Tornado Quest Top Science Links For October 30 – November 6, 2021 #science #weather #climate #hurricane #hurricanesafety #hurricaneprep #COP26

Greetings to one and all. The news that is front and center this week is COP26. We’ll cover that in several links thsi week. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic has Wanda, the sole system that is ongoing as of this post. This week’s post will continue with a plethora of links to help you with hurricane preparations. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts until November 30, 2021. Since there are still several more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, now is the time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. There are many other stories worth reviewing, so let’s get started.

For many areas across the USA, Standard Time starts at 2:00 AM local time on November 7, 2021. While you’re setting your clocks back one hour, put new batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and your NOAA weather radio. Like your detectors, your NOAA weather radio is a vital source of important weather and emergency information year round.

Let’s start with a fascinating history of science read. “‘It works! It works! It works!’: Jonas Salk and the Vaccine that Conquered Polio.“
These are some badly needed goals for the near future. “US astronomy’s 10-year plan is super-ambitious.“
Astronomers may have found a planet in another galaxy. If this is true, it would be a significant scientific achievement.
Time will tell if these countries will honor their words and promises. “COP26: Countries promise coal phase-out & end to fossil fuel finance.”
Clean energy sources are imperative for the near future. How might we achieve and work with various types of renewable energy?
Can the most staunch climate deniers change their minds in the face of overwhelming evidence? Well…maybe.
When it comes to climate change news, we need all the encouraging information we can get. “Latest climate pledges could limit global temperature rise, a new report says.”
Across the USA, 2020 was yet another record year for billion dollar weather and climate disasters. Overall, there were twenty-two events which broke the previous record of sixteen events. To date, there have been eighteen billion dollar events in 2021. NOAA has an excellent overview of this exceptionally disturbing trend.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, 2021. As is the case with most years, the late summer and autumn months comes the peak of activity. This is a list of tropical cyclone safety and preparedness links that I hope you’ll find helpful and spearhead your preparedness plan. None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency kits, staying informed, and avoiding misinformation and disinformation that are applicable to tropical cyclone scenarios. Tornadoes are also common in land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes. If in doubt, always stay with OFFICIAL sources of important information, forecasts, and warnings.

Even though this infographic is focused on winter weather, it certainly applies to weather information year round. Diligence from January through December is important to cull through misinformation, disinformation, and unfounded rumors.

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

Please keep in mind that ONLY NOAA weather radio, your local National Weather Service office, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving information on hurricane/tropical storm watches, warnings, and other related warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

That’s a wrap for this post! Next week we’ll continue information on hurricane preparedness and safety. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 15 – 22, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #weathersafety #wintersafety #emergencyprep #climate #climatechange #criticalthinking #thinkbeforesharing #covid19 #pandemic

Winter weather across much of North America has been rather quiet in recent days. We’ve still many more weeks of cold conditions and any potential hazards that go with the weather at this time of year. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. I’d also like to take a moment and share my hopes for the year of 2021 to be a better one for all of us and let you know how much I appreciate all of the support so many of you have given me over the past year. All of you are deeply appreciated. Having said that, lets get started.

Conspiracy theories have existed for as long as some humans have had trouble accepting the inevitable uncertainties that will exist in our lives. What exactly are their allure and how do these fairy tales get started?

While this infographic via European Commission focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, it can easily be applied to a myriad of conspiracy theories.

There’s no denying the psychological toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on human existence the world over. Many of us, including yours truly, are struggling every day with ramifications of a virus that has claimed the lives of millions, made tens of millions ill, and affected our economy in a drastic manner. However, to deny the scientific truth and solid scientific evidence is the most cowardly thing humans can do. In a war such as this, we must do what is best for the common good of society as a whole…even if we are fighting an invisible enemy.
More on the myriad of wildfire hazards. “Wildfires having devastating effect on air quality in western US, study finds.” Researchers say air pollution caused by smoke could be just as deadly as excessive heat.
The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic reduced carbon emissions in 2020, but not by a large amount. New data shows global emissions of carbon dioxide picked up in the second half of 2020.
Here’s a concise review of specific details on 2020’s climate records that spared no region of our planet. “2020 Climate Events Were Examples Of How Excess Heat Is Expressed On Earth.”
While on the topics of 2020’s records, here’s a very nice interactive look at where and how those climate records were felt around the globe.
Winter Storm Warnings are commonly issued by the National Weather Service throughout the winter season. However, the likelihood of one being issued depends as much on where you live as the conditions expected.

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. NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need.

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

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.

Misinformation and disinformation is running rampant across social media platforms of all kinds as of late. I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. Here’s an excellent and concise video on spotting misinformation you might see online. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

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.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome and Happy New Year 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! Here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 8 – 15, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #polarvortex #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #flooding #climate #climatechange #astronomy #criticalthinking

The winter weather over the contiguous USA has been rather tranquil as of late save for a second round of snow for central Texas. Not unheard of, but still rather unusual. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. I’d also like to take a moment and share my hopes for the year of 2021 to be a better one for all of us and let you know how much I appreciate all of the support so many of you have given me over the past year. All of you are deeply appreciated. Having said that, lets get started.

Unfortunately, this is no surprise. Along with many other colleagues, I saw this coming from a hundred miles away. “Climate Deniers Moved Rapidly to Spread Misinformation During and After Attack on US Capitol.“
Solar activity is an area of astronomy that is fascinating to study and carefully observe. “Will Solar Cycle 25 Dazzle or Fizzle in 2021?“
The many facets of climate change will have an irrevocable effect on many aspects of our lives and the atmospheric hazards we face. Flooding is no exception. This new study explains how the rising costs of frequent floods is clearly linked to climate change.
Here’s a fascinating read for my fellow cloud enthusiasts on one of the more rare and unique types of cloud that you will ever see in our skies. “These Bizarre Cloud Patterns are von Kármán’s Vortices, Caused by the air Wrapping Around Tall Islands.“
The Polar Vortex is an atmospheric phenomenon that has seen a great deal of discussion as of late. Here’s a concise overview of what the Polar Vortex is and how it effects our weather and climate.
Yet more evidence that as far as climate, 2020 was another record breaking year according to NOAA data. It was also the sixth year in a row that the USA experienced more than ten individual billion dollar disasters.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 1 – 8, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #criticalthinking

The winter weather over the contiguous USA has been rather tranquil as of late. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. Please note that effective 1 January 2021, I will only post the top science links rather than pick ten. Quite often there are not enough quality stories to pass along and, like other media outlets, they present top stories but don’t go to the trouble of finding a specific number each week. This change allows me to share only the best with you. Let me also take a moment and wish all of you a happy and healthy 2021 and let you know how much I appreciate all of the support so many of you have given me over the past year. All of you are deeply appreciated. Having said that, lets get started.

When one takes into consideration the recent trends & current hot topics, a dose of this is badly needed. “Introduction to Critical Thinking.”
After the dumpster fire on steroids that 2020 was, this year has plenty of catching up to do. “The science events to watch for in 2021.”
By some accounts, the devastating wildfires that occurred in Australia in 2019 and 2020 are a wake up call that can’t be ignored in the future.
With a myriad of changes taking place, including a changing climate, the Antarctica that we’ve known has the potential to look very different in the near future.
One of the most fascinating and enigmatic phenomenons of meteorology are the snowflakes that make for a winter wonderland. Here’s a great read on their formation and tips on how to study them on your own.
2020 was a remarkable year in so many respects…and climate was certainly a factor. “Climate crisis: 2020 was joint hottest year ever recorded.” Global heating continued unabated despite Covid lockdowns with record Arctic wildfires & Atlantic tropical cyclones.
Last but not least, here’s a preliminary look at the record setting Atlantic hurricane season from the National Hurricane Center. With so many storms having occurred, it will be some time before summaries on each storm is complete.

Graphic courtesy NOAA/National Hurricane Center

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome and Happy New Year to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, 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! Here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For December 18 – 25, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #windenergy #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #health

As 2020 draws to a close, there are plenty of ways to look back on a year that none of us will forget anytime soon. It was not only a remarkable year on the weather and climate front, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is changing the lives of billions forever. This week’s post will have links to touch on those topics. Many substantial winter weather events have taken place across North America and Europe as winter dominates the Northern Hemisphere. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are many other good stories to cover, so lets get started.

This is an excellent essay by Claire Lehmann of Quillette that is not only timely, but addresses many of the ‘front and center’ issues of 2020.
What is your risk of catching COVID-19? Here’s an interesting read with some very useful tools to help you estimate your risk. However, the life-or-death caveat is the simple fact that the ‘3 W’s’ along with trusting medical science will be beneficial to all of us regardless of our personal risk.
The conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter on 21 December 2020 was a rare astronomical event. What was captured in these stunning images had not been seen this clearly in almost 800 years.
2020 has had very little good news, but here’s a positive story on British wind farms. Let’s hope this kind of renewable energy spreads far and wide.
Major natural disasters from tornadoes to tsunamis carry a myriad of health hazards. This is one that many people may not have heard of and has occurred in the wake of tsunamis, wildfires, and tornadoes.
To say that 2020 has been an exceptionally stressful year is almost an understatement. Fortunately, there are coping techniques that people use in the aftermath of a natural disaster or other catastrophes that will help us all cope with our current state of mental and physical distress.
There were many weather and climate events that either helped break records or took center stage in 2020. Here’s a look back at just a few climate related stories that have long term implications.
Here’s a look back at photographs taken in the wake of a record breaking year for hurricanes in the United States. “2020 Gulf Coast Hurricane Season in Photos: From the Front Lines of Climate Change.“
Climate change is happening at a rate that is much faster than was previously anticipated. “Earth may be even closer to 1.5°C of global warming than we thought.”
Let’s end this week’s post with a read that considers some optimistic perspectives in an otherwise dour year. “6 reasons 2020 wasn’t as bad for climate change as you thought.“

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

The hazards of wind chill should never be underestimated. A few simple steps of layering clothing can make a big difference. Even in full sun, wind chill can be a health hazard in temperatures as warm as 40F.

Infographic courtesy NWS Mobile, Alabama

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! 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! Happy Holidays everyone!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For November 20 – 27, 2020

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask

With the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere, attention will shift to winter weather safety. We’ll touch on that topic with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are many other good stories to cover, so lets get started.

Communicating scientific data to the general public is a daunting task…even for the most seasoned scientist who is used to dealing with public relations. How that information and data is conveyed is just as important as the content. “Five rules for evidence communication.”
2020 is a rough year for most of us no matter what your perspective is. To put it in a historical perspective makes a great deal of difference. Here’s a timely and thought provoking essay that does just that.
Ignorance, whether with the pandemic or a tornado warning, isn’t bliss…or clever. “This Pandemic Must Be Seen.” If we could watch what’s really going on in hospitals, there would be no more complacency
For some time astronomers have known that water once flowed on Mars. Here’s a look at evidence of a ‘megaflood’ that occurred on the planet.
The Earth’s atmosphere hasn’t always been like the sky and weather that we see every day. In fact, at one point it may have more closely resembled the toxic and hot atmosphere on Venus.
There’s a substantial amount of rebuilding to do after a devastating USA wildfire year. However… “Rebuilding After A Wildfire? Most States Don’t Require Fire-Resistant Materials.”
Not even Earth’s highest mountain is free of this pestilence. “Microplastic pollution discovered near the top of Mount Everest.”
Rising sea levels present a substantial danger along low lying coastal areas. According to new research, some areas as far as 50 miles inland are under great danger as well.
Here’s a very sound concept with long term benefits if it comes to fruition. “We Need a National Institute of Climate Change & Health.” 2020 reinforced a very powerful lesson. If we don’t prepare for health disasters & manage them skillfully, informed by the best evidence, then people suffer & die needlessly.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is one that won’t be forgotten soon. So many records were broken that it’s hard to fathom just how active a year it was. Here’s a fantastic NOAA infographic looking at a remarkable year by the numbers.

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will officially end on 30 November 2020. This year will go down in the record books for having many elements of an extraordinary year. Now, across much of the northern hemisphere, attention turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones are beneficial to have for winter weather. NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need. NOAA also has an excellent publication that covers one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is red-cross-emergency-preparedness-checklist.jpg — Graphic courtesy American Red Cross

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_1223-1.jpg — Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For September 11 – 18, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #wildfires #climate #climatechange #environment #prostatecancer

The past two weeks have been very active across much of North America and in tropical regions around the globe. The ongoing wildfires across much of the western and mountain states of the USA have sent large plumes of smoke across much of the North American continent. Ramifications from the western USA wildfires, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, and the Midwestern derecho of early August will be felt for some time. We’ve still several weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so I have included information on hurricane and disaster preparedness. Of course, there are several other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

Hurricane Sally approaching the central USA Gulf Coast on 14 September 2020

For many decades, the United States and the scientific community had a very tight bond. Science was appreciated for all of the advancements in quality of life that made the USA a great country and a world-wide leader in cutting edge technology. Then, push-back from politicians and lobbyists began…and the D-I-V-O-R-C-E proceedings, initiated by politicians and science deniers, began in earnest.
Venus has been a planet that has always intrigued astronomers. Some new data hints that it could be more interesting that previously thought.
These startling photographs of the ongoing California and Oregon wildfires capture only a small part of the record breaking event that is still unfolding.
There’s a lot going on for only one month in a year. Several tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and unprecedented wildfires in the western USA. Will this, and other global climate and weather events, lead to a climate awakening?
“The Age of Megafires: The World Hits a Climate Tipping Point.” Scientists say the world has entered a perilous new era that will demand better ways of fighting wildfires.
Watching wildfires ravage communities and forests from a distance is one thing, but to be an evacuee dealing with all the uncertainties and fears that such a situation brings is another experience altogether different.
Climate scientists have known for years that changes were taking place in the Arctic. New data and evidence paint a picture of an Arctic where changes are far more drastic than previously thought. The “new normal” has arrived.
If people that live in the Northern Hemisphere thought that the summer of 2020 was unusually hot, they’re right. Based on data from NOAA, it was a record breaking summer in terms of heat by all measures.
Speaking of climate change, the USA’s Commodity Futures Trading Commission and an affiliated panel representing several sectors revived a call for taxing carbon pollution and none too soon. The very financial stability of our country’s economy depends on it.
Going from bad to worse. “La Niña has arrived. That’s bad news for wildfires and hurricanes.“

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this year. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of September 18th, twenty-two named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For folks living in regions prone to hurricanes, it’s not too late to assemble your kits for home and your place of work. A kit like this can also be helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes.

I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are always an excellent source with potentially life-saving information that is specific to your local situation. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

Prostate cancer has touch my life and, as a result, changed my outlook on life forever. It’s not an ‘old man’s’ disease. Many men in their forties are diagnosed with prostate cancer. For men, it’s the second leading cause of death by cancer. My diagnosis came about as a result of a routine PSA test from my general practitioner. Regardless of your family history, race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, etc., don’t think it can’t happen to you. 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. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one.

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! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For July 17 – 24, 2020 #science #environment #pollution #astronomy #weather #hurricane #tropics #heatsafety #covid19 #drought #emergencyprep

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As usual, we’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be a continuing daunting challenge and finding a long-term path of human adaptation is far easier said than done. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start with, as of this post, seven named storms for the 2020 season. We’ll also take a look at heat safety and a checklist for assembling an emergency kit…so let’s get started.

Looking into the eye of the beast. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS

Let’s start with a thought provoking read on risk. We live in a very different world than we did just a few months ago. Few of us will ever forget 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Living in this world requires very serious choices and decisions. With each choice and decision, there’s a risk. Choose wisely.
This is a very intriguing astronomy read. “We don’t know how fast the universe is expanding, and that’s a problem.“
While we’re on astronomy, take a look at these spectacular images from the European Space Agency’s new solar orbiter!
European cities are often on the cutting edge of new technology to increase the quality of life for city dwellers. Here’s a fantastic example.
A new study that was partly undertaken with the World Health Organization has new data on potentially lethal air pollution that can affect up to 55% of the world’s population.
Heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths around the world. In the USA alone, over 600 people die from heat annually. The actual number is probably twice that figure. Heat is called the ‘Silent Kiler’ and there’s a good reason for that. Add the challenges of climate change, and the human body is struggling to adapt to a potentially lethal weather phenomenon.
Speaking of heat, as an urban dweller, I’ve been familiar with the urban heat island effect for a very long time. Planted in the proper locations and well maintained, trees can help a great deal in offsetting the heat island effect that plagues so many urban areas during the hot summer months.
It will be interesting to see how this forecast model works out and lives up to it’s intended potential. “New tropical cyclone outlook model has potential to save lives in the Pacific.”
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Drought levels running from moderate to extreme are affecting as much as 26% of the USA and Puerto Rico.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_2557.png — Graphic courtesy NIDIS/Drought.gov

The Atlantic has become quite active in the past week. We now have Gonzalo which, regardless of it’s changing intensity, can have significant impacts on landfall. Now is the perfect time to prepare for the hurricane you hope never happens. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

This handy checklist will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For those in regions prone to hurricanes, now is the time to assemble your kit for home and/or your place of work.

So far in 2020, eleven children have died across the USA from heat illnesses while in automobiles. Two of these deaths occurred in Tulsa, OK after a brother and sister were in a car for approximately five hours. All of these deaths are even the more tragic since they were all preventable. Temperatures as low as 78F-80F can become lethal.

This is an infographic explaining the symptoms of the two most common kinds of heat illnesses. Heat stroke is especially deadly and paramedics should be summoned as quickly as possible.

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, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For February 21 – 28, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #cawx #kswx #weatherforecasting #winter #scicomm

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. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery and good health during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. You folks are awesome! Now…let’s get started on this week’s reads.

The Earth isn’t the only planet where vorticies form. Here’s a fascinating read on dust devils on Mars and the paths they leave behind.
An interesting look back at the last Ice Age. “Huge stores of Arctic sea ice likely contributed to past climate cooling.”
While on the topic of sea ice, here’s a look at how Antarctica is changing as polar climates warm and ice melts revealing ‘new’ land masses.
The Great Barrier Reef has gone through substantial bleaching in the past. Now, it’s showing signs of another major bleaching event.
I have never been in favor of deliberate ‘weather modification’ in any way, shape, or form. If this continues…in spite of its third-rate first-rate failure, nothing good will come of it. Regardless of what the ‘experts’ say, I stand behind every word I’ve said about this over the years.
In a ‘normal’ year, the month of February is often one of the wettest months of the year for parts of California. This year, parts of the state that desperately need rain haven’t seen a drop all month.
This has to be seen to be believed…and also illustrates the exceptionally daunting challenges that meteorologists face when forecasting winter weather events.
Climate change and global warming affects life in the USA in a wide variety of ways. Here’s a sobering look at just a few changes that are quite likely now the new norm.
Communicating scientific data to the general public can be very difficult. Quite often, the process is given a back seat to scientifically technical content. “Want people to care about climate change? Skip the jargon.”
A quick and concise review of a climate news story you may have missed, but is very important. Yet another record warm month is now in the record books. “January was warmest on record for the globe.“

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 over the past few weeks. I’m still recovering well from surgery. 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.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For February 14 – 21, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #airquality #health #noaa #nasa #antarctica #astronomy

The more we study Mars, the more amazing discoveries we make about this spectacular planet.
A look at the vast changes recent brushfires have brought about. “The End of Australia as We Know It.”
The importance of indoor air quality can never be underestimated. “Opening your windows doesn’t help reduce indoor air pollution.”
In case you missed it, this is one of the biggest nuggets of climate news from NOAA in recent months. “January 2020: Earth’s Warmest January on Record.”
Speaking of warmth, this is a disconcerting read on research that’s ongoing at Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier. What scientists observed dramatically increased fears of a collapse that could raise global sea levels by more than half a meter.
A very disturbing scenario that clearly illustrates how low climate change deniers will go. “Don’t @ Me: What Happened When Climate Skeptics Misused My Work.”
Just as people often confuse climate and weather, there’s a great deal of confusion over the difference between climate change and global warming. Here’s an excellent explanation from NASA.
As of 21 February 2020, the year has gotten off to an active start in the USA for tornado activity. U.S Tornadoes has a comprehensive look at a year that may well be above average in tornado occurrence.
Here’s some excellent news from NOAA that’ll put the USA back on top! “U.S. to triple operational weather and climate supercomputing capacity.”
Finally, here’s one of the coolest maps you’ll ever see of our planet. Take a look at the winds whipping around our world in this amazing interactive global wind map!

With the recent increase in severe weather activity across parts of the contiguous USA, now’s the time to make sure your NOAA weather radio is in good working order. Regardless of where you live, be sure it’s at the ready year round. Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: