logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
13m 29s

Flying Into Snowstorms ... For Science!

NPR
About this episode
For the past few winters, researchers have been intentionally flying into snowstorms. And high in those icy clouds, the team collected all the information they could to understand—how exactly do winter storms work?

With more accurate data could come more accurate predictions about whether a storm would cause treacherous conditions that shut down schools, close roads and cancel flights. NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce recently took to the skies for one of these flights and shares her reporting with us today.

Read more of Nell's reporting on this NASA effort: https://n.pr/3lk9utH

Want to hear about other storm chasing happening in the name of science? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Today
Why The Tropics Have A Weather Forecasting Problem
Weather in the tropics is decidedly different than it is in the middle latitudes. It turns out, so are the weather systems – the factors that create things like the daily temperature and humidity! Historically, most weather forecasting models have been based on data from high-inc ... Show More
14m 7s
Oct 8
Doing Science at the Edge of the Earth
Some scientific discoveries take place in a lab. Others are made deep in the rainforest, along the ocean floor or on the dark side of the moon. And still others are made squelching through mud and ice on the northernmost island on Earth… at least, if you’re NPR climate correspond ... Show More
13m 15s
Oct 7
Solved: The Potato Origin Mystery
Usually, when two different species mate, it’s a disaster. At least, that’s what scientists had generally thought about hybrids, the offspring of these unions. But some researchers are starting to change their view as they learn of more beneficial hybrid events. The Atlantic scie ... Show More
12m 27s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2023
Babbage: How good can weather forecasting get?
In recent weeks, extreme heat, floods and storms have smashed records and caused devastation around the world. Freak weather events such as these will become more frequent due to climate change—but they are exceptionally hard to predict. How are meteorologists gearing up to face ... Show More
43m 17s
Dec 2022
Winter storm and severe cold sweeps across U.S.
Millions of Americans are being impacted by a monster winter storm that’s bringing ice, wind, snow and bitter cold to multiple parts of the country. More than 5,000 flights have been canceled as people try to get home for the holidays. Buffalo, New York Mayor Byron Brown gives AC ... Show More
42m 8s
Nov 2015
How do meteorologists predict the weather?
There’s all sorts of weather happening right now around the world. Rain, sun, wind, snow… you name it, somewhere it’s happening. It may seem hard to keep track of it all, but scientists have it figured out. We’ll find out how they collect data on weather around the globe and turn ... Show More
23m 58s
Feb 2023
Can the ski industry survive climate change?
Record-breaking temperatures in the Alps in Europe have led to a disappointing ski season so far. Some slopes have been more brown than white, while others have been forced to close all together. Many worry this is a bad omen for the whole industry – which employs thousands globa ... Show More
27m 32s
Apr 2022
Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?
Myths about lightning abound, but this one is true: It's safest to avoid running the taps during a thunderstorm. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/dangerous-to-bathe-during-thunderstorm. ... Show More
3m 30s
May 2023
The tornado problem
2023 has been a record-setting year for tornadoes, and these storms came with barely any warning. So to better understand tornadoes, scientists might need to confront more of these storms head-on.For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainableIt’s a great place to view show transcri ... Show More
24m 54s
Jun 2022
How Do the Santa Ana Winds Work?
The Santa Anas are winds that sweep hot air over Southern California, both clearing the air and exacerbating wildfires. Learn how they work in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/santa-ana-winds.h ... Show More
6m 39s
Mar 2022
BrainStuff Classics: What Happens When Hurricanes Hit Volcanoes?
In a phrase: big bada-boom. Learn how hurricanes and volcanoes intensify each other in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/battle-epic-hurricane-vs-volcano.htm Learn more about your ad-choices at https ... Show More
5m 55s
Jun 2024
What's different about this year's weather conditions?
Soaring temperatures are setting records around the world. And severe floods and storms are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. So how do this year's weather conditions, differ from those before? And what is that telling us? In this episode: Carolina Pereira Marghidan, Heat ... Show More
20m 40s