North Sound Weather Minute

My latest Podcast highlights more rain coming with renewed flooding on some rivers expected, while remembering what happened in 2006 during this same time period. Listen for all the details.

This Podcast describes the results from the recent North Sound flooding. Were a few records broken? Listen to learn the answer and what else threatens heading into this weekend.

The wettest atmospheric river to hit the North Sound since 2022 arrives this week with heavy rainfall, flooding, coastal flooding, blustery winds, and a rising threat of landslides. Listen to this podcast for all the details.

A big change in the early December weather pattern will result in a period of mild wet weather. This Podcast describes the timing, the impacts, and when the weather pattern will change to a cooler one.

Meteorological winter is getting underway. But what about the start of winter on the winter solstice later in December? Learn about the difference on when winter begins by listening to this Podcast.

The Podcast describes the latest winter weather outlook for the North Sound, what the impacts could be, and how to better prepare for whatever this winter may offer.

The North Sound suffered a 'bomb cyclone' a year ago. What is a bomb cyclone? This Podcast describes what this event is, what it caused last year, and how to prepare for the next big wind storm.

This Podcast answers that question and includes some recent significant King Tide events that have caused property damage in the Puget Sound region. Time to get prepared before the next King Tide.

The answer is described in this Podcast, helping more clearly define what is a 100-year flood.....a threat each season.

This term is being mis-used quite a bit these days. This podcast describes what a real atmospheric river - aka - pineapple express is and what it can produce including flooding and possible landslides, all that can be prepared for in advance.

In standard time, sunsets are now before 5 PM marking the start of the 'big dark'. This month is also known as the wettest and most flood prone month of the year. Learn why that is the case and will progress be made on the year's rain deficit by listening.

Yes, it is that time of year again, the change from Daylight Time to Standard Time. This podcast addresses why that is still the case, and serves as a reminder to change those emergency notification device batteries as well.

Does it always rain on Halloween? This Podcast answers this question and also offers what this year's Halloween weather looks like - will it be a haunting evening for those scary creatures roaming neighborhoods?

More North Sound citizen scientists are wanted to report daily rain, hail and snow from their backyards. This Podcast describes how weather enthusiasts can join CoCoRaHS - the Community, Collaborative, Rain, Hail and Snow network and provide daily rainfall reports, particularly as a holiday gift idea.

Want to know what this coming winter's weather season may look like and how to prepare in advance? Listen to this Podcast for the latest information.

The annual Great Shakeout earthquake drill is on Oct 16th. Have you registered? This Podcast describes the drill, how fun it is, and how you can register in advance.

What would happen if this grand-daddy of all non-tropical wind storms struck today? Listen to what happened in 1962 and what could happen if another similar monster wind storm hit the region again in this Podcast.

Does it feel like fall? The mountains are expected to get their first dose of snow this weekend. This Podcast addresses why that is anticipated, how much and where it will fall, along with what is forecast for the lowlands. Listen for the ending.

Temperature inversions become more prevalent during the fall and winter seasons, and so does fog. Learn more about temperature inversions and fog in this Podcast.

It has been a dry year thus far. Finally, a change in the dry weather pattern has happened and rain has arrived. This Podcast discusses the current rain deficit and can the change in the overall weather pattern make a difference.

This podcast addresses why tree leaves change color this time of year, plus when they will change, and where to view them.

This podcast describes the details behind the fall equinox. With fall and winter stormy weather ahead, how to prepare in advance is also offered.

Many are asking this question given how dry it is. This podcast reviews how dry the region is, the heightened wildfire situation, and addresses the question - when will it really rain.

This month is National Preparedness Month, the opportunity to get better prepared for the coming fall and winter storm season. This podcast describes what kind of stormy weather occurs during the fall and winter storm seasons, plus where you can obtain helpful information to get ready for the upcoming storm season.

This podcast addresses the question - is summer weather over? Listen for the details and learn whether summer weather may or may not return before fall arrives.

Sept 1st marks the start of meteorological fall. But doesn't summer run for another three weeks? Learn the difference by listening to this Podcast.

10 years ago, a historic summer wind storm struck Western Washington and the North Sound. This podcast revisits that wind storm, what happened, and could it happen again.

The podcast describes the return of much warmer summer weather this weekend and beyond, and why. Plus, there are hot summer weather safety recommendations as well.

The American Meteorologist Society recently released the annual State of the Climate report for 2024. This podcast reviews the highlights of the report that reflect the ongoing warming of our planet.

A big change in the weather will bring much needed rain late this week. But is summer over? Listen to learn how much rain is in store and the answer to that end of summer question.

The Perseids peak this week. Learn when and where to look at the Northern Hemisphere's most popular meteor annual event, and how the meteor shower got its name by listening here.

Thanks to clearing skies, a unique night sky event will unfold this weekend to near the end of the month. Listen to learn what six planets will align, offering you a chance to see this exceptional event.

It has been nearly two months since the North Sound had a significant rainfall. Listen to learn what is expected this week, steps to take to stay safe on the roads, and what lies ahead starting this weekend.

This podcast looks back in ancient time to learn where the phrase Dog Days of Summer began. The story may surprise you!

Remember the hot day back on July 29th, 2009? That all-time record high has been matched twice since. Learn if it can happen again and what the rest of the summer weather looks like.

With wildfire season in full gear, this podcast addresses steps to avoid reduce the impact of wildfire smoke, and how to help avoid starting wildfires and defending your home or business.

The recent heat wave has kicked the local wildfire season into high gear. Listen to learn more about the current weather conditions, the latest seasonal weather outlook into September, and how wildfires and its smoke can be prevented.

Temperatures will ramp up this week. This podcast describes how hot, what steps to take to be cooler safely, and the rising wildfire conditions.

This Podcast describes how dry the North Sound is and highlights wildfire season is here. Steps on helping defend from wildfires for homes and businesses, plus steps to help prevent wildfires are presented.

The answer to this question is addressed in this podcast plus what the weather looks like for this year's Independence Day as well as noting the ongoing dry conditions and the fire threat with fireworks.

It was 4 years ago in late June when the Pacific Northwest suffered the historic 'heat dome'. Learn what happened then, why it happened, and could it happen again by listening.

This Podcast describes the long history of the summer solstice around the world, plus when does it occur and will the first weekend of summer be summerlike? Listen for the details.

Some call the recent weather - June Gloom. This Podcast describes the weather pattern after a warm start to the month, resulting in the marine cloud cover, and what the weather outlook is for the rest of the month.

Many know the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Yet did you know there is another local warning reception service? Learn all about this little known system by listening to this podcast.

This Podcast remembers the Great Seattle Fire that occurred 136 years ago. Can this kind of urban fire occur again? This Podcast describes the situation including the current warm and very dry conditions in place, similar to that in 1889.

This past month was another dry month adding to the year's deficit. This Podcast describes the summer outlook, how it ties in with a rising wildfire and smoke threat, and what you can do to help protect your property.

More warm weather is coming. This Podcast offers some warm weather safety reminders as summer approaches including while enjoying area waterways.

This Podcast looks back at all the Memorial Day weekends so far this century to answer the question - does it always rain on the holiday weekend. Listen to learn those results and what lies ahead for this weekend.

This Podcast addresses the latest summer weather outlook for the region, and what everyone needs to do to prepare for the impacts of this summer's weather.

This Podcast describes my own experience of taking the first phone call while on duty when the mountain blew including when the red emergency phone rang.

Days are getting longer and the weather is warming up. Time for many to enjoy area waterways. Yet, the waters are cold. This Podcast describes why and how to be safer on the water, making each day enjoyable.

Several listeners asked does the North Sound get tornadoes? Listen for the answer that may surprise you in this informative Podcast.

April was the 4th month this year with below average rainfall. This Podcast describes the weather outlook into summer, what the dry conditions mean for the North Sound, and what you can do to help.

This Podcast is part 2 of a two-part podcast on weather balloons including what they do and how they are used in the weather forecast and warning process.

Weather balloons have been in the news lately. This is part 1 of a 2-part Podcast addressing what are weather balloons and why are they important.

This Podcast describes what the latest seasonal weather outlook is for the rest of this spring and summer, and what does it mean.

Spring is the prime time season for rainbows in the North Sound. Learn how rainbows form and how you can share your rainbow photos by listening.

Spring and particularly the month of April is the peak season for the Puget Sound Convergence Zone. This Podcast addresses what the convergence zone is, how it forms, and its impacts.

April 1st usually marks the peak of the mountain snowpack. This Podcast reports the status of the snowpack and the concerns heading into this summer and fall regarding water supplies, and the greater risk for wildfires and wildfire smoke.

Warmer spring weather is on the way, but is it time to put seasonal plants in the garden? This podcast highlights when the threat of frost ends in the North Sound.

This Podcast highlights the deadline to remove studded tires, what studded tires do to roadways, avoiding waits at tire shops, and what the fine is for having those tires on past the deadline.

This Podcast highlights the rare threat of severe weather late Wednesday this week, including the potential for strong damaging winds, large hail, and even a tornado or waterspout cannot be ruled out. Learn what is driving this unique weather pattern and steps to stay out of harm's way.

The arrival also means allergy season is now in full swing. This Podcast describes the current and future pollen offenders through spring and into summer.

This Podcast honors those who lost their lives in the Oso/SR 530 landslide 11 years ago, as well as all those involved in the response and recovery efforts.

Spring starts later this week. This Podcast describes the latest seasonal weather outlook for the North Sound as spring begins and what is expected this summer.

This Podcast addresses the issue of whether or not the mountain snowpack that is currently below average catch up during an upcoming cool wet period. The lowlands can use the rain too.

This Podcast describes what a total lunar eclipse is, some recent history of this unique event, and will the clouds part to see it?

Clocks spring forward early Sunday morning again. This Podcast describes why that is still the case and what actions should be taken during this event that could save lives.

The month of March kicks off the primary season for thunderstorms in the North Sound. Listen to learn why that is the case and that there is another thunderstorm peak later this year.

March 1st marks the date of the deadliest avalanche in the nation's history. This Podcast describes what happened 115 years ago and offers guidance on how to stay safe while enjoying the snow in the backcountry.

This Podcast describes how much the recent rains made a dent in the precipitation deficit including the mountain snowpack.

The latest seasonal weather outlook for this spring and summer was just released. This Podcast describes what is forecast for the North Sound as the season moves into spring and summer.

As much of the nation plunges into another deep freeze, a listener asked what is a polar vortex. This Podcast answer that question.

In the wake of Valentine's Day, I often get questions about when is the best time to hold an outdoor wedding. This Podcast describes when that time period is in the North Sound.

If you are tired of this cold weather, relief is on the way. Listen for the details on this Podcast.

More cold weather is forthcoming heading into this weekend and well into next week. This Podcast explains why that is the case and the impacts including in the mountains.

This Podcast recognizes all those on America's weather team who collectively help Americans plan their day and keep them safe with weather forecast information and warnings on National Weatherperson's Day.

This Podcast describes the coldest air mass of the season and the ongoing threat of lowland snow this week and beyond. Listen to learn how cold it will be and for how long.

Groundhog Day goes back to 1887 and was based upon a shopkeepers diary. Learn the details and we will all see if the groundhog will see his shadow on February 2nd.

75 years ago was the coldest day on record in the region. Learn what and how that happened, plus how this upcoming cold weather period compares. Oh, there is some information about snow this weekend and beyond too.

This month has been unusually dry. This Podcast explains why that has been the case and what lies ahead going into February including a threat of lowland snow.

More cold dry weather is on tap this week for the North Sound. Will it offer an opportunity for lowland snow in time? This Podcast offers answers.

A lifetime North Sound listener asked what are Santa Ana winds? This Podcast describes the weather pattern involved with Santa Anas in southern California, and also addresses can and has a similar weather pattern and resulting winds with wildfires occurred here. Listen for all the answers here.

This Podcast addresses the next set of King Tides this week and their impact in the North Sound.

The season for avalanches has arrived. Learn more about how avalanches occur and what resources to use to help avoid becoming a victim for the second highest weather-related cause of annual fatalities in Washington.

A listener asked what are gap winds? This Podcast describes what they are and what they can do including the impacts from the recent bomb cyclone.

I composed a poem that summarizes the North Sound weather experienced in 2024. Enjoy this manner to review the weather memories of the year.

Dec 26th marks the 20th year since the tragic Sumatra earthquake and deadly tsunami. This Podcast serves as a reminder that those in the North Sound need to be better prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis.

Having a White Christmas in the North Sound has long odds. This Podcast describes what are those odds and a look back at some of the recent holidays with snow on the ground.

The winter solstice is coming up on Dec 21st, This Podcast highlights what the winter solstice is, and what it means in human history.

The strongest wind storm of this century thus far occurred 18 years ago this weekend. This Podcast reviews what happened and compares it to the recent bomb cyclone wind event, plus how you can better prepare for the next storm.

AI is making inroads in the weather forecast process. This to this Podcast to learn what has been done thus far and what is planned for the future.

Dec 1st marked the start of meteorological winter. But wait, doesn't winter start on the winter solstice, this year on Dec 21st? This podcast addresses the differences between meteorological and astronomical winter.

While enjoying Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends, the question about what to give under the tree may arise. For those weather enthusiasts, this Podcast offers some ideas that will keep on giving through the year and beyond.

This Podcast addresses the weather leading into and through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend for the North Sound and beyond. Given November is usually the wettest month of the year, the weather for this time period may be surprising.

The Podcast describes what a 100-year flood really means, dispelling the often mis-interpretation. Learn what the real meaning of the term 100-year flood is by listening.

November marks the start of King Tide Season. But what is a King Tide, what have they impacted in the past, and what can be done to help reduce the impact? This Podcast addresses all those questions.

This month is the most flood prone month of the year. Why is that? Listen to learn what the primary reasons are.

Welcome to the historically wettest month of the year. Learn what weather lies ahead and the impacts in this Podcast.

This Podcast describes what is happening with this twice yearly time change as clocks roll back 1 hour this Sunday morning. Plus, it is time to change those batteries too.