Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is faring well in this midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The North American spring severe weather season is peaking and the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just days away. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.
- Here’s a very intriguing astronomy read. “The sun may have formed because a small galaxy passed by the Milky Way.“
- Recycling is very beneficial, but there are caveats as well as advancements that all of us who recycle on a daily basis should be aware of. “Less than 10% of all plastic trash ever produced has been recycled. Is this the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?“
- If there’s one thing that the USA has learned from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s how ill prepared we are as a nation for disasters of many scales, sizes, and intensities. Lessons can be learned from this life-and-death scenario…but are we willing to muster enough courage to make the necessary sacrifices?
- Preparing for a pandemic or natural disaster is best done with lots of solid factual knowledge. This excellent read is one of the most comprehensive articles on staying safe against this very insidious virus. “At work, school and seeing friends: How to lower your coronavirus risk.“
- Conspiracy theories and misinformation go hand-in-hand with all fields of science. Examples: tornadoes cause homes and buildings to explode and don’t cross rivers or mountains. Lightning never strikes the same place twice. Contrails are chemicals being spread across the world by the “deep state.” There are only three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. The rubbish goes on and on and on. Unfortunately, the current global COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.
- Summer is basically here across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Many people wonder how the warmer weather will affect the COVID-19 pandemic. Truth be know, the patterns of infection, illnesses, deaths, and stress on medical facilities will be linked to our indoor environments at home, work, etc. rather than those outside.
- Will our humble home remember the COVID-19 pandemic in its own unique way? For the sake of future generations, let’s hope so.
- Agricultural interests have been dealing with climate change for much longer than the general population. At our current pace, many farmers will have to make substantial changes including choices regarding the kind of crops they grow.
- Our planet’s Arctic region is warming rapidly and is now a global ‘hotspot’ in terms of climate change. Trees growing in the region could give scientists valuable clues as to the extent and pace of warming.
- Before a hurricane makes landfall, meteorologists try their best to anticipate flooding that is almost always a major killer. Here’s an interesting read on a new tool to help with an already daunting forecast.
SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
The criteria for a severe thunderstorm is understandably very strict. Frequent lightning and torrential downpours do not make for a severe thunderstorm. The main basis is sensibly put on straight line winds, hail, and/or a history of producing tornadoes.
Knowing where to get reliable, accurate, and timely weather information can be a daunting task, especially for folks who are new to a region that may be prone to a hurricane risk, winter storms, or episodes of severe weather (large hail, damaging straight line winds, and tornadoes). This infographic from NOAA’s National Weather Service will help you through the murky haze of misinformation and hype and is valid year round for every kind of weather situation.
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, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. 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…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!
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