El Niño and the Winter Ahead: What a Potentially Record-Breaking Event Means for Sacramento and the Sierra
✨ Could Sacramento and the Sierra be in for an unusually wet winter?
A strong El Niño is building in the Pacific, and climate scientists say it could rank among the strongest on record this winter. But what does that actually mean for Northern California?
Join FOX40 Chief Meteorologist Adam Epstein as he explains what El Niño is, where the name comes from, and how meteorologists measure and forecast its strength. He'll explore what it could mean for the world, Northern California, and the Sierra, including what 70 years of Sacramento rainfall records show about how wet El Niño winters have actually been.
About the Speaker
Adam Epstein is Chief Meteorologist at FOX40 (KTXL) in Sacramento, where he has worked since October 2018. He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist through the American Meteorological Society and holds a degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology from Cornell University. He has been ranked Sacramento's most accurate forecaster by WeatheRate four years running. Before moving west, he worked at WGME in Portland, Maine, and News 12 Networks in New York. Adam aims to explain the science behind each forecast, not just whether it will rain. 🌧️❄️
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
6:30 - 7:30 : people arrive and chats
7:30 - 8:20 : lecture
8:20 - 8:35 : Q&A
8:35 - 9:00: more time for chats, hanging out, and then we're out!
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people come solo to our events, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no designated on-site parking so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
No :) This venue is open to all ages. If you'd like to purchase alcohol, you must be 21+ and present a valid ID.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event!
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at sac@bigbrainlectures.com and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about the ticket structure?
Every ticket sold goes directly back into the business. However, we want to make our events accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please reach out for financial assistance by emailing sac@bigbrainlectures.com.
What about email updates?
By registering for this event, you’ll be added to the Big Brain mailing list and receive occasional updates about future lectures and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
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Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you if we think your lecture is a good fit! → Speaker form 💬
Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email sac@bigbrainlectures.com.