Published on: February 3, 2009 at 6:36 AM

WeatherBrains Episode 158 is now online (February 2, 2009). If you are crazy about weather, this is THE netcast audio program for you!

This week we return to the mundane world of weather. And you can be sure the word ice will appear a number of times as winter has grabbed hold of Alaska once again.

Other discussions in this weekly podcast include topics like:

  • Snow inundates England
  • Cold returns to Alaska
  • Fairbanks was quiet cold with temps 20 degrees below average
  • Snow cover stands at 36 percent
  • Discussion of model madness on winter storm
  • and more!
  • While the Post Office considers trimming back on mail delivery, our mail bag continued to get the attention of readers and the dapper Email Officer.

    And next week we’re going to have a special guest – Dave Schwartz, formerly of The Weather Channel. Plus James is working on getting forecast pointers from Doug Gilliam, professor at Mississippi State University.

    From The Weather Center:

    Aurora BorealisWeatherBrains 101: It has certainly been a long time since the young professor has seen a display of these during his early years in Vermont. So this week it’s a look at the aurora borealis or northern lights. What are they and what causes them? Is there a southern equivalent?

    TWIWH: Bill Murray takes a look at This Week in Weather History with a look at the week of February 3rd through February 10th. This was certainly a landmark week for weather historians as President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law legislation creating what we know today as the National Weather Service .

    Listener SurveyListener Surveys: Okay, we continue to drive this topic into the ground, but we really do like to hear from you. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to fill out the Listener Survey. The survey takes just a minute or two to complete and provides us with an opportunity to learn where you are and hear your thoughts and comments on the show. Click here to take the survey.

    Web Sites from Episode 158:

    Weather book by Tim Vasquez

    English snowfall pictures

    Picks of the Week:

    Dr. Tim Coleman – lightning strike video

    Kevin Selle – National Geographic on Mt. Washington

    James Spann – Digital Atmosphere

    JB Elliott – weather data at stormeyes

    Brian Peters – one site for aurora borealis images

    Join the host for this episode, James Spann, along with JB Elliott, Kevin Selle, Dr. Tim Coleman, and Brian Peters as they bring together another fascinating netcast about the weather.

    We love to hear from you! To leave a recorded message, call 1-888-247-8627. Some calls may be used in future episodes. Also, feel free to post comments to the site and drop us an email at email at (at symbol) weatherbrains dot com.