Mike Augustyniak
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VITALS FAVORITES THIS OR THAT |
Director of Meteorology Mike Augustyniak was drawn to Minnesota by a love of active weather, and the opportunity to forecast for some of the most weather-savvy television viewers in the country. Since joining the WCCO team in 2008, he’s also been able to achieve a new personal record for the most cups of coffee consumed in a 10-hour period. Mike’s interest in weather began at an early age. “I think my curiosity about the weather was fueled by the fact that, as a little guy, I was absolutely petrified of thunderstorms!” In time (and with the help of a book called “Hippo Thunder”), Mike outgrew his fear, deciding in eighth grade that he wanted to study meteorology in college. “The answers I gave on a 40-question ‘interest survey’ were fed into a computer, and the computer returned several careers that I might enjoy,” Mike explained. “‘Meteorologist’ was one of the jobs the computer returned, and right then I knew it was the job for me.” In college, Mike studied meteorology under several of the world’s leading research scientists at the University at Albany. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science, holds the AMS Television Seal of Approval, and is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In May of 2008, Mike received his Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Science, also from the University at Albany. Findings from his master’s thesis — original research on a local terrain effect called Mohawk-Hudson Convergence — is currently in use to help meteorologists make more accurate forecasts around the region. In addition to watching him on WCCO, you may have also seen Mike appear with Ellen DeGeneres on her nationally syndicated talk show, on the CBS Evening News, or on CBS This Morning. His work has been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards for broadcast excellence. In his free time, Mike stays active by going to the gym, biking, rock climbing and playing with his Boston Terrier named Lola. He also enjoys traveling both around the U.S. and around the world. He has traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Spain, Morocco and Australia. |
Thanks To New Moon, 2018 Perseid Meteor Shower Should Be Ideal
A new moon (i.e. no moonlight) will occur on August 11th, the first night of the peak of the meteor shower, making 2018 a great year to watch!
UPDATE: Problems With NOAA’s GOES-17 Satellite
As the satellite was first being powered up in orbit — 22,000 miles above the Equator — a problem with the ABI’s cooling system was discovered.
Mike’s Mix: The Long Goodbye’s Golden Locks Of Lorelei
Mike heads into the caves along Stillwater’s Main Street for a summery cocktail recipe.
Mike’s Mix: 4Bells’ Harmon Place
Mike heads to 4Bells in Minneapolis to sample a cocktail that pairs well with this weekend’s Twin Cities Pride festivities.
Mike’s Mix: The Terrarium @ The Commodore
Check out Mike’s Mix!
2 Boozy Slushees For Your Summer Pool Parties
Try these cool and refreshing summer drinks, just in time for pool parties and beachfront lounging.
Milaca Weather Watcher Raises $2K To Buy School A Weather Station
Alex Ziegler realized an electronic weather station could help his school district make decisions about weather-related delays and closings.
‘NOAA, We Have A Problem’
Right now, GOES-17 is effectively blind at night and that detailed atmospheric temperature and wind data isn’t available during the day either.
April 2018: Record Cold in the US; Still Hot, Globally
For many of us, weather (like politics, as Tip O’Neill famously said) is local; it’s easy to forget that weather conditions can vary widely.
53 Years Ago, A Tornado Outbreak Killed 6 Minnesotans, Injured Hundreds
Sunday marked the anniversary of an important day in Minnesota weather history.
Mike’s Mix: Mexican Heat Margarita
The “Rojo de Mayo” celebration at St. Louis Park’s Rojo Mexican Grill runs all weekend long.
North Mpls. YMCA’s ‘Healthy Eating Kitchen’ Teaches Kids Wholesome Habits
At this YMCA in north Minneapolis, these kids are learning about nutrition and cooking. Lessons that will come in handy.
Mike’s Mix: The Hasty Tasty’s Green Mary
This week, Mike heads to a hot new Minneapolis spot where the Bloody Mary’s aren’t red!
Twin Cities Inches Close To New April Snow Record
This April has already seen 20.4 inches of snow. The standing record is 21.8 inches, and by all indications there’s still more to come.
Mike’s Mix: Smoked Maple Old Fashioned From Brick And Bourbon
Each week, Mike Augustyniak finds out what local mixologists are stirring up in the Twin Cities. This week, he went to Brick and Bourbon in Stillwater for a feast of the senses.
Mike’s Mix: Milano Torino From Parlour St. Paul
When Parlour opened in Minneapolis’ North Loop in 2013, it changed not only the neighborhood, but local cocktail culture.
Amount Of Arctic Sea Ice Is 2nd Lowest On Record
The four lowest seasonal maxima have all occurred during the last four years.
Mike’s Mix: Emmett’s Public House
Mike Augustyniak heads to a St. Paul Irish pub that’s away from all the St. Patrick’s Day chaos.
Mike’s Mix: Moxy Minneapolis Uptown
Mike heads to The Moxy Hotel in Minneapolis’ Uptown, a bar that’s as unique as its neighborhood.
Spring Flooding Potential Near Normal
Our week of warmth has a lot of people thinking spring, and meteorologists thinking about the potential for flooding.
Next-Gen Satellite GOES-S Launches To Watch Extreme Storms
On Thursday, the country’s newest high-definition weather satellite, GOES-S, launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
Mike’s Mix: El Burrito Mercado’s Margarita
Each week, Mike Augustyniak visits a local mixologist to see what they’re stirring up. This week, he heads to St. Paul’s El Burrito Mercado, where they mix up a mean margarita.
Mike’s Mix: Fig + Farro
Each week, Mike Augustyniak finds interesting cocktails that mixologists are stirring up in the Twin Cities. This week, he heads to Fig + Farro in Minneapolis for a pair of locally sourced cocktails.
Weather Outlook Calls For Cool, Wet Spring
Seasonal forecasts are based on a number of factors and, this spring, conditions in and over the Pacific Ocean will play a big role in determining weather patterns in the U.S.
Mike’s Mix: Valentine’s Day Cocktails & Mocktails At Italian Eatery
Each week, Mike Augustyniak finds interesting cocktails that mixologists are stirring up in the Twin Cities. This week, he heads to Italian Eatery in Minneapolis for a fling with some Valentine’s Day drinks.
SpaceX’s Massive Rocket Shoots Sports Car Into Space
SpaceX’s big new rocket blasted off Tuesday on its first test flight, carrying a red sports car aiming for an endless road trip past Mars.
How To Watch The SpaceX Falcon Heavy Test Launch Live
If (when!) the launch is successful Falcon Heavy will become the most powerful operational rocket in the world.
Mike’s Mix: The Biggest Old Fashioned In Minnesota
If you did not attend one of the big parties this week, there is another chance — and both the price and the location are right.
Mike’s Mix: Best Craft Cocktail Bars During Super Bowl
Within the last 5 years a Cocktail Renaissance has hit the Twin Cities; Minneapolis, in particular.
Mike’s Mix: Martina’s Toro Y Gallo
Mike visits Martina in Minneapolis, where they craft cocktails that are works of art.
Counting Down To Another Record
At this point the die has been cast and, no matter what happens in December, this year will almost certainly end up as the 3rd warmest on record.
Mike’s Mix: Christmas Cocktails & Mocktails
Mike invited Nate McLemore and Jesse Held of Constantine over for some last-minute holiday beverage ideas.
Dreaming Of A White Christmas? Here’s Our Probability
NOAA took normal climate factors to determine the probability that there would be at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on Dec. 25.
Mike’s Mix: A Taste Of The Past At Al’s Place
This week, Mike Augustyniak heads back in time to get a taste of the 1920s in northeast Minneapolis.
WCCO Saturday Morning Links (Dec. 2)
Get out and enjoy this first weekend of December with help from Jennifer Mayerle and Mike Augustyniak!
Mike’s Mix: Say Hi Hi To Hai Hai
Each week, Mike Augustyniak finds interesting cocktails that mixologists are stirring up in the Twin Cities. This week, he heads to the brand new HAI HAI in northeast Minneapolis to try a pair of Asian-inspired cocktails.
Minnesota Winters Among America’s Fastest Warming, Analysis Says
Winters in Minneapolis-St. Paul have each warmed 6.0° F since 1970, behind only Burlington, Vermont.
Free, Fun Things To Do On Thanksgiving
After your Thanksgiving meal and before your first nap it’s nice to get out for a bit and walk off the bloat.
Mike’s Mix: Kieran’s Irish Pub
Mike Augustyniak heads to a beloved Irish pub in downtown Minneapolis that has some head-turning cocktails.
Mike’s Mix: Breakfast Blends At Benedict’s Morning Heroes
Benedict’s Morning Heroes is Executive Chef Mike Rakun’s spin on the modern diner, where the food and atmosphere are fun, simple, and approachable.
