Meteorology Matters

In 2025, weather forecasting reached a turning point—just as climate extremes pushed storms to new limits.ull description:In this episode of Meteorology Matters, meteorologist Rob Jones examines how 2025 became a defining year for weather forecasting and climate risk.🔍 This episode covers:How new AI-driven weather models dramatically improved forecast accuracyWhy Hurricane Melissa became a real-world test of next-generation forecastingHow record global heat is reshaping hurricane intensity and extreme weather riskSmarter forecasts are helping save lives—but they can’t stop climate change. Here’s what the data from 2025 tells us about where forecasting is heading next.🎧 Subscribe for clear, science-based weather and climate analysis.

In 2025, weather risk in the United States became about more than storms—it exposed systemic failures in disaster response, science, and preparedness.Full description:In this episode of Meteorology Matters, meteorologist Rob Jones examines a troubling convergence shaping the United States in 2025—where climate risk, institutional breakdowns, and a growing loss of talent are colliding.🔍 This episode explores:Why scientists, professionals, and families are increasingly leaving the U.S.How disaster response failures are amplifying weather and climate riskWhat political and institutional pressure on science means for forecasting, preparedness, and public safetyFrom stalled disaster buyouts to the destabilization of America’s scientific workforce, this is a data-driven look at how weather risk extends far beyond the forecast.🎧 Subscribe for clear, science-based weather and climate analysis.

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Neil L. FrankDr. Neil L. Frank (1931-2025) was a transformative figure in meteorology, widely regarded as the nation's foremost authority on hurricanes. His career spanned two distinct, highly influential roles: first as the longest-serving director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) from 1974 to 1987, and subsequently as the chief meteorologist for KHOU 11 in Houston from 1987 to 2008. Dr. Frank's primary legacy lies in revolutionizing hurricane risk communication, shifting the focus from mere forecasting to aggressive public education and preparedness. He pioneered the use of mass media to deliver clear, urgent, and life-saving information directly to the public, becoming the nationally recognized face of hurricane warnings, or "Mr. Hurricane," in the 1980s. His unwavering philosophy was to prioritize public safety above all, famously stating, "I'd rather be on the safe side," a principle that guided his extensive efforts in education, international coordination, and resilient operational leadership. His contributions are immortalized by the "Neil Frank Award," which recognizes excellence in hurricane preparedness and communication.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Biographical OverviewEarly Life and Education• Birth and Upbringing: Neil LaVerne Frank was born on September 11, 1931, in Clayton, Kansas, in the heart of "tornado country." He was the grandson of German-American farmers who had migrated from Pennsylvania. His father was a farm machinery mechanic and his mother was a school teacher. He was raised in a strict environment where the family abstained from alcohol, smoking, and swearing.• Initial Ambitions: His early ambition was to become a basketball player and coach. At six feet tall, he enrolled at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, to play basketball.• Shift to Science: A professor at Southwestern College persuaded him that studying chemistry would be "good insurance for the future," leading him to earn a bachelor's degree in the subject.Military Service and Advanced Studies• United States Air Force: After graduating from high school, Dr. Frank enlisted in the Air Force, where he was trained as a meteorologist. He was assigned to Okinawa to study typhoons.• Doctorate in Meteorology: Upon leaving the service in 1957, he pursued advanced studies at Florida State University, where he earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in tropical meteorology.Career Trajectory and Key RolesDr. Frank's professional life was defined by two major careers, first in public service with the National Weather Service and then in broadcast meteorology.PeriodRoleOrganizationPre-1957MeteorologistUnited States Air Force1961 - 1968MeteorologistNational Weather Service1968 - 1974Hurricane ForecasterNational Hurricane Center (NHC)1974 - 1987DirectorNational Hurricane Center (NHC)June 1987 - June 2008Chief MeteorologistKHOU 11 (Houston)As the longest-serving director in NHC history, Dr. Frank oversaw U.S. hurricane forecasting and warning operations through numerous high-impact seasons. He transformed the role from a purely scientific one to a public-facing mission focused on preparedness and saving lives.

🎧 Whether you’re flying, driving, or staying put, this is the forecast you actually need.As the year comes to a close, millions of Americans are on the move—and the atmosphere is anything but cooperative.In this episode, we take a calm, science-based look at why the final week of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most complex weather-and-travel periods in recent memory. More than 122 million people are traveling nationwide, including a record number of airline passengers, all while the country experiences sharp and unusual weather contrasts from coast to coast.Across the central and southern U.S., record-challenging warmth is unfolding during what’s typically the coldest time of year. Meanwhile, the West Coast faces a multi-day atmospheric river, bringing flooding concerns, mountain snow, and rare severe-weather threats in California.We also zoom out to place this week in context: • Why 2025 ranks among the warmest years on record • How a weakening La Niña is shaping current conditions • What the transition toward ENSO-neutral could mean heading into early 2026 • Where weather may disrupt travel—and where it likely won’tThis episode isn’t about hype or headlines. It’s about understanding what’s happening where you live, how it affects travel this week, and what patterns are worth watching next.

🎧 Ya sea que viajes en avión, en carretera o te quedes en casa, este es el pronóstico que realmente necesitas.A medida que el año llega a su fin, millones de estadounidenses se están desplazando, y la atmósfera no está cooperando.En este episodio, analizamos de forma clara y basada en la ciencia por qué la última semana de 2025 se perfila como uno de los periodos más complejos para el clima y los viajes en años recientes. Más de 122 millones de personas viajarán en todo el país, incluyendo un número récord de pasajeros aéreos, mientras Estados Unidos experimenta contrastes meteorológicos marcados e inusuales de costa a costa.En el centro y sur del país, se está registrando calor cercano a niveles récord durante una época que normalmente es la más fría del año. Al mismo tiempo, la Costa Oeste enfrenta un evento prolongado de río atmosférico, con riesgo de inundaciones, nieve en las montañas y amenazas poco comunes de tiempo severo en California.También ampliamos la perspectiva para poner esta semana en contexto:Por qué 2025 se encuentra entre los años más cálidos jamás registradosCómo una La Niña en debilitamiento está influyendo en las condiciones actualesQué podría significar la transición hacia condiciones ENSO neutrales a comienzos de 2026Dónde el clima podría afectar los viajes… y dónde probablemente noEste episodio no se trata de exageraciones ni titulares alarmistas. Se trata de entender qué está pasando donde vives, cómo puede afectar tus viajes esta semana y qué patrones vale la pena seguir observando.