Why meteorologists still rely on weather balloons
Meteorologists observe the weather with satellites and aircraft. But, scientists still use weather balloons, one of their most reliable instruments.
Weather Realness
Illinois Public Media premieres a new weekly radio program and podcast, a partnership with the Department of Climate, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences in the School of Earth, Society & Environment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Weather Realness brings the best weather and climate scientists in Illinois to help the public understand weather and climate by providing scientific facts and enlightening conversation.
Why flights get delayed and what weather has to do with it
Why do flights get cancelled or delayed? Learn how the weather shapes flight routes and what Aviation Meteorologists look out for.
Storm chasers on the reality behind the chase
During a tornado, most people take cover. Others drive straight towards it. We talk to storm chasers about what it’s like to be in the path of a storm.
Storm chasing can be deadly, here’s how to stay safe
Storm chasing can be dangerous from tornadoes overtaking vehicles to hail destroying cars. Today we learn how storm chasers can be prepared and stay safe.
How much energy and water does AI really use?
AI is an increasingly present part of our lives from using ChatGPT to Google Gemini. But, it also has very high energy and water demands that we often don’t think about.
How AI is changing weather forecasting and climate predicitions
AI has the power to make tasks efficient for experts. Learn how scientists are using AI to make weather and climate predictions in minutes.
How to keep your garden blooming in spring weather
Spring gardening can sometimes feel like a battle against the elements. Today we talk about how to keep your garden blooming this season.
What a longer growing season means for Illinois crops
The planting season is getting underway and rising temperatures have only made growing seasons longer. We talk about how the longer growing season is affecting agriculture in Illinois.
How rising temperatures are reshaping California’s snowpack and Illinois’s drought
Soaring temperatures are reshaping water systems across the U.S. We talk about how the heat is melting the Sierra Nevada snowpack and influencing the ongoing drought in Illinois.
Inside the March heatwave that shattered records across the U.S.
Summer just came early. A March heatwave broke over 100 record highs from the West and High Plains. Learn why this heatwave shattered records and how likely we will see something like this in the future.
