🔥 Episode Summary
On today’s episode of Weather & Ag In Focus, host Dean Wysocki and guest host Bill Hjel dive deep into the skies — literally — with John Dean, CEO of Windborne Systems. They explore how high-tech, globe-circling weather balloons could transform everything from hurricane forecasting to ag planning in the Red River Valley. Plus, a fun grocery giveaway, sugar beet stories, and a sneak peek into the future of meteorology powered by AI.
Whether you're a farmer watching the sky or a weather nerd chasing storms, this episode blends tech, ag, and atmosphere into one fascinating forecast!
✨ Catchy Highlights & Key Moments
💧 [0:00] — "You Brought the Rain!"
Dean and Bill open with a look at the much-needed rainfall in the valley and how the current storm fits into the LRC (Lezak Recurring Cycle). Spoiler: it's not just a million-dollar rain anymore — it's billion.
🌩️ [2:00] — What’s Coming Weather-Wise
Dean breaks down the forecast: rain, sun, and weekend heat with mid-90s temps. Expect a soggy pattern until early July.
🚀 [10:05] — Meet Windborne: Balloons That Don’t Pop
John Dean joins the show to share how his company’s smart weather balloons stay aloft for weeks, collecting atmospheric data from around the world — especially over oceans where data is scarce.
🎈 [13:40] — Have They Been Shot Down?
Nope — but Windborne takes international airspace seriously. John explains why these lightweight, satellite-connected balloons fly under the radar (literally and legally).
🤖 [24:57] — AI vs. Old School Forecasting
Dean and John debate human meteorology vs. AI models. Windborne’s AI system, WeatherMesh, is topping accuracy charts — but Dean reminds us to never trust just one model (weather is still an art and a science!).