Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 20 – 27, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #australia #westnilevirus #drought #droughtmonitor

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. This week’s post contains more severe weather weather safety infographics with a focus on understanding your severe weather forecast and doppler radar. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

Fantastic view of the weather on another planet! “Watch This Awesome Video of Clouds Drifting Across the Martian Sky.”
As if the annual danger from mosquitoes wasn’t bad enough. “Light pollution drives increased risk of West Nile virus.”
This should come as no surprise. “Climate fight ‘is undermined by social media’s toxic reports.’” The challenge is the fact that social media often creates an environment where it’s very difficult for the layperson to distinguish facts from fiction.
Very thought provoking climate read. “It’s not too late for Australia to forestall a dystopian future that alternates between Mad Max & Waterworld.”
Lightning Rises Sharply in the Arctic. In fact, Arctic lightning has tripled in the last decade alone.
NOAA has released their outlook for the rest of spring 2021. Among the details, drought conditions are expected to persist across much of the western contiguous USA.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been issued. As you can see from the map below, 36.4% of the USA and 43.55% of the contigous 48 states are experiencing drought conditions this week.

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: SEVERE WEATHER: UNDERSTANDING SEVERE WEATHER RISK CATEGORIES, THE HAZARDS YOU CAN EXPECT, AND HOW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR HELPS KEEP YOU SAFE!

*Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards. Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS*

Doppler radar has saved countless lives since it came into widespread use. Here’s a timeline on the history of this technology and how it keeps you safe year round.

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. A kit like this is very helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes and hurricanes.

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

Social media is a very useful tool that can be misused for misinformation, disinformation, and hype. While this infographic is geared towards, winter weather, it certainly applies to ALL types of weather year round.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

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 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 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

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.

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 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)

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 September 18 – 25, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #prostatecancer

The past few days have been very busy across the North American continent. Western wildfires have sent large plumes of smoke thousands of miles from their point of origin as an unprecedented wildfire season continues. In the Atlantic tropical basin, a very busy hurricane season has been underway. Of course, there are several other good stories to cover this week including a good read on a shift in tornado occurrence patterns, so lets get started.

This is not a little disturbing. Unfortunately, this is a trend that has been growing globally. “Censored: Australian scientists say suppression of environment research is getting worse.”
The weather on other planets is always fascinating. In the case of Venus, the clouds are particularly toxic.
We not only deal with the variables in weather and climate, but space weather as well. Changes that occur on a regular basis with our Sun have significant effects on our daily lives. NASA and NOAA have compiled data on a new solar cycle and what we can expect here on Earth.
Astronomers face many challenges in doing research and looking into deep space from our planet. Here’s an excellent and concise overview of some of those challenges and proposed solutions.
Significant public health ramifications with this scenario. “Oregon’s air quality is so far beyond ‘hazardous’ that no one knows what it means for health.”
While on the topic of air quality, here’s an excellent read on the importance of indoor air quality which is especially important in the middle of a global pandemic. “Smoke and COVID-19 drove us inside — but the air in there wants to kill you.”
This is an essential read on climate and the immediate challenges that we face. “Climate Disruption Is Now Locked In. The Next Moves Will Be Critical.”
“Warming temperatures are driving Arctic greening.” This study is the first to measure vegetation changes spanning the entire Arctic tundra using Landsat data from NASA and the USGS.
Here’s yet another ‘new normal’ concerning the Arctic. “Arctic sea ice hits second-lowest level on record.”
Last but not least, an important read on shifting patterns in tornado occurrence across the USA. In recent years, there’s been a notable shift in tornado frequency from the traditional ‘Tornado Alley’ to the southern states. With that shift has come a significant increase in tornado related deaths.

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 often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. 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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For April 3 – 10, 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’ll cover that topic and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

California is know for its devastating wildfires. With climate change, the impact and frequency of those fires will increase dramatically.
As the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 pandemic brings air travel to a fraction of what is normally taking place, there’s another problem from the lack of passenger aircraft that’s airborne. “Weather forecasting models rely on temperature and wind data gathered by thousands of planes flying overhead.” However, NOAA and other weather forecasting agencies the world over are readily adapting and doing quite nicely.
One significant factor with a disease like COVID-19 is the quality of air that is breathed by those infected.
Speaking of air quality, pollution has been ravaging many cities in recent months. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus and Covid-19 have spread across the globe, pollution levels have dropped…but this is no sign for a celebration.
Handling the stress of a pandemic can overwhelm even the sturdiest of dispositions. Having the mindset of a scientists has helped me tremendously. “How to Think about COVID-19 like an M.D.”
Climate change and life-threatening infectious diseases have a very clear connection. While it may not include COVID-19, there are many other diseases you need to be concerned about.
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has experienced its third mass bleaching event in five years. For the first time, all three sections of the reef have been severely affected.
March 2020 will go down as a watershed time period in the course of human history due to the current global pandemic. In the meantime, March was also a remarkable month for climate and weather across the USA.
This week marks the anniversary of the April 1974 Superoutbreak of tornadoes that killed over 330 people across thirteen states. To this day, this tornado outbreak still holds the record for the number of F5 (EF5) tornadoes in a single day.
Finishing on a positive note is another anniversary. The TIROS weather satellite revolutionized meteorology back in April 1960 with images of our planet and clouds that forever changed the way atmospheric scientists compile forecasts and outlooks.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

To be fully prepared for the increase in severe weather events, it’s important to understand the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

Here’s a quick reminder on where you can take shelter in your home. With the peak of severe weather activity in full swing, now is a good time to prepare your safe place.

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…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 February 28 – March 6, 2020 – #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #severeweather #tnwx #climate #climatechange #environment #citizenscience #citsci #weatherready #astronomy

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.

One way that non-scientists can help professional scientists is through ‘citizen science’ projects. These projects gather significant amounts of priceless data. Here’s an excellent read on why we need citizen scientists and how they can increase public understanding of many complex scientific topics.
The Curiosity Mars rover recently snapped a fantastic high resolution image of Mars that has to be seen to be believed.
Keeping any data base and vast amounts of maps up to date can be quite a challenge. Unfortunately, these maps are flood plains in the USA that are badly out of date. You may live in a flood zone…and not even know it.
This is a no-brainer and more than a little obvious. “Yes, Climate Change Did Influence Australia’s Unprecedented Bushfires.”
The major news networks have quite a job on their hands handling all of the current events. By this account, their coverage of climate change in 2019 was lacking.
While climate change is a well established fact, many of the subtle nuances have still to be worked out. “Will future East Coast winters be freezing or balmy? Scientists can’t agree.”
At this rate and lack of competence and progress, this is bad news all around. “Net zero emissions target in peril as tropical forests absorb less CO2.”
Here’s the latest as of 6 March 2020 from the Nashville, TN National Weather Service on the deadly Tennessee tornadoes that killed over 20 people and heavily damaged much of the Nashville metro and neighboring counties. A review of the Storm Prediction Center’s outlooks, watches, and preliminary storm reports can be found here.
Will 2020 be an active tornado year across the USA? There are many variables involved and forecasting weeks and even months out while dealing with fluid dynamics is almost impossible. Here’s a very thorough look at some interesting data from US Tornadoes on what 2020 may…or may not…bring.
While on the topic of severe weather events, it’s important to remember that knowledge is power…and can save your life. Over the next few weeks I’ll post helpful National Weather Service infographics concerning severe thunderstorms, lightning, flooding, and of course, tornadoes. This week, lets take a look at the severe weather probabilities categories issued by the Storm Prediction Center.

Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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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

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 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

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 January 31 – February 7, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #antarctica #australia #brushfire #environment #droughtmonitor #histsci

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. The Australian brushfires are still a big story if for no other reason that it is a watershed event. 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 during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

First, a little history of science. The National Weather Service has come a long, long way since it’s humble beginnings. Here’s a look back at the fascinating history of how computers were devised to play a major part in forecasting.
What would our planet look like without its oceans? This eye-opening view shows a very new perspective.
The daunting challenges that climate change brings to many professions are obvious. For young farmers, it’s a particularly precarious hazard.
With the help of a cadre of climate skeptics, Australia presented itself as far less capable than it actually is. “Australia’s Decade of Burning Environmental Apathy.”
On the brighter side of the Australian brushfires, a realization that we may be closer to a tipping point in climate change may be the ‘wake-up-call’ that’s needed.
This is a change in the commute and/or running errands that I could get used to! “Make room for the e-bikes, the top-selling electric vehicles for the next decade.”
By some accounts, January 2020 set yet another record. “Goodbye, January — goodbye, another heat record.”
The latest US Drought Monitor has been released. Here’s a region-by-region view of the USA.
As the planet warms, permafrost—landscapes of frozen soil and rock—begins to thaw. In addition to the vast amounts of CO2 that is released, another event happens that you’ve probably never heard of. It’s called thermokarst. That’s the land that gets ravaged whenever permafrost thaws rapidly.
While on the topic of warming, temperatures at parts of Antarctica have risen at a rate that scientists find not a little alarming.

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. As of this post, 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 only one of many reputable sites 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 January 24 – 31 , 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #australia #brushfire #environment #wintersafety #scicomm

Conveying science topics to the general public can be a very daunting task, especially when the information is very complex. Here’s a very helpful read on getting your message across to members of the public.
This new satellite gives us a view of our sun that is like no other.
As expected, the Australian brushfires will add a significant amount of CO2 in 2020.
We’ve many daunting challenges ahead to offset or minimize climate change and the way it would affect our lives. Here’s an interesting read on STIs…Social Tipping Interventions that, in the decades to come, are necessary.
Facing climate change head-on has many consequences…and that includes economics. Inaction would be the most costly choice.
The next big carbon super-polluters consists of something that hasn’t been discussed much if at all…plastic plant facilities.
Yet more information on the irrevocable link between air quality and public health. “Heavy traffic pollution may affect kids’ brain development.”
Summer heat is one of nature’s most underrated dangers. Here’s a good read on reevaluating how to keep track of heat related deaths.
A broadcast meteorologist can face many daunting challenges. Here’s an inspiring read regarding those who are delving into the topics on and within climate change.
Last but not least, a quick winter weather safety reminder on dressing for cold weather. The key to staying warm is layers…and being mindful of wind chills you may encounter.

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. As of this post, 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 only one of many reputable sites 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 January 17 – 24 , 2020 #science #weather #weatherforecasting #meteorology #climate #climatechange #australia #brushfire #nasa #noaa #environment

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. The Australian brushfires are still a big story if for no other reason that it is a watershed event. 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 a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Photography credit: Matthew Abbott/New York Times/Redux/eyevine

As the brushfires in Australia continue as of this date, the race is on to gather data, conduct research, and calculate the level of influence climate change has in these devastating fires.
The Australian brushfires did more than kill wildlife and burn structures. They presented a substantial public health hazard.
The devastation and dangers of brushfires are far from being limited to Australia. Even many areas of Scandinavia are vulnerable.
A very thought provoking read by Christiana Figueres on the challenges all nations face in dealing with the daunting challenges of adapting our world to climate change.
The story of scientists not only collecting data and doing atmospheric science research, but taking on the role as detectives making sure that nations round the world are honoring their promises.
Encouraging news related to climate change and the health of our planet’s atmosphere are rare…but this one does offer some encouragement.
Speaking of encouragement, I’m not too thrilled about this. Geoengineering (aka messing with nature) is the modern day atmospheric science version of bloodletting. Regardless, NOAA is going to take a look at two ways of handling climate change.
Here’s a very interesting listen about new forecasting techniques for winter weather. “NASA Taps Snowstorm-Chasing Team To Improve Forecasting.”
Heat isn’t called the ‘silent killer’ for nothing. “Rising temperatures put more US workers at risk of dying from heat.”
In case you missed it, here’s one of the biggest and most important climate news stories we’ve seen in some time. “The globally averaged temperature departure from average over land and ocean surfaces for 2019 was the second highest since record keeping began in 1880, according to NOAA scientists.”

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. As of this post, 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 only one of many reputable sites 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

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: SEVERE WEATHER: UNDERSTANDING SEVERE WEATHER RISK CATEGORIES, THE HAZARDS YOU CAN EXPECT, AND HOW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR HELPS KEEP YOU SAFE!

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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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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