what's happening at the top of the world matters for all of us. This is part one of a two-part series on Alaska's changing climate. Part two will explore the impact to Tribal communities in the state.

When catastrophic flooding hits, we usually look at rainfall totals and records broken. But what if the most important number comes before the rain ever starts? In this episode, meteorologist Emily Gracey explores a groundbreaking Washington Post investigation that reveals how massive flows of atmospheric moisture are intensifying across the globe, creating hotspots that turn storms into deadly floods. Using a powerful metric called Integrated Vapor Transport (IVT), the reporting shows that the real story isn't happening on the ground...it's happening way above our heads. Emily sits down with Washington Post meteorologist Ben Noll, who spent a year analyzing the data behind "Deadly Rivers In The Sky." Together, they unpack how rising global temperatures have supercharged the movement of moisture through Earth's atmosphere, why certain regions now face grave risks of extreme rainfall, and what this means for communities from Appalachia to Spain. Floods can be sudden, devastating, and hard to recover from. But what if the real story isn't just the rain that falls, but the moisture in the sky that never used to be there?

NOAA has just released its 2025 Arctic Report Card, and the findings are stark: the Arctic is warming more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet, with this year setting alarming new records. In this episode, meteorologist Emily Gracey sits down with Dr. Matt Druckenmiller, one of the report's editors, to unpack twenty years of tracking rapid Arctic change. From the lowest winter sea ice maximum ever recorded to "rusting rivers" flowing orange with metals from thawing permafrost, the transformations happening at the top of the world are reshaping weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems far beyond the Arctic Circle. Dr. Druckenmiller explains what "atlantification" means for ocean circulation, why the oldest Arctic sea ice has declined by 95% since the 1980s, and how these changes are already disrupting Indigenous food security and cultural traditions. This isn't just about polar bears and melting glaciers, it's about understanding a planetary shift that's affecting all of us, from Arctic communities to your own neighborhood. Tune in for a deep dive into the science, the stakes, and why sustained Arctic observation has never been more critical.

It's been a monumental year, both for weather and for Off the Radar. From Hurricane Melissa's record-breaking assault on Jamaica to devastating Texas floods, from NOAA layoffs to groundbreaking AI forecasting models, 2025 reminded us how powerful and vulnerable we are when it comes to our changing climate. In this special year-end episode, host Emily Gracey sits down with associate producer Brian Pietrus to count down their favorite episodes of 2025. They revisit the conversations that stuck with them, the research that blew their minds, and the projects that deserve far more attention. It's also been an award-winning year for the podcast. Off the Radar took home a national Headliner Award for Best Information Podcast, and Emily Gracey won the Women's Podcast Award for Best Science Podcast Host! Stay tuned until the very end to hear Emily's absolute favorite project of the year - the moment that resonated most in a year of extraordinary science and storytelling.

Happy Holidays! Here's a special Christmas message from Off the Radar host, Meteorologist Emily Gracey.

The Drake Passage, a 600-mile stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica, is one of the most dangerous bodies of water on Earth. With waves that can exceed 40 feet and a history littered with shipwrecks, it's claimed the lives of an estimated 10,000 sailors. Yet today, thousands of tourists willingly cross it every year on their way to Antarctica, documenting the experience with hashtags like #DrakeShake and #DrakeLake. In this episode, we explore what makes the Drake Passage so treacherous and why it's become a rite of passage for modern adventurers. Travel influencer Alyssa Ramos, who has crossed the Drake eight times, shares what it's really like aboard a ship battling these notorious waters. Then, marine meteorologist Alvaro Scardilli from the Argentine Navy breaks down the atmospheric forces and ocean dynamics that create some of the most volatile conditions on the planet. From its days as a ship graveyard to its current status as a bucket-list destination, this is the story of the Drake Passage.

Red light therapy masks are everywhere on social media - glowing, slightly terrifying, and according to influencers, life-changing. But beyond the hype, there's legitimate science here: specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can penetrate skin tissue, boost cellular energy production, and potentially speed healing and reduce pain. In this episode, meteorologist Emily Gracey explores the physics behind red light therapy and investigates whether it lives up to its promises. Joining her is Dr. Zakia Rahman, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, who breaks down which benefits have solid research backing them and which claims need more study. They discuss the cellular mechanisms at work, how to use red light responsibly without getting ripped off by overpriced devices, and the critical question: given our history of getting "harmless" light exposure wrong, from X-rays to radium to tanning beds, should we be concerned about long-term effects we don't yet understand? Whether you're curious about adding red light therapy to your routine or just want to understand the science behind the glow, this episode separates evidence from marketing in the booming world of light-based wellness.

In the 1930s, the Great Plains transformed from a land of promise into an apocalyptic landscape of suffocating dust storms. For nearly a decade, massive black clouds swept across 150,000 square miles of Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, turning day into night and forcing families to abandon their homes. Dust storms lasted for days at a time, reducing visibility to zero. People coughed up clumps of earth and developed "dust pneumonia," while livestock died with inches of dirt lining their digestive tracts. But how did this happen? And more importantly, could it happen again? We speak with Dr. Jeff Lee of Texas Tech University and Dr. Thomas Gill of the University of Texas at El Paso to explore the causes of this catastrophic period in American history, how the Dust Bowl reshaped the nation, and what vulnerabilities we still face today.

Here's a special message from OTR host, Emily Gracey.

Dr. David Beuther, a pulmonologist, reveals how climate change is creating a quiet respiratory health crisis - one where patients with lung disease are increasingly trapped indoors by poor air quality. In this conversation, we explore the growing impact wildfire smoke, extended pollen seasons, and shifting weather patterns are having on our ability to breathe. Dr. Beuther shares practical strategies for protecting lung health, from choosing the right air filters to understanding air quality forecasts, and discusses how he advises patients about the connection between climate change and their symptoms. This isn't a distant environmental threat; it's happening now, in doctors' offices and homes across the country, affecting millions of people who just want to take a breath of fresh air.

In January 2025, astronomers mistook Elon Musk's space-launched Tesla Roadster for a asteroid. It took seventeen hours to realize the "near-Earth object" was actually a seven-year-old sports car orbiting the Sun. We're losing track of what we've sent into space. This week, Emily sits down with Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics who has tracked every rocket and satellite launched since the 1940s. A decade ago, there were 1,000 satellites in orbit. Now there are 12,000. In ten years, we could hit 100,000. Dr. McDowell explains what happens when these objects die: atmospheric burn-up, ocean crashes, graveyard orbits, or trajectories into solar orbit. He discusses why our regulations—rooted in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty—can't keep pace with mega-constellations, and why we need international cooperation and updated policies. We explore the real risks: collision probabilities in crowded orbits, the environmental impact of using our atmosphere as an incinerator, and public safety concerns around uncontrolled reentries. Dr. McDowell shares his vision for sustainable space practices, including an orbital "recycling plant." The space debris dilemma isn't just about what's up there—it's about what comes back down, and whether we're ready for it.

When Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, slammed into Jamaica last week, the world's top hurricane chaser Josh Morgerman was there by choice. For 36 hours after the eyewall passed over him, he went silent, leaving his followers worried and waiting. In this episode, Emily sits down with Josh to explore his incredible three-decade career chasing more than 80 hurricanes and typhoons around the globe. From his early days as a storm chaser to his terrifying experience inside the eye of Hurricane Dorian, Josh shares what drives him to pursue these deadly storms and what it's really like when you're standing in the path of nature's most powerful force. Plus, hear what happened in Jamaica as Josh intercepted what may be the mightiest hurricane he's ever witnessed.

Have you ever felt anxious about the weather, or wondered if you should cancel plans due to the forecast? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Millicent Rose, a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, to explore the often-overlooked intersection of weather and mental health. Dr. Rose discusses the causes behind weather-related fears, phobias, and trauma, and explains the various treatment options available for those who experience debilitating anxiety when severe weather threatens to strike. She offers a surprising perspective on how the weather is communicated during dangerous situations, revealing what meteorologists and emergency officials are getting wrong when it comes to addressing the mental wellbeing of those in harm's way. Whether you struggle with weather anxiety yourself, know someone who does, or you're a weather professional looking to better serve your community, this conversation offers practical insights, hope, validation, and a roadmap toward finding peace of mind.

For 88 years, Amelia Earhart's disappearance over the Pacific Ocean remained unsolved—until a casual discovery on Apple Maps changed everything. In 2020, an anomaly spotted in satellite imagery off a remote Pacific island reignited the search for her lost Lockheed Electra, and this November, researchers will finally investigate what may be the wreckage of her plane. But the Earhart case is just the beginning. In this episode, we explore how remote sensing technology—from satellites to sonar to LiDAR—is revolutionizing archaeology and historical investigation. Dr. Leila Character, a geographer at Texas A&M University, joins us to discuss how she uses remote sensing and machine learning to locate WWII aircraft wrecks, identify ancient burial sites, and bring closure to families who have waited decades for answers. From images captured 400 miles above Earth to the depths of the ocean floor, discover how scientists are uncovering the past and solving mysteries that once seemed impossible to crack.

Since 1792, The Old Farmer's Almanac has been helping Americans prepare for the seasons ahead - and it's still going strong 233 years later. In this episode, Emily sits down with Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of The Old Farmer's Almanac, to uncover the secrets behind their famous long-range forecasts and explore the publication's fascinating history. Carol shares surprising finds from centuries-old editions, along with old-world wisdom that remains remarkably relevant. But first, Emily chats with Charlie Lopresti, chief meteorologist at WGME and award-winning giant pumpkin grower, about how this year's unusual weather has impacted the growing season and what gardeners can expect as we head into winter. Whether you're planning next spring's garden or just curious about what winter has in store, this episode offers a unique blend of historical perspective and practical seasonal outlook.

Seven years after losing her home to Hurricane Michael, content creator Meghan Lynn has found an unexpected calling: making hurricane preparedness go viral. She lives just outside of Tallahassee and experienced the Category 5 hurricane firsthand. Rather than let it defeat her, she used this traumatic experience as an opportunity. Now she educates millions through social media. The secret to her perseverance as well as her social media success? Humor, relatability, and conversations that actually engage her audience. In this episode, Meghan shares her survival story and why humor might be the key to keeping people safe. We explore how a creator with lived experience is connecting to audiences in ways traditional hurricane warnings haven't - and how her unique take on emergency preparedness is keeping countless people safe.

In May 2025, the U.S. government shut down Climate.gov and fired hundreds of NOAA employees, censoring vital climate change information that American taxpayers had already funded. This shocking act of climate science censorship mirrors a disturbing pattern in American history that goes back 75 years. From the lead poisoning cover-up of the 1920s to today's climate information blackout, this episode is all about America's troubling history of prioritizing corporate profits over public health and scientific truth. This week, join host Emily Gracey as she interviews Rebecca Lindsay, a former Climate.gov program manager who was fired during the government crackdown. Lindsay reveals what critical climate information was lost when the website disappeared, why this represents an unprecedented attack on scientific transparency, and how the shutdown impacts educators, journalists, and concerned citizens everywhere. But this isn't just a story about censorship—it's about resistance and resilience. Lindsay and other former NOAA scientists and communicators refuse to stay silent. They're launching Climate.us, an independent nonprofit platform to restore public access to the climate information Americans deserve. Learn how this group is fighting back against government censorship and working to save climate data that may help save lives across the country.

Maria Torres turned her childhood fascination with Puerto Rican storms into a groundbreaking career at the National Hurricane Center, where she serves as the first female Public Affairs Officer and bilingual spokesperson. In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, Maria shares her inspiring journey from a curious child watching lightning, to becoming the trusted Spanish-language voice that delivers life-saving hurricane warnings to millions. Maria discusses why representation matters when it comes to weather preparedness, how language barriers can become life-or-death issues during emergencies, and her vital role in ensuring that critical storm information reaches everyone who needs it. Plus, get the inside scoop on what the National Hurricane Center's forecast team is predicting for the remainder of this hurricane season, straight from someone at the heart of the operation. This conversation goes beyond meteorology—it's about equity, access, and making sure every voice gets heard when the storm hits.

For decades, fall foliage maps were mostly guesswork. Then meteorologist Evan Fisher, founder of Explore Fall, revolutionized leaf peeping by combining weather data with real-time observations to create the most accurate fall forecasts ever made. In this episode, Evan explains how this year's unusual weather is affecting autumn colors nationwide, demonstrates how his data archive can show you exactly what fall looked like when you were a kid, and reveals how he quickly adapted his leaf-tracking technology to coordinate damage reports in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene hit.

In 1816, the world experienced something unthinkable: a year without summer. Mount Tambora's catastrophic eruption in Indonesia – the most powerful volcanic blast in recorded history – sent eighty times more ash than Mount St. Helens into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight globally and altering weather patterns worldwide. Thousands of miles from the volcano, people witnessed blood-red sunsets and snow falling in June. Crops failed, famine spread, and in the United States, entire populations migrated west to less-affected regions. The event reshaped America and built the Midwest into an agricultural hub. Join Emily Gracey and Brian Pietrus as they chat with Dr. Kevin Anchukaitis from the University of Arizona. He'll reveal how tree rings and paleoclimate data unlock this incredible story and explore Tambora's far-reaching effects on agriculture, migration, and even art.

As the 2025 hurricane season ramps up, we are bringing back this fan favorite from last year. This month marks the 64th anniversary of when Hurricane Carla battered the coast of Texas, instantly becoming one of the most intense and damaging hurricanes recorded in the state. But as houses and ships were battened down and residents fled the storm, some individuals with the Weather Bureau did the unthinkable: they strapped themselves into the cockpit of an airplane and flew directly into the eye of the storm! It started as a bar bet between pilots and became the standard procedure for observing and measuring hurricanes to provide life-saving data for researchers on the ground. Join me this week as I interview Daniel Tyson and Jonathan Shannon from NOAA to talk about what it’s like to fly into a hurricane and how technology has evolved since Hurricane Carla!

This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding areas. It's a sobering reminder that human lives are at the center of weather forecasting and climate conversations. Today, Emily is going off the radar with Traci Curry, director of the new National Geographic docuseries "Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time." We'll also hear from Shelton Alexander, a New Orleans resident who survived the hurricane inside the Superdome and wrote a heartbreaking poem about his experience. Join us for a powerful conversation about what weather and climate mean for the people who experience them firsthand.

This summer's devastating wildfire season has sent smoke across county, state, and even international borders, affecting air quality thousands of miles away from the flames. Host Emily Gracey dives deep into the science behind the haze, exploring why wildfire seasons are stretching longer each year and how a changing climate is literally adding fuel to the fire. You'll discover the invisible dance between smoke and weather systems that determines whether your city wakes up under clear skies or a blanket of particulates. Climate Central's Shel Winkley explains the wildfire-climate connection, while Michigan meteorologist Alec Kownacki makes sense of those color-coded air quality measurements on your phone – what they really mean, how they're calculated, and why the difference between "moderate" and "unhealthy" could determine whether you take that morning jog or stay inside. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For nearly four decades, Jim Cantore has been America's most trusted voice in extreme weather. But in this deeply personal conversation, Emily sits down with the meteorological icon to explore the man behind the legend. Jim opens up about his New England childhood and the path that led him to The Weather Channel's early days, when cable television was still finding its footing. He shares candid stories from those formative years that shaped both his career and his character. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Jim discusses the personal storms that tested him more than any hurricane ever could—his family's health battles and the challenge of being a father while spending countless days on the road chasing weather across the country. With remarkable honesty, he reveals how these experiences changed his perspective on what truly matters. Jim and Emily also dive into the future of hurricane coverage in an evolving media landscape, and he addresses head-on the swirling rumors of retirement. This episode captures Jim at his most genuine—vulnerable about his struggles, proud of his journey, and refreshingly human. Expect laughter, heartache, and revelations that show why this broadcasting legend has remained so beloved by colleagues and viewers alike. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the cameras start rolling, there’s one person film and TV productions can’t do without — the meteorologist. This week on Off the Radar, host Emily Gracey is joined by The National Weather Desk’s summer intern Ben Tomfohrde to talk with Brett Zweiback, the on-set weather expert trusted to keep high-budget shoots safe when the weather turns. From hit TV shows like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead to blockbuster films like Jurassic World, Brett’s job is to make sure thunderstorms, lightning, or high winds don’t bring million-dollar days to a halt. He also shares how his skills extend beyond entertainment, as a forensic meteorologist working on legal cases and insurance investigations through his company, Spot On Weather. It’s a fascinating look at the high-stakes world of TV and film production, weather safety, and the unexpected places a career in meteorology can take you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Hurricane Helene knocked out cell towers for weeks and Texas floods left communities without power or internet, one piece of technology kept working: NOAA Weather Radio. In this essential emergency preparedness episode, we explore why this 50-year-old analog technology is more critical than ever in our digital age. The episode opens with a powerful story from Dr. Neil Jacobs, incoming NOAA Administrator, about how a weather radio saved his life during a 1996 tornado. But this isn't just about nostalgia – it's about survival when modern technology fails. Host Emily Gracey sits down with Bruce Jones from Midland Weather Radios to discuss the fascinating history of weather radio, practical setup and usage tips, and address swirling rumors about the future of the NOAA weather radio network. You'll learn why backup communication systems are essential, how weather radios work when cell service fails, and why every emergency kit needs this reliable technology. Whether you're a prepper, weather enthusiast, or just want to keep your family safe, this episode reveals why the humble weather radio deserves a spot alongside your smartphone in your emergency preparedness arsenal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On July 4th, 2024, flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country claimed multiple lives, including children, leaving a nation searching for answers. In this essential episode, host Emily Gracey talks with Dr. Kim Klockow McClain - NOAA meteorologist, social scientist, and mother - about how we move forward from tragedy. Dr. McClain explains why flash flood warnings are more complex than they appear, addresses the conspiracy theories that emerge after disasters, and offers hope for better science, communication, and community healing. This conversation focuses on learning from loss and building resilience in an era of extreme weather. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For a lot of people, summertime means beach season. But depending on where you live, you may have seen an increase in reported shark encounters over the past few years. In this episode, we're going off the radar with Greg Metzger, the Chief Field Coordinator for the shark work conducted through the South Fork Natural History Museum on Long Island. We'll be discussing how our changing climate is causing an increase in shark/human interactions, debunking myths about sharks, and telling us how beachgoers can stay safe this summer. Guest hosted by Brian Pietrus! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Emily is going off the radar back to 1863! She'll be talking to Dr. Jon Nese, an Associate Head of Penn State University's Program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. Dr. Nese isn't just a meteorologist; he's also studied and written about how weather influenced the American Civil War! We'll explore how different weather elements affected everything about the Gettysburg campaign, discover the surprising place where Dr. Nese found the meteorological evidence that brings this story to life, and discuss why his deep dive into 160-year-old weather records serves as a powerful reminder of just how critical reliable weather observation is in our modern world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Craig Setzer has a unique job - he's Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist. In this episode that originally aired in 2024, Craig shares what it's like predicting storms, waves, and wind along constantly moving cruise routes. Craig offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he works with ship captains to keep passengers and crew safe and comfortable. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In September 1989, NOAA hurricane hunters became the first to encounter Hurricane Hugo—and nearly became its first victims. Flying at 1,500 feet, they hit G-Forces in the Category 5 storm's eyewall, losing control of the aircraft nearly plunging it into the ocean. The flight was so violent that some crew members never flew into another hurricane. Today we'll hear from Dr. Jeff Masters, the meteorologist who was on board that historic flight, then explore the science of measuring turbulence with Dr. Josh Wadler from Embry-Riddle, who has developed a metric to quantify how rough these flights get—and confirms this remains the most violent hurricane hunter flight on record.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A storm surge causes coastal flooding, widespread devastation, and death. When a hurricane hits, the winds can blow away homes; but historically, a storm surge has been the deadliest part of a hurricane in the US. It can sweep houses right off their foundations and lead to a greater loss of life than hurricane winds alone. To better understand this phenomenon - and to grasp just how devastating and deadly it can be - we're going off the radar with Dr. “Hurricane Hal” Needham to discuss the biggest storm surges in American history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 15th is Father's Day, and this week we're going off the radar with author Kelly V. Porter. She's honoring her late father, Alonzo Smith Jr., who was one of the first Black American meteorologists in history and the subject of Kelly's book, The Weather Officer. Join Kelly and Emily for an emotional and eye-opening historical perspective on the history of meteorology and race in America as we pay tribute to this barrier-breaking dad. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.