Storms and severe weather can impact Ireland several times a year, and ensuring the public and its services are well-informed of these events is a key role for Met Éireann. In this episode, Liz and Noel take a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations and activities taking place in Met Éireann in the build up to a potentially major weather event. They are joined in studio by this month’s guest Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting in Met Éireann.
We hear how forecasters determine the likely strength, timing and location of severe weather, and learn about the natural indicators and computer-based tools that help them. We follow along with briefings from internal and international experts and hear how Met Éireann engages with the National Emergency Coordination Group. We also hear how Met Éireann communicates information and warnings regarding potentially severe weather and the importance of providing a clear and fact-based message to the public while avoiding hype.
Liz and Noel are then joined by Evelyn Cusack to talk about this year’s ‘Winter-Ready’ campaign, how to interpret our warnings, and why we name storms. To close the episode, the Met Éireann choir – The Isobars – perform a great rendition of ‘Bad Moon Rising’ with Aoife Murray conducting and accompaniment from Dónal Black.
Episode notes:
North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index:
https://www.met.ie/what-are-teleconnections-and-how-do-they-influence-irelands-weather
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/atmosphere/north-atlantic-oscillation
Episode 6 selfie – Evelyn Cusack, Noel Fitzpatrick, Liz Walsh