Sonoran Sky

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.”