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.
Water is Arizona's most vital resource. Sarah Porter, the Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University, joins Royal Norman for an in-depth discussion on the complexities of water management in Arizona, discussing the role of the Kyl Center, groundwater issues, aquifer recharge, and the challenges facing the Colorado River. They also examine the positive strides Arizona has made in water stewardship and the innovative proposals to ensure a sustainable water future for the state.
On this episode of Sonoran Sky, Royal Norman dives into the art of gardening in the challenging Arizona desert with expert gardener Angela Judd from Growing in the Garden. Angela shares her journey of mastering desert gardening, offers practical tips for beginners, and discusses essential topics like soil preparation, effective watering systems, and the best crops to plant in August. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on how to make your desert garden flourish. Don't miss out on Angela's advice and expertise to help you achieve gardening success in the desert!
The weather has always had the power to inspire, and that's certainly been true with music. Ian Schwartz welcomes in Rich Berra from The Johnjay & Rich Show to discuss their favorite weather-inspired tunes. Plus, Ian gives us his winding journey to becoming a meteorologist.
Dave Hondula is the city of Phoenix Director of Heat Response. For more than a decade, he’s been trying to figure out how to keep people cool when summer temperatures soar in the Valley. Finally, last year, there was a hint of success as the death rate from heat drop slightly. But for Dave, it was only a start. Royal Norman and Pete Mangione talked with “The man who wants to cool Phoenix down.”
In a special Sonoran Sky and Extra Point crossover episode, Meteorologist April Warnecke and AZ Family Sports Director Mark McClune talk to legendary angler and TV host Johnny Johnson. They find out the wild road Johnny took to TV fame, his favorite spots to fish in Arizona, and how the weather impacts fishing.
In this episode of the Sonoran Sky podcast, Royal Norman is joined by Dan Henz and Jonny Malloy from Maricopa County Flood Control to discuss the intricacies of Arizona's monsoon season. They talk about the unusual weather patterns, the impact of urban areas on weather, and how the monsoon season has evolved over the years...and the ways it hasn't. Both guests share their personal journeys into meteorology, influenced by memorable weather events, and highlight the wealth of data and resources available for tracking Arizona’s unique climate phenomenon. Tune in to gain insights into the science behind monsoons, the challenges in forecasting, the critical role of flood control in managing Arizona's weather risks, and why the expectation of a monsoon that produces more rain than the seasons of the past five years is rising.
For much of his young life, Paul sailed large boats in the Caribbean. He sailed to foreign countries and dozens of islands. And during one of those island stops, Paul came face to face with one of the strongest hurricanes of the last century. His survival story ignited his passion to make weather his career.
Royal Norman talks with Tom Frieders from the National Weather Service in Phoenix, who is an expert on hot weather. And as much as we don’t like it, we need to heat to help bring the monsoon into Arizona. But we need it in the right doses.
A view of the northern lights is always a treat in Arizona! Why is it hard to predict when there will be good views? Also, what is space junk and how is it tracked? Pete Mangione is joined by Katrina Bossert, an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School Of Earth and Space Exploration, to discuss!
You don’t have to be a local to know our summer monsoon can create towering walls of dust that roll up and into the Valley. They are an obvious hazard to drivers, but now a new study, decades in the making, confirms these filthy monsters are hazardous to your health. This research focuses on dustorms in three states and tens of thousands of ER visits for those caught outside in the swirling clouds of dirt. Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin is joined by Dr. James Crooks to discuss the study and the danger to your health.
As Arizona's climate changes, so too does the monsoon. Chief Meteorologist Royal Norman and meteorologist Pete Mangione talk with Shel Winkley from Climate Central on how the state's extreme heat is impact our summer storm season.
Lovers of Arizona, join us under the Sonoran Sky starting on May 28! Each Wednesday, 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.
If we didn’t have water, we wouldn’t have an Arizona as we know it. Royal Norman talks with Tom Buschatzke, the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources on this edition of Beyond the Green Screen. The question is: can we adequately manager water resources into the distant future.