Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes in Met Éireann during a major weather event?
Hear the inside story in the latest episode of our podcast where Liz and Noel are joined by Evelyn Cusack to talk storms and warnings, the importance of communication during severe weather, and being winter-ready. An Irish language version of this episode is now available here with Ferdia McCrann.
Episode 6 selfie – Evelyn Cusack, Noel Fitzpatrick, Liz Walsh
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, we 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. 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, more details here, how to interpret our warnings, and why we name storms. Paul Moore delivers the monthly climate summary for Ireland and 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.
You can listen and subscribe below, or on your favourite podcast app. You can also contact the Podcast team at podcast@met.ie or use #MetEireannPodcast on Twitter
On our Podcast page you can listen to all our previous podcasts, episode notes and a collection of music by The Isobars.