Greetings to everyone! The past few days across North America have been unseasonably cool and quiet in terms of severe weather save for a few events, but we still have many weeks to go before we reach the climatological peak of the tornado/severe weather season across the USA. There are several other good science reads to review this week, so let’s get started.

• Misinformation, disinformation, anti-science and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories are running amok as of late and, considering the alarming rate at which COVID-19 cases are increasing worldwide, it couldn’t be a worse time for those that are easily intimidated and/or influenced by nefarious sources of fantasy and fear.
• While on the topic of the ongoing pandemic, we’re going to be donning masks for quiet some time. In fact, during the cold and flu season, they make perfectly good sense. Here’s an excellent overview of masks and how to choose one from the USA’s Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC).
• In terms of space exploration, this week was truly a watershed event. “Flying a helicopter on Mars: NASA’s Ingenuity.”
• “More fissures are opening up at the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland.” The view from above is spectacular.
• This could have substantial long-term ramifications on Atlantic hurricane occurrence, frequency, and intensity. “NASA Study Predicts Less Saharan Dust in Future Winds.”
• The latest US Drought Monitor has been issued. Just over 39% of the USA is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions. This currently affects over 165 million people. An interactive map can be found at the North American Drought Monitor site.
• This is a very challenging goal, but necessary considering the continuing rise in emissions. “U.S. To Pledge To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Half.”
• The USA’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half is a lofty and worth goal. In fact, it is far more ambitious than the goals currently existing in other countries.
• This is an excellent climate change primer for kids! “Bad Future, Better Future.”

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

This handy checklist 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.

Where you get your weather forecasts, warnings, and other important information is as important as being informed. Discretion is of the upmost importance when you’re trying to stay weather aware. As of late, it’s been brought to my attention that there have been amateur ‘forecasters’ using graphics with the intention of appearing as professional and official sources of information on Twitter, Facebook, et al. They should NOT be taken as official sources of potentially life-saving warnings and weather forecasts and updates.

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 types of weather year round.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. I’d like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ 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, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

See you next Saturday!

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