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)

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.

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For August 28 – September 4, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #prostatecancer

The past week has been a busy and historic one for the USA. Record breaking wildfires have ravaged many areas of the western USA with millions of acres torched. Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana as a high-end Category 4 storm. From its humble beginnings as a cluster of thunderstorms moving off the coast of western Africa, what would become Laura traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic, entered the Caribbean region, crossed Puerto Rico and Cuba, then emerged into the Gulf of Mexico where it underwent explosive intensification in less than twenty-four hours. Recovery from these wildfires and Hurricane Laura will take years. We’ve still several weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so I have included information on hurricane and disaster preparedness. There are several other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020

The road to being a good scientist, regardless of the field of specialty, is a long one. While one should never consider their education complete, there are certain characteristics that make one stand out. Here’s an excellent essay on four lessons that every good scientist must learn.
Black holes are one of most enigmatic topics in astronomy. This recent news just raised the bar on changing the way we view our universe. “‘It’s mindboggling!’: astronomers detect most powerful black-hole collision yet.”
Summer heat and air quality can have deleterious effects on ones health. Add to that more extreme variations due to climate change and we have a serious public health problem on our hands.
There’s no doubt that California wildfires are getting worse. As our climate warms and droughts and heat in the western states become more commonplace, the daunting challenges posed by intense wildfires increases exponentially.
“Sea level rise from ice sheets track worst-case climate change scenario.” Melting rates in Greenland & Antarctica are matching the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s worst-case climate warming scenarios.
While on the topic of sea ice melt, here’s another scenario with links to the warming of our climate. “Winter ice in the Bering Sea is doomed to disappear within decades.“
Ice melt is also occurring elsewhere. The stability of the lakes that are filling up with the water from the melting ice is in question.
Lightning presents a significant threat to people and structures year round. In tropical regions, it’s responsible for the deaths of millions of trees annually.
Here’s a sobering listen on the beginning of the recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Laura. The daunting task ahead for people in the wake of this powerful storm is made worse by a pandemic that is raging out of control.
“‘Hurricane amnesia’: Why we might forget the lessons from Hurricane Laura.” During the quiet stretches between tropical cyclones, the fear of a hurricane will often dissipate.

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 August 28th, thirteen 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.

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!

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. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one. 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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For August 14 – 21, 2020 #science #climate #climatechange #weather #meteorology #derecho #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #environment #pollution #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic

The eye of the beast. A photograph from the International Space Station shows the subtle details within the eye of a hurricane. Image courtesy NASA

Greetings! I hope you’re faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. #Laura is our newest named Atlantic tropical cyclone and is forecast by the National Hurricane Center to eventually move into the Gulf Of Mexico. Another tropical depression is, as of this date, also forecast to move into the Gulf Of Mexico…therefore we have an unusual and very busy week ahead for the USA’s Gulf states. We’ll take a look at a checklist for assembling an emergency kit for hurricane and/or disaster preparedness and plenty of other topics…so let’s get started.

“Did Snowball Earth Happen Because of a Sudden Drop in Sunlight?” A planet encased in ice & snow sounds devastating, but these episodes may have paved the way for the development of complex life on Earth.
Why do deniers of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change paint scientists as alarmists? Perhaps because sound scientific facts are too hard to face…and basically a part of a very predictable human behavior pattern.
This is a very interesting listen with some sobering information on the amount of plastic pollution in the Atlantic ocean.
Here’s a very detailed read on how deadly heat waves are and the connection to climate change. Plenty of input and information from the Japanese Meteorological Agency.
Contrary to popular opinion, new information on our current state of climate change indicates that any emissions reduction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be minuscule. However, what we do globally in a post COVID-19 world may make a big difference.
The devastation in the wake of the 10 August 2020 derecho event across the central plains is so widespread that it could be comparable to damage from a land-falling hurricane. Iowa took the brunt of this storm and it will be many months before the cleanup is finished and damages are calculated.
2020 may not be the warmest year yet, but it will certainly be close to the top. It will also have achieved that place without the help of an El Nino event.
Could we have a new record for a global high temperature? If the 130F (54.4C) temperature recorded at Death Valley National Park, California is verified by the National Weather Service, it’ll be one for the global record books.
A very short and to-the-point message from NOAA regarding the rest of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. “Expect more, stronger, and longer-lived storms.”
Speaking of hurricane season, we’ve had quite a few storms already in the Atlantic basin this year. Here’s a concise and simple explanation of why that is happening and what could be in store for the future.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this summer. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with nine named storms having taken place to date…and the peak of hurricane season is still ahead. 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, now is the time to assemble your kits for home and your place of work.

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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For August 7 – 14, 2020 #science #climate #climatechange #weather #meteorology #droughtmonitor #hurricane #hurricaneprep #disasterprep #antarctica #iceshelf #astronomy

A trio of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin and Gulf of Mexico. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS

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 a 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 an active start with, as of this post, nine named storms for the 2020 season. We’ll also take a look at a checklist for assembling an emergency kit and hurricane preparedness…so let’s get started.

What does our solar system look like? It’s not a shape that you’d expect!
Space weather gives our planet a bittersweet scenario. On one hand, solar flares can play havoc with tech/infrastructure while simultaneously putting on spectacular aurora displays. Forecasting these solar flares is essential to us protecting the most vulnerable of our technology that we depend on daily.
Scientific research in Antarctica is crucial to understanding our planet. For the time being, that continent has no cases of COVID-19 and scientists want to keep it that way.
Dust storms are not often associated with air quality and public health, but the connection is very clear. “Dust Storms Associated With Increase In Critical Care Visits.“
Derechos can spread a wide path of damage for hundreds of miles. The derecho event of 10 August 2020 across the USA”s Midwest left behind billions in damage and a vast amount of ruined crops.
Here’s a review of the climate for the USA from NOAA. “The July 2020 contiguous USA temperature was 75.7°F, 2.1°F above the 20th-century average and ranking 11th warmest in the 126-year record. For the year-to-date, the national temperature was 53.6°F, 2.4°F above average, ranking seventh warmest on record.“
“Satellite record gives unprecedented view of Antarctic ice shelf melt pattern over 25 years.” This includes a considerable amount of data from NASA and the European Space Agency.
Our modern day climate change is happening simultaneously across that globe. That is one of many reasons why it is so different and dangerous from warming or cooling events of the past few thousands of years.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. As of August 5-11, 2020, 28.8% of the USA’s land area was experiencing some degree of drought conditions.
With knowledge being power, knowing all you can learn about tropical cyclones that could affect the area you live is to your advantage. If this year’s active hurricane season has piqued your interest in tropical cyclones, NOAA has an excellent educational website that explains how these powerful storms develop and operate.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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 July 10 – 17, 2020

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, six named storms having taken place. We’ll also take a look at summer heat safety and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Misinformation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic spreads as fast as the virus itself. This spread of misinformation has a lot to say about human behavior.
Take a look at this amazing image of our Sun. The more we study this amazing star, the more we realize that it is anything but a bright light in the sky.
A sobering read on a new study that shows a previously undiscovered source of microplastic pollution…road traffic.
Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Its concentration reached a new record in 2019 that is more than two and a half times preindustrial levels.
Many facets to this study. “Climate change will cause more extreme wet and dry seasons, researchers find.“
The deadly heat wave that killed over 700 people in the Chicago metro areas in 1995 was a watershed event in summer heat disasters for the USA. Lessons learned from that lethal heat event are now being used to prepare urban areas which, for a variety of reasons, tend to take the brunt of heat waves.
It’s hurricane season in the Atlantic. These amazing floating robots are set to send back to meteorologists amazing data that isn’t available from weather satellites.
The Arctic recently has seen unprecedented high temperatures. This not only means melting ice, but ocean waves that are higher than ones previously seen.
The Atlantic basin has no active hurricanes as of this post. It’s still early in the season and that means it’s 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.
Summer heat is responsible for up to 600 deaths annually in the USA alone. Most of these deaths and heat illnesses are preventable. NOAA has a very comprehensive Heat Safety and Resources page that has excellent information. Check out the inforgraphics below for more summer safety tips.

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

The summer heat is fully settled in across much of the Northern Hemisphere. With that comes an increase in heat related illnesses. These handy infographics from NOAA will help you stay safe in the coming weeks.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross is an excellent starting point for anyone assembling an emergency kit. Even if you live in an area that is not prone to severe weather or hurricanes, an emergency kit is an essential part of a home and workplace.

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 June 19 – 26, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #summersafety #heatsafety #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic

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.

A vast dust plume from the Sahara Desert in Africa starts a trek across the Atlantic towards the Americas. Image courtesty NOAA

Many a youngster during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s had dreams of becoming an astronaut during the height of the USA’s Apollo mission program. Many more dreamed of becoming one with the advent of the Space Shuttle. That dream continues today for many. Question is, do you have what it takes?
We’re very familiar with dust storms on our own planet. Studying dust storms and how they for on Mars is another story.
Misinformation, pseudoscience, & conspiracy theories run amok for almost every field of science. Weather and climate are prime examples. The current COVID-19 pandemic is another very apt example. “Coronavirus misinformation, & how scientists can help to fight it.”
To say that the USA has been brought to its knees by the COVID-19 pandemic is an understatement. To add insult to injury, as of this post, the states are in the worst shape so far in this horrible health crisis.
“What greater good? COVID-19 is unmasking America’s collective action problem.” Face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19. The issue? Mask-wearing has become a giant collective action problem & many Americans refuse to cooperate hence the dramatic increase in cases in the past few days.
As if the ongoing global pandemic isn’t enough, the smoke from wildfires that may happen this summer across much of North America will pose additional health hazards to many people.
This is a mammoth and time-consuming task, but it’s very important. “One-fifth of Earth’s ocean floor is now mapped.”
A recent summer temperature record was set in Siberia. If verified, this would be the northernmost 100-degree reading ever observed, and the highest temperature on record in the Arctic.”
Imagine if you will a lightning bolt that’s 440 miles long or last just over 16 seconds. The World Meteorological Organization has identified two megaflash events in South America.
A very good read from The New Yorker archive that will give you a renewed appreciation of the hard work of meteorologists. “Why Weather Forecasting Keeps Getting Better.”

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Is it heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Both are dangerous…and heat stroke is all to often fatal. Here’s the difference.

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!

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 June 12 – 19, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #hurricane #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic

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.

Hurricanes and pandemics…the perfect, deadly storm.

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!

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 Picks For May 29 – June 5, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #hurricane #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is faring well in this 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 is peaking and the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is just days away. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

For the first time in over a decade, American astronauts took to space in an American made rocket from American soil. The trampoline is working very well!
While on the topic of American spacecraft, we can look forward to many more in the next few years.
The more scientists study our universe, the more discoveries we make. “Astronomers Watch as Planets Are Born.“
Satellites are an invaluable tool for a wide myriad of applications. In a few instances, they can get in the way of your view of some astronomical events.
Over the years, I”ve always enjoyed attending science conferences for various reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic will change how many of us convey knowledge and network with our peers.
Considering the mosquito is the critter that poses the most dangers to humans, this is some important info. “7 reasons mosquitoes bite some people more than others.”
For astronomers, both professional and amateur, light pollution has been an irritant for many years. “Psychedelic skies over Chile reveal the full extent of light pollution.“
In spite of our world coming to a crawl due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CO2 levels remained high in our atmosphere. What will happen after the pandemic remains to be seen.
Ice sheets have been melting in Antarctica for some time, but recent events don’t paint a rosy picture for future ice sheet status as our planet continues to warm.
The Atlantic hurricane season has officially commenced for North America. Flooding is almost always an issue upon landfall even with modest tropical storms. Unfortunately, many people living in areas prone to the effects of tropical cyclones do not have flood insurance.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Doppler radar has revolutionized the warning process in less than thirty years. This timeline and concise overview of how the National Weather Services network of radars work will convey just how important this invaluable tool is regardless of the weather or climate.

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 the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, 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

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For May 8 – 15, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

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. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. Additionally, the spring severe weather season is in full swing across the contiguous USA. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

“Galileo’s story is always relevant.” With science denialism stronger than ever, Galileo’s grapple with heresy charges is chillingly relevant.
If you think the weather on our planet is wild, we’re going to learn some amazing things about Jupiter’s weather that will make you change your mind.
New research is showing that microplastics are everywhere on our planet…even in sea spray.
As stay-at-home recommendations relax during the current COVID-19 pandemic, delusions of safety increase exponentially. The inevitable result has the potential to be even more lethal than what we’ve already experienced worldwide.
This blog post on Covid-19 has gone viral…& for very good reason. “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them.”
Yet another fine example of manipulating misinformation and cherry picking at its finest. “Climate Deniers Argue Carbon Pollution Is Beneficial, Again Take Aim at EPA’s Endangerment Finding.“
Here’s a very cool teaching resource for educators or at-home schoolers. NOAA has a very nice website where your students can learn a lot about weather. Check out SciJinks!
Hurricane forecasting and preparedness has come a long way in just a few short decades. Here’s an fantastic look back at how life saving meteorological advancements took place.
“Coronavirus Could Disrupt Weather Forecasting.” A vast amount of atmospheric data routinely gathered by commercial airliners has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus the World Meteorological Organization announced.
Climate change is already a daunting challenge for humanity. For the USA, add climate change to the variety of frequent extreme weather events, and you have a particularly volatile recipe.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Regardless of where you live or the weather that is common to your region, make your NOAA weather radio an essential part of your information sources. Not only can it save your life, but at anytime of the day or night you can get your local forecast and special forecast updates on any potential weather hazards for up to a week in advance. They should be as common in home and workplaces as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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 as of late. 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. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, 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 Picks For May 1 – 8, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

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. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. Additionally, the spring severe weather season is in full swing across the contiguous USA.. We’ve some tornado safety information and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

If you’re interested in citizen science and are looking for projects in weather and climate, check out the mPING project and help National Severe Storms Laboratory scientists collect weather data. The CoCoRaHS project is a citizen science endeavor that is well established. I’ve been an observer for many years. Your daily reports of precipitation, or lack of, is very important to long-term climate data records. The apps for mPING and CoCoRaHS are free and available for both iOS and Android.
This is an excellent long-read that’s worth the time. “Why Weren’t We Ready For The Coronavirus?”
A fascinating astronomy read on our planet’s only local companion. “The moon is emitting carbon, raising questions about how it was formed.”
Microplastics are almost everywhere on our planet. Small and strange looking creatures in our oceans are even using them to make ‘shelters.’
Scientists and the general public have taken note of the startling drop in air pollution and urban noise during the ongoing pandemic. “Rather than let this time be forgotten, the United Nations and environmental campaigners are urging governments to “build back better, to invest in the future not the past”, to ensure that our global recovery has sustainable legacy.“
After consideration, this really makes perfectly good sense. “Forget the TP: Here’s what you really need to get through a disaster.”
The pestilence of pseudoscience runs rampant among many science topics, including weather and climate. When it comes to COVID-19, it has taken on absolutely bizarre dimensions.
A new state of the art NASA satellite has taken a good look at Greenland and Antarctica. The data doesn’t lie. Both are losing billions of tons of ice into the ocean each year and that contributes significantly to global sea-level rise.
This new climate change study takes a look at how it affects the human habitat. “One billion people will live in insufferable heat within 50 years.”
One of the biggest earth science stories as of late has been the opening of the ozone hole over the North Pole. New data shows that after nearly a month, that hole has now closed.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Here’s a concise reminder on taking shelter during a tornado warning. Where you take shelter is quite often a matter of life and death or serious injury.

An emergency kit is also an essential part of severe weather preparedness. This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you get started. Since severe weather and other weather-related disasters can occur year round, it’s an excellent idea to have this at the ready regardless of where you live or the month/season.

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 as of late. 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. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, 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

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

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

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SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND WEATHER PREPAREDNESS DURING THE SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE SEASON

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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