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Lovers of Arizona, join us under the Sonoran Sky! Each week, Arizona's Family First Alert Meteorologists will bring you in-depth and entertaining conversations on our state's weather, natural wonders, gardening, hiking, and outdoor activities. Your time under the Sonoran Sky will help you understand how the weather impacts your life.
59 Episodes
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Meteorologist April Warnecke and Sports Director Mark McClune chat with PGA Meteorologist Wade Stettner about his unique career and what it's like to forecast for the WM Phoenix Open.
With the largest crowds on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open is known as the place to see and be seen, part party and part sporting event. But with those massive crowds, how did it become a zero-waste event? First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin goes in depth with David Brannon, the Four Corners VP of the tournament’s title sponsor WM, the environmental solutions company that has turned the event into the "Greenest Show on Grass.”
Climate change can impact snowfall and the length of the winter season. Dr. Elizabeth Burakowski from the University of New Hampshire joins Pete Mangione to discuss how this affects skiing and the winter economy.
Abundant fall rains and hints at a decent winter rainy season have wildflower hunters hoping for a big spring bloom. Angelica Elliott from the Desert Botanical Garden is on the Sonoran Sky First Alert Podcast, and she told Royal Norman, things are looking good!
The Valley of the Sun mostly sparkles year-round with endless blue skies, but around the holidays the dreaded “brown cloud” returns year after year threatening to spoil our views and our health. First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin goes in-depth with a communications specialist from Maricopa County’s Air Quality department to break down the reasons behind our dirty air. From our topography and winter weather patterns to that cozy, backyard fire pit and a few fireworks combined, can almost instantly pollute your own neighborhood’s air quality to dangerous levels.
You’ll hear a lot in the media that wildfire season in Arizona is all year long. That’s not the case, according to Arizona State Foresty Management Officer John Truitt. He shared his view on the Sonoran Sky Podcast with meteorologist Royal Norman.
From reporting hard news to forecasting the weather, Holly Bock has done it all at Arizona's Family! Holly discusses the similarities and differences between telling a news story versus a weather story.
With less than a year to go, the Colorado River states have yet to renew an agreement how to divide this great resource of the Southwest. In a new Sonoran Sky podcast, Meteorologist Royal Norman talked with Sarah Porter, the Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, about how time is growing short to get a agreement.
The San Pedro River is in southern Arizona, flowing north out of Mexico past Sierra Vista and For Huachuca. In recent years, the San Pedro has come under tremendous pressure due to drought and increased usage of the ground water in the area. The river’s flows are trending drier. On this week’s Sonoran Sky podcast, Meteorologist Royal Norman talked with Kim Schonek of The Nature Conservancy who is optimistic that the river can be saved.
Mike Nelson is a highly respected retired broadcast meteorologist. He envisions a future with something he calls The Great American SuperGrid that transmits renewable energy around the country, and he joined Sonoran Sky to discuss the endeavor with Pete Mangione.
Snow skiing is a part of the allure of Arizona for almost 90 years. Since 1938, folks have headed up to Flagstaff to ski on the state’s highest peak, which happens to be a dormant volcano! On this edition of Sonoran Sky, First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin takes you through the upcoming ski season, from enhanced snowmaking to something called tree glading, it’s everything you need to know before heading up to the southernmost major ski resort in the continental U.S.!
"You said it was going to rain at my house and it didn't. Imagine getting paid to be getting wrong!" We hear it all from viewers from reasonable complaints to downright ridiculousness. April Warnecke and Ian Schwartz chat about some misconceptions in the weather biz.
In this episode of Sonoran Sky, we explore the best patios in the Valley to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Hosts April Warnecke and Ian Schwartz discuss their favorite outdoor spots, from hidden gems to popular hangouts, perfect for dining and relaxing. Tune in for restaurant recommendations, insights on Arizona's unique fall season, and tips for making the most of outdoor activities in the Valley of the Sun.
In this week's episode of Sonoran Sky, we talk about the best spots across the state of Arizona to see the leaves change colors in the beautiful reds and yellows. But you have to go soon, before it's too late! We're joined by Josh Coddington, the Director of Communications for the Arizona Office of Tourism, who shares details on the best spots all across the state, from northern, to eastern, and southern Arizona, and the hidden gems in between.
Known by many names of the years, the Arizona monsoon is one thing: unpredictable. But it’s that mystery that drove Dr. Jonny Malloy to write the book called North American Monsoon. On the Sonoran Sky Podcast, Meteorologist Royal Norman tells us Malloy’s book is accessible to all.
The forecast is in. A strong La Nina pattern is setting up in the Pacific. It’s a stretch of cold water along the surface of the ocean. Shel Winkley of Climate Central joined the Sonoran Sky Podcast and told Chief Meteorologist Royal Norman that this is big news for Arizona and cold result in a dry winter ahead.
Join us as Holly Bock interviews the legendary Royal Norman about Arizona’s unique weather, the evolution of the monsoon, dust storms (and haboobs!), and the challenges of forecasting in the desert. Get behind-the-scenes stories, expert insights, and practical tips for staying safe during monsoon season.
Whether it’s hiking or ski season, forecasting the weather in Arizona’s mountains is especially challenging. In this episode, meteorologist Pete Mangione sat down with Arizona Public Radio meteorologist Lee Born. He’s an expert in Arizona mountain forecasting and he says there are always high stakes in the high country.
Meteorologist Pete Mangione is joined by Sean McLaughlin, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry and 19 years with Arizona's Family, as he shares his journey from local Arizona weather coverage to his exhilarating yet grueling stint at MSNBC. They dive into the intense hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, including the unforgettable Hurricane Katrina. Sean provides an insider look into the challenges of forecasting, the emotional toll, and the balance between professional dedication and family life. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the most dramatic times in weather broadcasting history.
As the water levels continue to drop at Lake Powell, the possibility of dead pool becomes more and more likely. As Royal Norman found out from Zak Podmore, the author of the book “Life After Dead Pool,” a trusted water system in the west begins to break down quickly.
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