---
title: "Behind the Forecast: Inside the Stories and Science That Keep Communities Safe"
description: Discover what's in store as our Behind the Forecast video series dives into the stories & innovations that make life-saving weather communication possible.
image: https://blog.aem.eco/hubfs/Behind%20the%20Forecast%20Blog%20Header-2.jpg
---
[AEM Logo Header](https://aem.eco/)
- Solutions
### Solutions
- #### Data & Software
- #### [AEM Elements® 360](https://aem.eco/product/elements-360/)
- #### [Sferic Maps®](https://aem.eco/product/sferic-maps/)
- #### [Data and APIs](https://aem.eco/product-type/data-api/)
- #### Hardware
- #### [Systems](https://aem.eco/product-type/systems/)
- #### [Sensors](https://aem.eco/product-type/sensors/)
- #### [Data Collection](https://aem.eco/product-type/data-collection/)
- #### [Cameras](https://aem.eco/product-type/cameras/)
- #### [Alerting](https://aem.eco/product-type/alerting/)
- #### [Telemetry](https://aem.eco/product-type/telemetry/)
- #### [Accessories](https://aem.eco/product-type/accessories/)
- #### Professional Services
- #### [Meteorological Services](https://aem.eco/service/meteorological-services/)
- #### [Hydromet Services](https://aem.eco/service/hydromet-services/)
- #### [Network Design](https://aem.eco/service/network-design/)
- #### [Field Services & Installation](https://aem.eco/service/field-services-installation/)
- #### [Maintenance and Calibration](https://aem.eco/service/maintenance/)
- #### [Training](https://aem.eco/service/training/)
- #### Solutions
- #### [Flood Risk Management](https://aem.eco/solution/flood-risk-management/)
- #### [Severe Weather Risk Management](https://aem.eco/solution/severe-weather-risk-management/)
- #### [Wildfire Risk Management](https://aem.eco/solution/wildfire-risk-management/)
- #### [Precision Agriculture](https://aem.eco/solution/precision-agriculture/)
- #### [Lightning Detection](https://aem.eco/solution/lightning-detection/)
- #### [Dam Safety](https://aem.eco/solution/dam-safety/)
- #### [Community Weather](https://aem.eco/solution/personal-weather/)
#### AEM Elements® Resiliency Platform
Your essential toolkit for weather forecasting, hazard detection, and emergency response coordination.
[Learn more](https://lp.aem.eco/aem-elements-resiliency-platform-launch)
- Industries
### Industries
- #### [Agriculture Monitor growing conditions to improve yields and reduce waste.](https://aem.eco/industry/agriculture/)
- #### [Aviation Keep crews aware of severe weather.](https://aem.eco/industry/aviation/)
- #### [Club & Sport Keep athletes, members, and staff safe.](https://aem.eco/industry/club-sport/)
- #### [Construction Secure job sites, workers, and deadlines against weather.](https://aem.eco/industry/construction-engineering/)
- #### [Education Protect students from lightning and heat stress.](https://aem.eco/industry/education/)
- #### [Energy Utilities Prepare and respond to weather-related outages.](https://aem.eco/industry/energy-utility/)
- #### [National Governments Protect citizens and infrastructure.](https://aem.eco/industry/government/)
- #### [Ground Transportation Monitor dangerous road conditions.](https://aem.eco/industry/ground-transportation/)
- #### [Manufacturing Minimize weather impact and demonstrate compliance.](https://aem.eco/industry/manufacturing/)
- #### [Maritime Anticipate bad weather to keep crews and cargo safe.](https://aem.eco/industry/maritime/)
- #### [Military Stay prepared from severe weather disruptions.](https://aem.eco/industry/military/)
- #### [Mining Protect workers and optimize operations.](https://aem.eco/industry/mining/)
- #### [Renewable Energy Protect and manage critical infrastructure.](https://aem.eco/industry/renewable-energy/)
- #### [States & Municipalities Safeguard communities from severe weather events.](https://aem.eco/industry/states-municipalities/)
- #### [Water Utilities Minimize disruption and keep water safe.](https://aem.eco/industry/water-utility/)
#### A Buying Guide for Airport Operations
An effective approach to mitigating weather risks includes three stages: Analyze, Plan, and Implement.
[Download guide](https://lp.aem.eco/airport_buying_guide)
- [Resources](https://aem.eco/resources/)
### Resources & Insights
- #### [Blog Articles and perspectives to grow your weather resiliency knowledge.](https://blog.aem.eco/?_gl=1*59kdv5*_gcl_au*MTg2MzM2NDE1OC4xNzQwNTA5ODg1*_ga*MTE5Njc5MjQ1MC4xNzQwNTA5ODg1*_ga_ZQ24JNBSJ0*MTc0NjAxMTA4MC41MC4xLjE3NDYwMTg0NzguNTkuMC44NTE1NzUxMjQ.)
- #### [Case Studies See how our customers have transformed into weather readiness leaders.](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=case-study)
- #### [Demos Learn the benefits and outcomes you can achieve using AEM products.](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=demo)
- #### [Podcast Hear straight from industry experts on data, trends, stories, and anomalies.](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2juJxrdXIUpTAaMkfCuY26DuiWoUVY1E)
- #### [Product & Data Sheets See the specifications of our weather stations, sensors, and hardware.](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=data-sheet)
- #### [Reports & Guides Connect with insights from our research team and proprietary data.](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=report)
- #### [Solution Overviews Learn how we align solutions to today’s growing weather challenges.](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=solution-overview)
- #### [Webinars Sign up for upcoming learning sessions or watch events on demand.](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=webinar)
#### 2025 U.S. Lightning Report
A deep dive into 2025 U.S. lightning activity powered by data from AEM’s Earth Networks Total Lightning Network®.
[View the Report](https://aem.eco/2025-united-states-lightning-report/)
- Company
### Company
- #### [About us The world’s essential source for environmental insights.](https://aem.eco/about-us/)
- #### [Our Offices We serve markets around the world with local staff.](https://aem.eco/our-offices/)
- #### [Brands Learn about the deep histories of the brands behind our technology.](https://aem.eco/our-brands/)
- #### [Partners Become a partner and build resilient communities with AEM.](https://aem.eco/partners/)
- #### [Careers Come join our mission-driven culture and make a difference around the world.](https://aem.eco/careers/)
- #### [In the News Key organizational updates and news from AEM.](https://aem.eco/press-center/)
- #### [ISO and SOC 2 Compliance View certificates, access reports, and learn how we protect your data.](https://aem.eco/iso-and-soc-2-compliance/)
#### Partner with AEM
Provide your customers with the tools and data they need in the face of escalating environmental risks.
[Become a Partner](https://aem.eco/partners/)
- [Contact us](https://aem.eco/contact-us/)
# Behind the Forecast: Inside the Stories and Science That Keep Communities Safe
[Severe Weather Risk Management](https://blog.aem.eco/tag/severe-weather-risk-management)
By [Chelsea Ingram](https://blog.aem.eco/author/chelsea-ingram)
[Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.aem.eco/behind-the-forecast-inside-the-stories-and-science-that-keep-communities-safe) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.aem.eco/behind-the-forecast-inside-the-stories-and-science-that-keep-communities-safe) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.aem.eco/behind-the-forecast-inside-the-stories-and-science-that-keep-communities-safe)
Listen
5:00
When severe weather threatens, every moment counts. I worked over a decade as a broadcast meteorologist and saw it firsthand: families anxiously watching the skies; communities on edge; and the power that timely, accurate information has to help people stay safe. That's what drove me when I was working in local newsrooms in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Vermont and covering national weather stories on CBS—and it's what drives me every day as a Senior Meteorologist for AEM and its WeatherWorks brand.
That same mission inspired my newest project: a video series called *Behind the Forecast*, part of AEM’s *Talking With the Experts* podcast. In this series, I’ll sit down with meteorologists, scientists, and other professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting communities when nature turns dangerous, and take you behind the scenes of the decisions, stories, and innovations that make life-saving weather communication possible.
Why I had to start this series
Weather safety doesn’t happen by chance. Behind every forecast and every warning, there’s a network of experts, supercomputers, data and sensors working together to keep people out of harm’s way.
During my years in broadcast meteorology—covering blizzards in Vermont, hurricanes along the East Coast, and tornado outbreaks in Philly and Baltimore—I saw how crucial that network really is. It takes technology, science, and above all, dedicated people working under pressure to make sure critical information reaches communities in time to make a difference.
This series is my way of shining a light on those people. I want to share their stories, give our audience a glimpse of the unseen moments that shape life-saving weather communication, and celebrate the passion that drives all of us in this field.
## Kicking things off with James Spann: Live and unscripted on August 20
To launch this series, I couldn’t think of anyone better than James Spann, a name trusted by Alabamians for nearly five decades. James has guided communities through some of the most dangerous storms in the state’s history, often staying on the air for hours to make sure no one misses a critical update.
Beyond his nearly 30 years as Chief Meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, James writes for *The Alabama Weather Blog*, hosts the *WeatherBrains* podcast, provides forecasts for dozens of radio stations—and now he’s launching *The Alabama Weather Network*, a new project focused on providing hyperlocal weather information across Alabama.
[](https://lp.aem.eco/talking-with-the-experts-behind-the-forecast-with-james-spann)
On [Thursday, August 20 at 8 PM Eastern](https://lp.aem.eco/talking-with-the-experts-behind-the-forecast-with-james-spann), James will join me for a live virtual conversation where we’ll talk about:
- The moments that shaped his long career in weather.
- How weather communication has evolved—and what still needs to improve.
- What drives his incredible pace across multiple platforms
- His vision for the Alabama Weather Network and why it matters to Alabama communities
- Plus, you'll get the rare opportunity to ask James your own questions during our live audience Q&A
This won’t be a pre-recorded interview—it’s an open, real conversation about what it takes to keep people informed when the stakes are high.
Full-circle moments and future conversations
James is just the first of many incredible voices we’ll feature on *Behind the Forecast*.
Later this year, Jim Cantore will join me for an episode you won’t want to miss. Jim is famous for putting himself in the heart of hurricanes and severe storms to show the world what’s really happening on the ground. Early in my career, I was one of Jim’s students, learning firsthand what it means to communicate weather hazards clearly and urgently. Sharing a conversation with him now feels like a *full-circle moment* I’m honored to bring to this series.
We’ll also hear from Bernadette Woods Placky, a former TV meteorologist who now leads Climate Central’s *Climate Matters* program, helping local weathercasters connect everyday weather events to long-term climate trends. Her work shapes how communities understand not just what’s happening now, but what’s ahead.
Each guest brings a different perspective, but they all share one purpose: getting critical information to people when it matters most. That’s the same mission we live and breathe at AEM—and it’s the reason this series exists.
| .jfif) |
| --- |
| Chelsea Ingram interviews her mentor, Jim Cantore, for an upcoming episode of Behind the Forecast, the new video series from AEM's Talking With the Experts podcast. |
## See what's coming next
Watch this short video to hear more about what you can expect from Behind the Forecast and our first live episode with James Spann.
## Come with me Behind the Forecast
At AEM, we believe the right information at the right time saves lives and builds resilience. *Behind the Forecast* is one more way we’re living that mission—by giving you a closer look at the people and innovations making early warnings possible.
I’d love for you to join me for our live virtual pilot episode with James Spann on Thursday, August 20 at 8 PM Eastern. You’ll hear his incredible stories, learn how weather communication continues to evolve, and even take part in the conversation during the audience Q&A.
[Reserve your spot now](https://lp.aem.eco/talking-with-the-experts-behind-the-forecast-with-james-spann), and come with us as we go *Behind the Forecast*—where safety, science, and storytelling come together to keep communities prepared for whatever nature brings.
Behind the Forecast: Inside the Stories and Science That Keep Communities Safe
5:00
#### Chelsea Ingram
[Follow me on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistChelseaIngram) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseaweather/)
Chelsea Ingram is a Senior Meteorologist at AEM, where she specializes in developing partnership solutions for enterprise-level clients and driving client success initiatives for our WeatherWorks brand. She brings extensive experience from her work as a television broadcast meteorologist in the Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Vermont markets. She has even provided national weather coverage for the CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning during major weather events. Chelsea holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from North Carolina State University.
188783659039, 187265473442,180448497047
### Related Blog Posts
### Subscribe for updates
AEM
12410 Milestone Center Drive
Suite 300
Germantown, MD 20876
[Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-environmental-monitoring) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Advanced-Environmental-Monitoring-AEM-110375228108391) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIEVCZ05K4xayt5yXed48AA)
#### Data & Software
- [AEM Elements® 360](https://aem.eco/product/elements-360/)
- [Sferic Maps®](https://aem.eco/product/sferic-maps)
- [Data and APIs](https://aem.eco/product-type/data-api/)
#### Hardware
- [Systems](https://aem.eco/product-type/systems/)
- [Sensors](https://aem.eco/product-type/sensors/)
- [Data Collection](https://aem.eco/product-type/data-collection/)
- [Cameras](https://aem.eco/product-type/cameras/)
- [Alerting](https://aem.eco/product-type/alerting/)
- [Telemetry](https://aem.eco/product-type/telemetry/)
- [Accessories](https://aem.eco/product-type/accessories/)
#### Professional Services
- [Meteorological Services](https://aem.eco/service/meteorological-services/)
- [Hydromet Services](https://aem.eco/service/hydromet-services/)
- [Network Design](https://aem.eco/service/network-design/)
- [Field Services & Installation](https://aem.eco/service/field-services-installation/)
- [Maintenance and Calibration](https://aem.eco/service/maintenance/)
- [Training](https://aem.eco/service/training/)
#### Solutions
- [Flood Risk Management](https://aem.eco/solution/flood-risk-management/)
- [Severe Weather Risk Management](https://aem.eco/solution/severe-weather-risk-management/)
- [Wildfire Risk Management](https://aem.eco/solution/wildfire-risk-management/)
- [Precision Agriculture](https://aem.eco/solution/precision-agriculture/)
- [Lightning Detection](https://aem.eco/solution/lightning-detection/)
- [Dam Safety](https://aem.eco/solution/dam-safety/)
- [Community Weather](https://aem.eco/solution/personal-weather/)
#### Industries
- [Agriculture](https://aem.eco/industry/agriculture/)
- [Aviation](https://aem.eco/industry/aviation/)
- [Club & Sport](https://aem.eco/industry/club-sport/)
- [Construction](https://aem.eco/industry/construction-engineering/)
- [Education](https://aem.eco/industry/education/)
- [Energy Utilities](https://aem.eco/industry/energy-utility/)
- [National Governments](https://aem.eco/industry/government/)
- [Ground Transportation](https://aem.eco/industry/ground-transportation/)
- [Manufacturing](https://aem.eco/industry/manufacturing/)
- [Maritime](https://aem.eco/industry/maritime/)
- [Military](https://aem.eco/industry/military/)
- [Mining](https://aem.eco/industry/mining/)
- [Renewable Energy](https://aem.eco/industry/renewable-energy/)
- [States & Municipalities](https://aem.eco/industry/states-municipalities/)
- [Water Utilities](https://aem.eco/industry/water-utility/)
#### Resources & Insights
- [Blog](https://blog.aem.eco/)
- [Case Studies](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=case-study)
- [Demos](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=demo)
- [Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/@AEM_eco/podcasts)
- [Product & Data Sheets](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=data-sheet)
- [Reports & Guides](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=report)
- [Solution Guides](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=solution-guide)
- [Solution Overviews](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=solution-overview)
- [Webinars](https://aem.eco/resources/?filter-category=webinar)
#### Company
- [About Us](https://aem.eco/about-us/)
- [Our Offices](https://aem.eco/our-offices/)
- [Brands](https://aem.eco/our-brands/)
- [Partners](https://aem.eco/partners/)
- [Careers](https://aem.eco/careers/)
- [In the News](https://aem.eco/press-center/)
Copyright © 2026 AEM
[Privacy Policy](https://aem.eco/privacy-policy)