Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the 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 has slowed a bit, but and uptick in activity will inevitably take place. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start. We’ll also take a look at summer heat safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.
- There are occasions when the news or information we need to hear is precisely what we don’t want to hear. Social media, and the cocoon, bubble, or echo chamber that humans are want to create for themselves is a perfect example. Unfortunately, that often keeps us from hearing what will benefit us in the long run.
- The International Space Station achieves a new level of ‘cool.’ “Universe’s coolest lab creates bizarre quantum matter in space.”
- An efficient and effective infrastructure is essential to handling many extreme weather events. Going with a “green infrastructure” is and even better idea!
- Here’s a great citizen science project for kids…and adults! “Why do some neighborhoods get hotter than others?“
- As parts of our economy and societal patterns cautiously reopen after several weeks of closure, CO2 emissions are rapidly returning to pre-lockdown levels. It’s a stark reminder that even as the pandemic rages, the world is still far from getting global warming under control.
- In spite of popular opinions on weather hazards, many don’t realize that heat kills more people annually than hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning combined. Together with a decade of inaction from the USA federal government, a potentially lethal situation during heat waves is at hand.
- Hurricanes making landfall and pandemics don’t mix. “Hurricane season combined with COVID-19 pandemic could create perfect storm.“
- Thunderstorms are one thing, but a #derecho is a whole different breed of monster. “What is a derecho? An atmospheric scientist explains these rare but dangerous storm.”
- This is one quixotic scenario. “NOAA leaders violated agency’s scientific integrity policy, Hurricane Dorian ‘Sharpiegate’ investigation on behalf of NOAA finds.“
- Last but not least, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is upon us. Here’s an excellent website from NOAA on hurricane preparedness that will help you prepare for the storm you hope doesn’t occur.
SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND WEATHER PREPAREDNESS DURING THE SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE SEASON
Summer is fully entrenched across much of North America with drought conditions in several western and central states exacerbating the oppressive heat. Being aware of the heat index is essential to staying safe and avoiding heat related illnesses.
Heat safety is very important to practice regardless of where you are. As the days get hotter in the Northern Hemisphere, our chances for heat illnesses increases exponentially.
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.
Regardless of where you live, an emergency kit is and essential part of every well-prepared home or place of work. This checklist from the American Red Cross will help you get started. If you live in a hurricane prone region, prepare now while you have time and supplies are still plentiful.
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 COVID-19, 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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