The renowned Cuban meteorologist, José Rubiera, debuted his latest weekly podcast on YouTube titled "Beyond the Weather" last Saturday, July 4th. The first episode, which delves into the intriguing phenomenon of animal rain, quickly surpassed 116,000 views and garnered over 7,400 likes within a few days.
This launch on his RubieraTiempo channel signifies a fresh chapter in the digital endeavors of the scientist, who, even at the age of 80—having celebrated his birthday on January 22nd—continues to attract a substantial audience.
A New Scientific Journey
Rubiera outlined his intent in the podcast's description: "I aim to explore topics beyond the atmospheric weather and my daily work on 'El Tiempo' with the forecast."
"Every Saturday, I'll introduce a new episode of 'Beyond the Weather,' a space where I'll discuss various aspects of Earth and Space Sciences, Meteorology, Astronomy, diverse phenomena, and curious, interesting, yet useful knowledge, all in a conversational and simple language that anyone, even non-specialists, can understand," he explained.
Captivating Inaugural Episode
The inaugural 17-minute program kicks off with an enthralling scenario: being outdoors in the countryside when the sky darkens and it starts to rain, only for "small mollusks, tiny fish, and little animals like spiders, frogs, and toads" to fall from the sky along with the rain.
To connect this phenomenon with Cuban experiences, Rubiera recounted an event in Old Havana on April 27, 1979, when a cold front was expected to bring severe prefrontal activity.
"Near the Havana bay, the sky turned black, it began to rain, and along with the rain, small mollusks, snails, and tiny fish started to fall. It was astonishing, brief, but it happened," he emphasized.
Scientific Explanations and Phenomena
The scientific explanation points to waterspouts, which act "like a straw sucking up water along with small animals, suspending them in the air, and then dropping them on land when the circulation breaks apart."
The episode intensifies as it discusses tornadoes, which can lift large animals and even people.
"The suction generated by a tornado can hoist horses, sheep, cows, and even humans into the air. Sometimes, the outcomes are severe and tragic," Rubiera warned, referencing the Guinness World Record of a 19-year-old from Missouri who survived being carried by a tornado in 2006, and a four-month-old baby in Tennessee in 2023 who was sucked up and found alive in a fallen tree.
The episode concludes by encapsulating the new show's philosophy: "Animals and people falling from the sky initially seem almost magical, a mystery. Yet, science provides an explanation."
RubieraTiempo boasts about 185,000 subscribers.
After retiring from Cuba's Institute of Meteorology, Rubiera returned to national television in October 2025 to warn about Hurricane Melissa. Now, he strengthens his digital presence with a format promising new episodes every Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Rubiera's Podcast
What is the main focus of José Rubiera's podcast?
José Rubiera's podcast, "Beyond the Weather," focuses on various aspects of Earth and Space Sciences, Meteorology, Astronomy, and other intriguing phenomena, presented in a conversational and accessible manner.
What was the topic of the first episode?
The first episode explored the fascinating phenomenon of animal rain, where small creatures like mollusks and fish fall from the sky during rain showers.