Episode 10: The Polar Vortex – Bitter Cold May Be Unleashed

what is the polar vortex

In this episode of the Weather Whys Podcast, host Ed Oswald explains the intricacies and impacts of the polar vortex, a term that has become part of everyday winter vocabulary. The episode delves into the polar vortex, its functions, and the phenomena of sudden stratospheric warming events that can disrupt it. Oswald distinguishes between minor … Read more

Episode 8: Weather vs Climate – A Helpful Guide

weather vs climate

In this episode of The Weather Whys Podcast, we explain the often misunderstood differences between weather vs climate. Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions that change frequently, while climate represents long-term patterns over decades or centuries. Ed highlights how weather impacts daily life, how climate influences long-term planning, and global issues like climate change. To … Read more

Episode 7: Changes in Earth’s Orbit Transform Climate

milankovitch cycles

In this episode of the Weather Whys Podcast, host Ed Oswald delves into Milankovitch cycles—changes in Earth’s orbit and rotation that drive long-term climate change. Learn about the Earth’s axial progression, obliquity, and eccentricity, and discover how these cycles impact seasonal contrasts, global warming, and historical climate events. Explore the intriguing hypothesis linking these cycles … Read more

Episode 5: Tornado Alley is Shifting East. Here’s Why That Matters.

tornado alley shifting east

Is Tornado Alley shifting east? In this episode of Weather Whys, we delve into the shifting patterns of tornado activity in the United States. We thought this episode would be especially relevant with the traditional peak of tornado season upon us. Tornado Alley has traditionally meant the Great Plains, but tornadoes are becoming more frequent … Read more

Episode 4: Hurricane Season is Longer Than You Think

hurricane season

If you live near the East Coast, hurricanes are a fact of life during the summer and early fall for most. In this episode of Weather Whys, host Ed Oswald looks at the Atlantic hurricane season in detail. Where hurricanes are most likely to form shifts throughout the season, leading up to a dramatic peak … Read more