Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. It’s also the official arrival of the severe weather season across the contiguous USA. We’ll cover that topic and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.
- Let’s start with a very interesting astronomy read. “This Is Why Earth, Surprisingly, Is The Densest Object In Our Solar System.”
- For very good reason there are restrictions on crowds, in public or private, during the current global pandemic. For all the wrong reasons, some people still refuse to comply with the rules and/or law. This kind of behavior is also common when their is a severe weather threat.
- Social distancing can be challenging…but here’s a fun infographic that will make it easier to understand.
- This is what some would call confusing process with content. “The Case Against Waging ‘War’ on the Coronavirus.”
- The recommendation that only those infected with the novel coronavirus and/or COVID-19 are the only ones that need to wear masks in public is changing. There is still a great deal of discussion among medical experts, but it’s not a bad idea overall. The more people you are exposed to, the greater your chances of being infected.
- Warmer temperatures are spreading throughout the Northern Hemisphere with the arrival of spring. While those warmer temperatures are very welcome to millions, that doesn’t mean that the novel coronavirus will go away.
- In spite of it’s ominous nature, this will likely not be a big health threat to humans. We’ve enough of a problem already. “Rare ozone hole opens over Arctic — and it’s big.”
- Many atmospheric scientists spend vast amounts of time doing research in Antarctica. Here’s an interesting look at one meteorologist who works in Antarctica and had tips that might help you through the current pandemic quarantine.
- For severe weather preparedness, here are two links of importance to help keep you safe. First, here’s an excellent overview of the weather hazards that become more frequent this time of year. From NOAA: Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Lightning…Nature’s Most Violent Storms.
- Second: In the contiguous USA, we’ve already seen several severe weather episodes in 2020. That includes many tornadoes. Here’s a fantastic FAQ on tornadoes from the Storm Prediction Center that probably answers every tornado question you have.
SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
With the arrival of the most active months of severe weather comes a plethora of information sources. A handful are excellent, a substantial segment are satisfactory, and a vast majority are built on hype under the guise of ‘saving lives.’ This is no time for carelessness. Trusted and official weather information sources such as your local National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center, and the national and local broadcast meteorologists of your choice are always your best choices for timely and accurate information.
One vital and essential element of keeping you safe is Doppler Radar. This infographic covers the history of National Weather Service radars and how they work.
You’re far more likely to be in a severe thunderstorm than a tornado. But, not all thunderstorms are severe. All should be treated with respect as even the most modest of thunderstorms can be laced with deadly lightning and even flash floods. Some thunderstorms can have strong winds and even hail, but are not considered severe. This infographic explains the criteria used by the National Weather Service.
An emergency kit is also an essential part of severe weather preparedness. This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you get started. Since severe weather and other weather-related disasters can occur year round, it’s an excellent idea to have this at the ready regardless of where you live or the month/season.
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Cheers…and Good Luck!
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