Everybody talks about the weather, but how many of us are actually doing something about it? UW professor and KUOW regular Cliff Mass invites you to join the ranks of concerned amateur meteorologists in The Weather of the Pacific Northwest (UW Press, $29.95), which is packed full of colorful satellite images and computer maps. Speaking by phone recently, he told me, You couldnt get stuff like this 10 years ago. Today, thanks to the Us powerhouse atmospheric-sciences program, plus terabytes of data and computing power, We really understand weather. Thirty years ago, we didnt. His book may be used to teach 101-level college courses, but its aimed at us, the weather-using public. Theres a sky-spotting index for armchair forecasters, easy-to-follow charts and diagrams, and some disaster lore to help illustrate what happens when low-pressure zones and jet stream deviations collide: like the 1979 Hood Canal Bridge sinking, the Magnolia mudslides of 96, and the banner ski season of 199899. On which subject, says Mass, It looks like its gonna be a neutral winterneither La Niña or El Niño. Theres a higher probability of a really big snowstorm or windstorm. But when it comes to subsequent City Light rates, salmon spawning, and crop watering, This year well probably have less snow. Then theres the matter of what to do with our newfound weather omniscience. Forecasts should soon include more, and more accurate, probabilities. And youll get those forecasts personalized, tailored, and delivered to your GPS-enabled smart phone. Itll be able to tell you, says Mass. Were gaining the ability to know where the dangerous weather will be. BRIAN MILLER
Thu., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., 2008