Weather Wise
Science & Ideas
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Do you love weather? Join Meteorologists and special guests from WMDT to talk all things weather. Fresh episodes drop every Wednesday!
Episodes
- E18: Hurricane season begins, rapid warm-up to come
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Sam Leppo are in for this week's edition of Weather Wise. With the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1st, Rich and Sam take a look at the seasonal forecast and how a strong El…
- E17: Memorial Weekend wrap up, severe chances and drought update
Meteorologists Erich Ahlf and Sam Leppo are back this week talking about the holiday weekend rainfall and where it leaves the area in the current drought situation. They also look at the chance for severe weather midweek before a change ba…
- E16: May heat wave, unsettled weather ahead
A few records have fallen this week as a short-lived May heat wave has had Delmarva baking as if it's late June! Meteorologists Sam Leppo and Erich Ahlf discuss the hot weather and when relief is set to arrive. As drought continues to wors…
- E15: Introducing Meteorologist Sam Leppo!
Meteorologist Sam Leppo is introduced on Weather Wise E15. He speaks with Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek about his background and the beginnings of his interest in meteorology.
- E14: A much needed wet pattern
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf review increasing drought in Delmarva and discuss an upcoming wet pattern expected to bring two days of needed rain before the end of the week, also looking at the month's tempe…
- E13: It's a Wrap! Meteorologist Jake Grant bids farewell to Delmarva
Meteorologist Jake Grant is leaving Delmarva after nearly three years of forecasting for Good Morning Delmarva. This episode of Weather Wise covers his departure and his future career plans.
- E12: April heat and increasing drought
In episode E12 of Weather Wise, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf examine the unusual April heatwave, noting its rarity for this time of year and its potential to worsen drought conditions across Delmarva.
- E11: Frost and freeze potential
In episode E11 of Weather Wise, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant discuss the week's cooler temperatures, the potential for frost and freezing conditions, and the persistent dry air pattern that may contribute t…
- E10: March recap, next chance for storms
March will go down as one of the warmest on record, although the month provided many ups and downs that is typical for late winter and the start of spring. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf look back at the mont…
- E9: Severe storms impact Delmarva
Coming off of a night of severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings, Monday night proved to be the first severe weather event of the season on Delmarva this year. Several areas experienced wind damage with the storms, including a few areas…
- E8: First severe threat of the year
With record breaking warmth spreading across the Mid-Atlantic and Delmarva, a potent storm system is poised to bring the first threat of severe thunderstorms to the region this year. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake…
- E7: Winter's last gasp?
With just a few weeks left in the winter season, a big push of mild air is expected to reach the mid-Atlantic in the coming days. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf talk about the temperature battleground that wi…
- E6: Blizzard of '26
Rivaling past blizzards on Delmarva, the Blizzard of '26 will be talked about for years to come. Highs winds brought down trees and caused power outages. Heavy snow bands dumped snow at rates similar to lake effect snow events in the Great…
- E5: February Thaw
Meteorologists Jake Grant and Erich Ahlf are back this week, discussing the slow shift back to near average temperatures across the mid-Atlantic. After several weeks of bitter cold and leftover snow and ice that was stubborn to melt, the n…
- E4: Another Nor'easter Possible this Weekend
After a "Miller B" type Nor'easter crippled the east coast this past weekend, including dumping a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain across Delmarva, another storm is expected to develop off of the coast this weekend. While the storm tra…
- E3: First "big" snow of the season?
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week talking all things snow. They take a deep dive into the data that's suggesting the arrival of the first significant winter storm of the season for Delmarva an…
- E2: Beneficial rain and the return of arctic air
Meteorologists Jake Grant and Erich Ahlf are back for this week's episode of Weather Wise, recapping the beneficial rains Delmarva received over the weekend and the emerging trend to a colder pattern for the rest of the month. With the arr…
- E1: New Year trends on Delmarva
We're back with the start of season #7 of the WeatherWise Podcast! This week Meteorologists Jake Grant and Erich Ahlf talk about the changing temperature trend to start 2026. With a break from the cold pattern we had for much of December,…
- E51: Looking ahead to 2026
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf are back this week to bring you the last edition of weatherwise for 2025. They talk about the latest shot of arctic air and any chance for snow to round out the year. Plus, they…
- E50: More early season snow!
Meteorologists Erich Ahlf and Jake Grant are back this week to talk about the latest shot of snow and dissect the pattern that's allowed mid-winter type arctic air to take hold. They also look ahead to the change in pattern and some much n…
- E49: First snow of the season!
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf recap Delmarva's first snow event of the season and talk about the persistent cold pattern that may take us through the final days of fall. Also, they preview this year's Winter…
- E48: Snow chances and "bright banding"
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back for this week's episode, discussing the latest storm that brought snow close to the peninsula, and the chances that the next one will bring the white stuff to the shore…
- E47: Thanksgiving weather and a look at December
As Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, colder air is once again taking over. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant talk about this latest cold snap and if it signals anything more significant in the coming days and wee…
- E46: Much needed rain arrives
So far this fall, it has been a pretty dry period for Delmarva. This week, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf discuss the arrival of some much needed rain to the area. Also, they talk about a shift in the pattern…
- E45: First arctic cold snap of the season, early snow in the region
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week to talk about the first arctic cold snap of the season! Although not nearly as cold as arctic air can be in the winter, this pattern may reflect a sign of whe…
- E44: Coldest air of the season
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf are back this week talking about fall foliage, nice days, but also a quick downturn in temperatures. The first freeze may be on the way for parts of Delmarva as arctic air spill…
- E43: Coastal action and Hurricane Melissa
As another coastal storm forms off the east coast, the setup for onshore wind, high surf and some tidal flooding is in place for Delmarva. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant dissect the situation and talk about w…
- Ep 42: Fall foliage update, unsettled Halloween coming?
Fall foliage continues to deepen across Delmarva as beautiful October weather takes shape through the rest of this week, though it will come with some chilly nights! Meteorologist Jake Grant and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf talk about what the…
- E41: Early fall nor'easter
Seas have just begun to settle down after a strong nor'easter battered the Delmarva coastline on Sunday, before making a very slow exit this week. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant recap the storm, including the…
- E40: Active fall pattern arrives
A seasonably strong early-fall cold front will signal a shift into an active weather pattern on Delmarva. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week to talk about the longest stretch of cool days since…
- E39: The Fujiwhara Effect!
A unique and fascinating phenomena has unfolded off of the east coast as hurricanes Imelda and Humberto compete for space in the Atlantic. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf talk about the "Fujiwhara Effect" and…
- E38: Feeling more like summer again
An unsettled pattern brings high humidity and the chance for showers and storms back to the area, with more of a summer feel for the first week of fall. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant talk about the risk for…
- E37: Coastal storm and fall foliage preview
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf look at the coastal storm that's bringing much needed rain to the mid-Atlantic and talk about why it is not a named tropical system. Erich previews his latest fall foliage outlo…
- E36: Early fall-feel continues on Delmarva
Seasonably cool air continues to dominate the landscape on Delmarva heading into the final days of summer. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant discuss this week's pattern, plus take a look at the tropics as the pe…
- E35: The fall preview continues!
Meteorologist Erich Ahlf and Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek are back this week to talk about how a brief return to summer-like weather will take the place of the incredible weather the region experienced for the Holiday Weekend. And as t…
- E34: Erin recap, August ends cool
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week to recap the effects Hurricane Erin had on Delmarva beaches. They also look at the emerging cooling trend that will take us to the end of the month with coole…
- E33: Tracking Hurricane Erin
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek, and Meteorologists Jake Grant and Erich Ahlf all joined the podcast this week as Delmarva prepares for a brush with Hurricane Erin. They discuss the several factors at play that will cause big problems alo…
- E32: Back to summer, tracking Erin
Summer-like conditions have returned to the mid-Atlantic and Delmarva this week, with high humidity and the chance for storms. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Erin is poised to become the first hurricane of the season. Chief Meteorologist Rich W…
- E31: Wildfire smoke and a cool start to August
Summer weather has taken a back seat to cooler temperatures and even some wildfire smoke to start the moth of August. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf are back this week to discuss how this lines up with the mo…
- E30: Going into August with a cooldown!
Most of July has lived up to its seasonal expectations with hot and humid weather. But big changes to the pattern will bring much cooler weather to the east coast by week's end, kicking off August with below average temperatures. Chief Met…
- E29: A break from the humidity
It doesn't happen much in July, but a drop in humidity has been a welcome event for Delmarva this week. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf talk lower dewpoints and comfortable nights...and also look ahead to the…
- E28: Tropical humidity and flooding
Since the remnants of Chantal moved through the region, much of the mid-Atlantic has been locked in tropical levels of humidity. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant talk about how this has led to issues of isolate…
- E27: Surprise tornado and a break from the heat
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week to talk tornadoes and heat! They dive into the details of a surprise tornado that briefly touched down in Omar, DE on Monday afternoon. The setup was for heav…
- E26: Record break heat on Delmarva
This week, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek is joined by Meteorologist Erich Ahlf to talk about the early summer heat wave that has pushed temperatures to record limits across Delmarva. They discuss how unusual it is to have such a dangero…
- E25: Turning up the heat!
This week, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant talk about the upcoming stretch of heat that will coincide with the seasonal transition to summer. They talk about how the heat will come in 2 phases and why the seco…
- E24: Hottest stretch of the year (so far)
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf are back this week to talk about the emerging warming trend. The highest temperatures and feels-like temps of the year are likely before another unsettled pattern shifts into ge…
- E23: Canadian wildfires and warmer days
On this week's edition of WeatherWise, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf discuss the Canadian wildlife smoke seen on Delmarva the past few days, plus the cool second half of May and the upcoming warming trend.
- E22: Wet weather returns
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week to talk about the evolving pattern heading into the final days of May. After a beautiful Memorial Day weekend, more needed rain arrives midweek.
- E21: Confirmed tornado on Delmarva
This week, Meteorologist Jake Grant and Meteorologist Erich Ahlf are back to recap the severe weather event that occurred this past Friday, which notably produced an EF-1 tornado. They discuss the setup and track of the tornado that tracke…
- E20: Summer-like pattern
Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Jake Grant are back this week to talk about the summerlike pattern that will impact Delmarva through the start of the weekend. With climbing temperatures and humidity, pop up shower and st…