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Weather & Climate Science for Everyone
Connecting Californians with timely, accurate, and context-aware weather, climate, wildfire, and water science.
Daniel Swain combines weather and climate research with intensive public-facing science communication, helping broad audiences understand extreme events, climate change, wildfire, and water-related issues as events unfold and new research emerges.
Snapshot of a simulated storm sequence depicting strong water vapor flux associated with multiple atmospheric river events making landfall in California over a multi-week period--a known flood risk. ( Huang & Swain, 2022 ).
Meet Daniel Swain
Daniel's research focuses on the dynamics and impacts of extreme events—including droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires—on a warming planet. His primary appointment is as a climate scientist (Associate Researcher) in the California Institute for Water Resources within University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), and he has been a longtime research partner at the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research . He engages extensively with journalists and other media partners, serving as a climate and weather science liaison to print, television, radio, and web-based outlets to facilitate accessible and accurate discourse surrounding extreme weather, climate change, and associated natural hazards.
Daniel is an alumnus of the University of California, Davis (B.S., Atmospheric Science) and Stanford University (Ph.D., Earth System Science), and completed his postdoctoral work at UCLA. A life-long "weather geek," he also authors the widely-read Weather West blog, which provides real-time perspectives on California weather and climate. Daniel maintains a regular social media presence and can be found primarily on YouTube, Bluesky, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
Follow Daniel on Social Media
Explore the platforms where Daniel shares weather, climate, water, & wildfire information with broad public audiences.
Weather West
Long-form, California-focused weather and climate analysis, context, and perspectives.
YouTube
Weather & Climate Office Hours, video explainers, and occasional emergency livestreams.
Bluesky
A primary source for timely weather, climate, wildfire, & water information in California & beyond.
X / Twitter
Another source for real-time weather, climate, wildfire, & water information in California & beyond.
Research updates, professional news, climate science insights, and public engagement.
Research & Publications
Explore Daniel's peer-reviewed research, scientific publications, and published commentaries on extreme weather, climate change, wildfire, and related hazards.
Connected to
At CIWR, Daniel's work connects climate research, water science, Extension, and public engagement. His broader public communication reaches audiences through traditional and social media as well as the wider Weather West digital ecosystem.