January started like this!
Posted by Alaska Climate Info on Saturday, January 2, 2016
Yes, we began January with news stories of ice skaters performing perfect figure-eights and hockey stops in the street. We had ice, lots of it, but little to no remaining snow.
I knew as soon as I scheduled a show on our weird, low-snow winter, the weather gods would come to life. Indeed, hours after switching up our Hometown Alaska show schedule to fit in winter weather, clouds gathered, flakes began to drift.
You’re welcome!
Still, there’s a ton to talk about, not least the specter of global warming.
Independent climatologist Brian Brettschneider is back, joined by Louise Frode from the National Weather Service. We’ll compare 2014 (warmest year on record) with 2015. We’ll explore why we got such little snow (though Fairbanks and Turnagain Pass got more.) We’ll talk about the science of weather forecasting, including computer modeling, weather balloons and contributions from ordinary citizens.
We invite discussion on the impacts this weather pattern is having on Anchorage. Ice skate sales – UP. Snow plow jobs -DOWN.
Join us on the next Hometown Alaska as we face down the weather gods.
GUESTS:
- Brian Brettschneider, independent climatologist
- Louise Fode, NWS
- Call-in: Holly Morris, ASD ski race coordinator
- Call-in: Mark Nordman, Iditarod race director/race marshall
- Our listeners and callers
LINKS:
- 2015 was hottest year in historical record, scientists say (NYT, 1.20.16)
- The Blob…on winter vacation or gone for good? (APRN, 1.11.16)
- Warm weather creates treacherous driving (KTVA, 1.3.16)
- Brian B’s Climate Blog
- Alaska Climate Info (Facebook page)
- National Weather Service, Alaska Region, website
- Weather Underground, Anchorage, website
- NWS Climate Prediction Center
- Be a Spotter for NWS
- NWS Cooperative Observer Program
- To tour the NWS, call 266-5117
PARTICIPATE:
- Call 550-8433 (Anchorage) or 1-888-353-5752  (statewide) during the live broadcast (2:00 – 3:00pm)
- Send email to hometown@alaskapublic.org before, during or after the live broadcast (e-mails may be read on air)
- Post your comment or question below (comments may be read on air)
LIVE BROADCAST: Wednesday, January 20, 2016. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Alaska time)
REPEAT BROADCAST: Wednesday, January 20, 16, 2016 – 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Alaska time)
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