Tornado Quest Top Science Links For May 29 – June 5, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #climate #climatechange #environment #publichealth #covid19

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking wherever you are around the world. Across North America, the severe weather season continues. If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review posts from March and April. You’ll find a plethora of severe weather, tornado, and flooding safety information. The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1. This week, I will start posting a series of hurricane safety infographics. There are many good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

As human being are want to do, we are subject to biases, trusting sensationalist rumors over experts, misinformation, and disinformation. Once we acknowledge that fact, the real work begins. “Can we keep human inconsistency from confusing expert advice?“
The scientific story behind the origins and ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic are complicated. Here’s a look at five different charts that help to put the ongoing pandemic into an objective perspective.
Here’s some very good astronomy news. NASA will be going back to Venus for the first time in almost thirty years.
“Prepare for the worst: 10 steps to get ready for wildfire smoke.” People are outdoors more due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since most #wildfires are caused by human activity, the summer of 2021 has the potential to be worse than any season before it.
A town in Norway is feeling the effects of climate change in a multitude of ways. “The World’s Northernmost Town Is Changing Dramatically.”
This is certainly an eye opening read. “Here Are America’s Top Methane Emitters. Some Will Surprise You.”
The threat of climate tipping points going down like a row of dominoes is a very real threat. The effects are substantial and would be long-lasting.
An ounce of prevention is far less expensive than a pound of cure in many disaster scenarios. “Beleaguered by disaster damages, the USA may finally start spending on resilience.”
In case you missed it, the annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is predicted. We’ve already had our first named storm for the Atlantic. Current outlooks indicate we could be in for a very busy season.

THE BASICS OF HURRICANE SAFETY

PREPARING A HURRICANE EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

This helpful checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit. This is essential in a variety of dangerous scenarios from hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, and blizzards.

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.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! As I mentioned in the introduction, if you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts. Next week, we’ll take a look at more hurricane preparedness. 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, get vaccinated, sport a spiffy mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

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 April 24 – May 1, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #renewableenergy #nasa #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! The past few days across North America have seen a few episodes of severe weather. Fortunately, there have been no major events or outbreaks. With the arrival of May, we have reached the climatological peak of the tornado/severe weather season across the USA, so there are plenty of chances for many severe weather events. Climate change and reducing emissions has been in the news a great deal as of late. There are several other good science reads to review this week, so let’s get started.

The planets in our own solar system never cease to amaze us. “Animation Shows how Saturn’s Rings Move at Different Speeds.”
The occasional meteorite (aka ‘shooting start’) is one thing, but space dust is another matter and, according to data from Antarctica, reaches our planet in surprisingly large quantities.
Here’s some very encouraging news on the renewable energy front. “The Sky’s the Limit: Solar and wind energy potential is 100 times as much as global energy demand.”
As our planet’s climate changes, NASA has been conducting a significant amount of research into how changes in climate affect a myriad of our planet’s systems including hurricanes.
“Halting the Vast Release of Methane Is Critical for Climate.” A major United Nations report says reducing methane emissions, the main component of natural gas, is far more vital than previously thought.
Perception of a ongoing or potential danger to personal well-being has a definite connection to climate change. “Somehow, a majority of Americans still don’t think climate change will affect them.”
Looking on the bright side, there is reason to be optimistic regarding climate change. “More reasons for optimism on climate change than we’ve seen for decades: 2 climate experts explain.”
This is a very interesting perspective on the USA’s 2021 tornado activity to date & what could be in store for the rest of the year. Considering it’s a La Niña year & May is the climatological peak of annual tornado activity, we could be in for some substantial events. Time will tell.

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.

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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For April 17 – 24, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #droughtmonitor #environment #astronomy #nasa #marshelicopter #covid19

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

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 27 – April 3, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #droughtmonitor #drought #climate #climatechange #environment #socialmedia #health

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. With the most active severe weather and tornado months for the USA now beginning, this is the time to prepare. This week’s post contains severe weather infographics with a focus on staying informed with potentially life saving watches and warnings. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

An unfortunate trend of sound scientific data & facts refuted by nefarious, misleading ‘theories.’ “The Antiscience Movement Is Escalating, Going Global & Killing Thousands.”
This is a very novel and innovative idea that has been a long time coming. Hempcrete, made from cannabis, is a worthy alternative in many scenarios to the traditional concrete.
A timely read considering the ongoing fire weather across several USA states. “Probing wet fire smoke in clouds: Can water intensify the earth’s warming?”
Hay fever is something that millions deal with many times a year. Climate change may make their symptoms worse.
“How will the biggest tropical trees respond to climate change?” The biggest trees store 1/2 of the carbon in tropical forests, but they could be at risk of death due to climate change. As a result, they would be releasing massive amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere.
Sea level rise goes hand-in-hand with climate change. That also means that many major cities around the world are, with time, in danger of disappearing.
Recent years have seen unprecedented tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. This certainly begs the question; Should the Atlantic hurricane season be lengthened?
In case you missed it, NOAA has released their outlook for the rest of spring 2021 across the USA. Among the details, drought conditions are expected to persist across much of the western contiguous USA.
The latest US Drought Monitor shows dry and drought conditions worsening across much of the western contiguous USA.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Let’s start with an excellent two-page printable PDF file from NOAA that covers the basics of severe weather safety.

Tornadoes, Lightning, and Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (20 Page PDF File).

This NOAA safety page has a plethora of good information on staying safe during weather and climate issues from air quality to lightning to tornadoes to wildfires.

This long-standing site has the basics of tornado safety rules.

Highway overpasses are often mistaken as a safe haven from severe weather and especially tornadoes. NOTHING ABOUT THIS MYTH IS REMOTELY CONNECTED TO THE TRUTH.

The Online Tornado FAQ…another excellent long-standing site with very important information.

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS: STAYING INFORMED!

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll review tornado safety. 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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch Please note: queries regarding promotions, marketing schemes, prizes, or papers that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 13 – 20, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #floodsafety #lightningsafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #covid19

Greetings to everyone and Happy Spring Equinox for folks in the Northern Hemisphere! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. This week’s post contains more severe weather safety links with a focus on taking shelter during flash flooding and lightning. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

The sciences are unique in the fact that they are ever changing in terms of the pursuit of knowledge and advancements in technology. But, there are some changes that are not for the common good. “Science Goes Rogue” by Lawrence M. Krauss goes into further detail.
Here are some amazing images of a very inhospitable planet. No probe sent to Venus has lasted very long due to the intense heat, toxic atmosphere, and crushing atmospheric pressures.
Speaking of rovers on other planets, check out the sounds of a rover on Mars as it’s on the move!
A very good read on the connection of pollinators and climate. “Pollinators are our secret weapon in the fight against global warming.” Pollinators have a critical, but largely unappreciated, role to play when it comes to climate change.
Science has finally returned to the US government. “Facts Are Back, And So Is The EPA’s Climate Change Website.” “The website currently links to resources on climate research, clean energy programs, information for kids, and it says it will be adding more soon.”
A very challenging but worthwhile goal for the USA. “The race to zero: can America reach net-zero emissions by 2050?”
This is an excellent and important read from NOAA. “Government Interventions Rather Than Climate Conditions Primarily Curb COVID-19’s Spread, NOAA and International Team Say.“
We’ve all seen photographs of snowflakes, but these take a specialize kind of photography to a new level. “Snowflakes as You’ve Never Seen Them Before.”
The World Meteorological Organization recently made some changes in how it will use tropical cyclone/hurricane names and the Greek alphabet.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Let’s start with an excellent two-page printable PDF file from NOAA that covers the basics of severe weather safety.

Tornadoes, Lightning, and Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (20 Page PDF File).

This NOAA safety page has a plethora of good information on staying safe during weather and climate issues from air quality to lightning to tornadoes to wildfires.

This long-standing site has the basics of tornado safety rules.

Highway overpasses are often mistaken as a safe haven from severe weather and especially tornadoes. NOTHING ABOUT THIS MYTH IS REMOTELY CONNECTED TO THE TRUTH.

The Online Tornado FAQ…another excellent long-standing site with very important information.

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: FLASH FLOOD AND LIGHTNING SAFETY!

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Tallahassee, FL

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll take a look at more severe weather safety. 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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 6 – 13, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #spaceweather #covid19

Greetings to all! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. On the day of this post, the first Moderate Risk for the USA’s southern plains is taking shape as we have a potent severe weather setup gathering steam. This week’s post contains more severe weather safety links with a focus on taking shelter during a tornado warning. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

A very interesting astronomy read. “The Universe Has Never Truly Been Empty.”
“The solar wind, explained.” While solar wind protects Earth from other harmful particles coming from space, storms can also threaten our satellite & communications networks.
Here’s a fascinating climate read that has a little bit of science history in it and how it relates to our current world.
This is a very thought provoking read. “I’m a Climate Scientist — Here Are 3 Key Things I Have Learned Over a Year of COVID.”
On the irrevocable link between forms of life on earth and climate. “Butterflies Are Disappearing In The Western US.“
For all the good legal cannabis does for medical purposes, the growers have to face the fact that they’re a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Large scale rivers of air are crucial to moving moisture around our planet. In recent times, these atmospheric rivers can bring heavy snow to the Antarctic, but can also hasten ice melt.
Many equatorial regions are used to year round heat, but climate change trends could make the tropics too hot for human habitation.
Calculating climate normals is a daunting task in any scenario, but with climate change, even more substantial changes are ahead. “NOAA’s Updated U.S. Climate Data Will Establish “New Normal.”

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Let’s start with an excellent two-page printable PDF file from NOAA that covers the basics of severe weather safety.

Tornadoes, Lightning, and Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (20 Page PDF File).

This NOAA safety page has a plethora of good information on staying safe during weather and climate issues from air quality to lightning to tornadoes to wildfires.

This long-standing site has the basics of tornado safety rules.

Highway overpasses are often mistaken as a safe haven from severe weather and especially tornadoes. NOTHING ABOUT THIS MYTH IS REMOTELY CONNECTED TO THE TRUTH.

The Online Tornado FAQ…another excellent long-standing site with very important information.

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: TAKING SHELTER FROM TORNADOES!

As is often the case, where you take shelter during a Tornado Warning is just as important as the decision to heed a warning. The highest number of deaths almost always occur in the ‘Worst Options’ scenarios.

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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.

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For February 19 – 26, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #drought #droughtmonitor #nasa #perseverance

Much of the contiguous USA is recovering this week from an unusually robust cold wave that brought record breaking snowfall amounts, low temperatures, and wind chills across almost every state except Florida. Though much of the lower 48 is warming up, winter isn’t over yet. Below are several important infographics addressing wild chill and how to dress properly to best handle cold weather and retain body heat. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information in this week’s post. Next week, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, et al.) preparedness. There are several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

In the process of debating a topic, using critical thinking is very helpful in a variety of situations. Resorting to ad hominem vitriol isn’t. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be the default ‘MO’ in this day and age.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has begun to take a look around it’s new home on Mars. Take a look at some of the amazing images that the rover has sent in the past week.
Here’s something that my fellow map lovers and fans of cartography will enjoy. “Astrophysicists create the most accurate ‘flat map’ of Earth ever.“
“Air pollution kills. Making that official can help us tackle it.” Thought provoking read on the irrevocable link between air quality & health.
The cold wave and winter storm of February 2021 took a heavy toll on Texas. “Texas freeze led to release of tons of air pollutants as refineries shut.” These shutdowns led to refineries burning and/or releasing gases. That darkened the skies in east TX with smoke visible for miles.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Approximately 38% of the USA is currently experiencing some degree of drought. As the map below shows, the worst conditions are being felt in the western half of the contiguous USA.

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.

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! Be sure to check in next week. I will be adding a plethora of information regarding severe weather and tornado safety. 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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For February 12 – 19, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #thunderstorms #lightning #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #pollution #airquality #health #nasa #perseverance

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.

Visible Satellite image on 19 February 2021 of widespread snow cover in Oklahoma and adjacent parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas.

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

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.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For February 5 – 12, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #wintersafety #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #pollution #environment

Much of North America is getting quite a blast of Arctic cold air this week. Some regions of the southern USA are seeing temperatures up to 30F lower than normal. Below are two very important infographics with one addressing wild chill and the other showing how to dress properly to best handle the 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 several weeks. There are several interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

We’ll be wearing masks to help with controlling the spread of COVID-19 for some time. I’ve been double masking for over a month. The challenge is avoiding the critical ‘side gap.’
There are many misconceptions about wildfires that are quite pervasive and difficult to eradicate. This video is an interesting look at those wildfire misconceptions and how they help fuel…literally…wildfires.
Because plastics are forever. “Microplastics are everywhere. Here’s what that means for our health.”
Here’s an interesting read on the connection between economic growth and large variations in daily temperatures.
A major win for the international treaty that protects the ozone layer. “Illegal CFC emissions have stopped since scientists raised alarm.”
Folks who deal with seasonal allergies are miserable enough. Here’s the rub…climate change may make their symptoms worse.

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 TEN SCIENCE LINKS FOR NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 4, 2020

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #environment #pollution #astronomy #scicomm #criticalthinking

After many harrowing months during and exceptionally hazardous and stressful year, the Atlantic hurricane season has officially come to and end. We’ll take a quick look back at a record setting year the few will forget anytime soon. 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.

This is a very important and timely read on not only the challenges of communicating scientific data to the general public, but the tragic acceptability of a dearth of scientific literacy in society.
Here’s a fascinating astronomy story that’s gotten very little coverage. “Earth had a minimoon for nearly three years before it drifted away.“
We know that plastic pollution can last for years on land masses. New studies show that plastic dropped in a river or ocean can travel astoundingly long distances.
More evidence on the effects climate change has on our biosphere. This read concerns a study that shows trees may lose their leaves in autumn earlier rather than later due to our changing climate.
While winter sets in for the Northern Hemisphere, the warm season is in full swing south of the equator. As of late, parts of Australia have been enduring a brutal heatwave with temperatures in Sydney reaching 104F!
This is a very stern warning that has come none too late. “Humans waging ‘suicidal war’ on nature – UN chief Antonio Guterres.“
Here’s a small glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel. “Climate change: Temperature analysis shows United Nations goals ‘within reach.‘”
Flood events can be the result of any number of weather phenomenon. Recent research has an ominous message. The once-in-a-lifetime floods that once were rare are likely to become quite common.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been issued. For much of the western half of the contiguous USA, drought conditions have worsened will little relief in sight. This has exacerbated wildfire conditions in California.

Last but not least, let’s take a look back at the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season by the numbers and a review of the events on a map of the Atlantic basin. By all respects, it was a remarkable year that won’t soon be forgotten. More details from NOAA: “Record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season draws to an end.“

Graphic courtesy NWS/National Hurricane Center

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY 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.

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)

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.

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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

THE BASICS OF HURRICANE SAFETY

PREPARING A HURRICANE EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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

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

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS: STAYING INFORMED!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: FLASH FLOOD AND LIGHTNING SAFETY!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: TAKING SHELTER FROM TORNADOES!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #environment #pollution #astronomy #scicomm #criticalthinking

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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