Sunny Wescott

Guest: Sunny Wescott, Former Air Force Meteorologist and current leader of the Geospatial Intelligence ISAC. On this episode, we dove deep into the high-stakes world of military weather forecasting, global solutions for extreme heat, and the critical work of threat intelligence. Military Weather Training Intensity: Sunny shared her experience as an Air Force meteorologist, detailing the rigorous, year-long weather tech school with its high failure rate and intense weekly testing. We discuss how operational forecasting involved another year of on-the-job training, where an inaccurate forecast could mean mission failure or loss of life. Current Geospatial ISAC Work: Learn about the vital coordination Sunny manages with utilities and the private sector to prevent duplication in emergency response tools. Sunny runs a bi-weekly working group for emergency managers to "demystify complex physics," providing essential forecasts and tool demonstrations. Global Solutions for Extreme Heat: We explore fascinating international and interstate strategies for mitigating extreme heat. Sunny highlights India's mass painting campaigns to reduce heat retention in urban slums and the UK's method of painting railways white to prevent track buckling.