Much of North America is in the grip of or recovering from a very potent cold wave with many locations seeing record snowfall amounts, low temperatures, wind chills, electric power grid failures and water that is either in short supply or nonexistent. This is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable the USA’s infrastructure is when dealt a blow from weather and climate. The very cold temperatures across much of the contiguous USA were responsible for much of the ongoing challenges. Below are several important infographics addressing wild chill and how to dress properly to best handle cold weather and retain body heat. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next two weeks. Afterwards, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, et al.) preparedness. There are several interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.
- NASA successfully landed the Mars Perseverance Rover on the ‘red planet’ this week. Here’s a great website from NASA with a plethora of information on this watershed mission.
- While on the topic of Mars, here’s a stunning display of some of the most incredible photographs taken on this planet…including the first photo from July 1976.
- “Life found beneath Antarctic ice sheet ‘shouldn’t be there.” This find is significant because it suggests that life in Antarctica’s harshest environments is more adaptable & more diverse than thought.
- Ocean pollution has ramifications that run far and wide…and human health is no exception.
- While on the topic of pollution, here’s more evidence of the irrevocable link between local air quality and public health. “Wood burning at home now biggest cause of UK particle pollution.”
- “Weather forecasts can protect animals too.” Weather forecasts have the potential to be an important conservation tool, say meteorologists.
- The more we learn about thunderstorms, the more questions and mysteries arise. “Thunderstorms spew out gamma rays — these scientists want to know why.“
- Weather and climate is often confused. The USA’s winter storm of February 2021 will be discussed for some time. Chances are very good that climate change played a major factor in the severity of this event. Regardless, it will be an interesting topic of science-based discussion for some time. “Climate change may be why frigid weather has slid so far south, experts say.“
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
With cooler temperature, snow, ice storms, et al. having settled in across much of the northern hemisphere, folks attention appropriately turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones, tornadoes, flooding, etc. are beneficial to have for winter weather.
UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER
PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK
The handy checklist below from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. A kit like this is very helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes and hurricanes.
Social media is a very useful tool that can be misused for misinformation, disinformation, and hype. While this infographic is geared towards, winter weather, it certainly applies to all kinds of weather year round.
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!
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