Until satellites came along, weather forecasting was either very local (it's raining) or very general (it's going to be warmer tomorrow). When satellites started sending pictures of the Earth and its atmosphere, a remarkable meteorologist named Harry Wexler, saw the opportunity for long range, global forecasting. In the late 1950's, as head of the U.S. Weather Bureau and chief U.S. scientist for the International Geophysical Year (IGY), Wexler not only had the vision, but the means to carry it out. Producer Barbara Bogaev looks at how Harry Wexler changed meteorology from weather forecasting to global climate research.

The Soundprint documentary series features the best work of top radio producers. The award winning documentaries are renowned for drawing the listener into the story with compelling interviews, authentic voices and rich sound. From memoirs to science, health and popular culture, Soundprint creates a powerful experience the listener will not soon forget. “IGY: Weather Report” is part of a Soundprint miniseries called Pole to Pole, supported by the National Science Foundation. Here are some other documentaries in the series:

“Fire and Ice” Produced by: Dan Grossman

“IGY: On the Ice” Produced by: Barbara Bogaev

“Life at McMurdo” Produced by: Soundprint

“Meltdown” Produced by: Dan Grossman

“Time Capsule in Siberia” Produced by: Moira Rankin

Soundprint Executive Producer: Moira Rankin

Audio Engineer: Jared Weissbrot

Science Editor: Dian Belanger

Production Assistant: Nkechi Mogekwu