Is it getting windier?
Summary
Shortwave investigates whether Louisville is getting windier, prompted by listener Barry Zalph’s analysis of two decades of NOAA data. Meteorologist Scott Gunder explains that while extreme winds haven’t increased, low-speed winds have risen, likely due to jet stream dynamics. The episode also explores how climate change might shift severe storm environments and the concept of "Tornado Alley" moving eastward.
Topics discussed
Intro: NPR Tiny Desk Contest Tour
Listener Barry's data on increasing wind in Louisville
Sponsors: NetSuite and Edward Jones
The science of wind: pressure gradients and air movement
Jet stream influence on Kentucky's storm track
Analyzing Barry's data: low-speed vs extreme winds
Distinguishing weather trends from climate change
Is Tornado Alley shifting east due to climate change?
Outro and call for listener questions
Sponsors: Capella University, NPR Membership, Up First
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