Tornado Quest Top Science Links For December 17 – 24, 2022 #science #weather #climate #drought #winter #wintersafety #windchill #health #publichealth

Happy holidays everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well during this holiday season regardless of what holidays you celebrate. This weeks post will be a short one due to the holidays. Across a large part of North America, a blast of Siberian air has brought freezing temperatures all the way to the Gulf Coast, subzero temperatures across much of the plains and midwest, and travel delays for millions. Therefore, I’ll continue with winter weather safety information that you’ll find helpful.

Significant chances are possible by the end of the century for most Antarctic animals and plants…and the news isn’t good.
Yes, they work, and work very well. I wore them for years as part of a former vocation. It would behoove all of us to keep in mind how well they protect us, especially at this time of year.
As 2022 comes to an end, here’s a look at scientific advancements we need to watch for in 2023.
This is a fascinating look at the winter solstice and the history of this mark in the change of the astronomical seasons.
Here is this week’s update on the USA Drought Monitor. Recent precipitation has brought some improvements. Still, dry or drought conditions continue to persist across much of the contiguous USA with moderate to severe drought spreading from the Great Lakes region to the deep south.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

If you’re looking for winter weather preparedness and safety information, here’s an excellent website for everything you need to know for before and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA and the National Weather Service will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics have tips on dressing for the cold and five things to keep in mind during the coldest months of the year.

Infographic courtesy NWS Mobile, Alabama

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who pay this website a visit! Whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, I wish all of you the absolute best during this holiday season and for all of us, a very healthy and happy 2023!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for December 17 – 24, 2022

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 December 3 – 10, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you well. Along with several interesting reads, let’s continue with winter weather safety information this week…so let’s get started.

If you’ve ever wondered where on Earth does the sun rise first, here’s a good read to help you find out.
Here’s yet another spectacular image from the Orion space capsule.
Here are ten thought provoking images of nature in crisis.
Using air conditioning in a stadium is possible, but considering the consequences, is it sustainable?
This is a goal that may not be reached in time. “COP15 target to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 is ‘unrealistic.’”
Thought provoking read. “Why knowing your neighbors could save you in the next climate disaster.” Across the USA, communities are relying on mutual aid as a safeguard against extreme weather.
Here is this week’s update on the USA Drought Monitor. In spite of minor improvements, dry or drought conditions continue to persist across much of the contiguous USA with moderate to severe drought spreading from the Great Lakes region to the deep south.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

If you’re looking for winter weather preparedness and safety information, here’s an excellent website for everything you need to know for before and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA and the National Weather Service will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics below will also help you prepare an emergency kit and advise discretion when encountering questionable weather information/forecasts/hyperbole while visiting websites and using social media. Forecasting winter weather is one of the most daunting challenges that even the most seasoned meteorologist will face. With that in mind, it would behoove us all to stay flexible and prepare to change plans at short notice if the forecast changes.

Infographic courtesy FEMA/Ready.gov/Red Cross

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who pay this website a visit and my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Mastodon, Instagram, or Facebook, let’s connect!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for December 3 – 10, 2022

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 November 12 – 19, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you well. For the eastern Pacific and Atlantic, the hurricane season is wrapping up. Simultaneously, there have been some substantial early winter weather events across parts of North America. Therefore, I’ll start posting winter weather safety information this week with helpful tips on preparing an emergency kit that will be useful in any winter storm or severe weather scenario. There are many essential science reads this week including important information on the COP27 summit, but first, a quick note regarding the ongoing situation with Twitter. I will have a separate post regarding that matter with information on how you can keep in touch with Tornado Quest and our other social media platforms.

A very good read on the irrevocable link between climate & biodiversity. “COP27 climate talks seen as key to success at next month’s United Nation’s nature summit.”
Speaking of the COP27 summit, it was revealed that recent global carbon emissions have hit a new high.
Greenland is losing ice at a rate that is the equivalent to what occurred at the end of the last Ice Age.
Across the United States during the last decade, nine out of ten counties have experienced weather and/or climate disasters.
This is the latest update on the USA Drought Monitor. Dry or drought conditions continue to persist across much of the contiguous USA with several midwestern and southern states now affected.

Across the Northern Hemisphere, winter is setting in. If you’re looking for winter weather preparedness and safety information, here’s your one stop website for everything you need to know for before and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics below will also help you prepare an emergency kit and advise discretion when encountering questionable weather information/forecasts/hyperbole while visiting websites and using social media.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook, a follow is appreciated! And remember, prepare ahead for the storm you hope never happens!

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 June 5 – 12, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #tornado #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #climate #climatechange #environment #health

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking. Across North America, the severe weather season continues. The current tornado count is not far from an average year. 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 flood safety information. The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1. This week, there’s a complete page of information on hurricane safety. There are many other 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?“
On the irrevocable climate link to socioeconomics. “Climate crisis to shrink G7 economies twice as much as Covid-19, says research.”
Here’s some good news for a change…especially when one considers the mosquito is one of the most dangerous critters on the planet for humankind. “A Pivotal Mosquito Experiment Could Not Have Gone Better.”
Speaking of dangerous critters, ticks are another hazard to human health that can’t be ignored. This year could be a bad one for ticks…and climate change may play a part.
The effects of climate change are having deleterious changes in the the world’s lakes. This is even more of a crisis when lakes and rivers, though they only cover 1% of the Earth’s surface, are rich in biodiversity.
Based on new data from the World Meteorological Organization, our planet is on course to, “hit watershed 1.5 °C rise in next five years.”
We can’t have enough good news like this. Considering the opportunities for worst case scenarios, this has been (so far) a very good year regarding tornado activity and intensity across the USA. “No severe tornadoes hit the U.S. this May for first time on record.”
The 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. Time will tell whether the outlook verifies. Regardless, it’s best to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Click on HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS to make your way to a wide variety of links and helpful information from staying informed on the storms to assembling preparedness kits for your family and pets.

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 continue information on 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 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

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.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

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 Ten Science Links For September 4 – 11, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #covid19 #pandemic #prostatecancer

The past two weeks have been very active across much of North America and in tropical regions around the globe. The ongoing wildfires across much of the western and mountain states of the USA have sent large plumes of smoke across much of the continent. Ramifications from Hurricane Laura and the Midwestern derecho of early August will be felt for some time. The tropical Atlantic has also continued to be active. 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.

At university campuses around the world, and particularly in the USA, a climate of 21 Century McCarthyism exists with cancel culture and oppressive political correctness at the spearhead. “A main thread in the missives is people left-of-center wondering why, suddenly, to be anything but radical is to be treated as a retrograde heretic.” It’s obvious that a dearth of critical thinking and rationale exists.
A very thought provoking read. “The Idea that a Scientific Theory can be ‘Falsified’ Is a Myth.”
This is not only a fun astronomy read, but a challenging one as well. “There are Three Asteroids Hiding in this Animation, See If You Can Find Them.“
Some very sound ideas in this essay. “Protecting half of the planet is the best way to fight climate change and biodiversity loss – we’ve mapped the key places to do it.“
While these are very pretty to look at, the reasons for their existence can be worrisome. “Beautiful blooming phytoplankton create swirling art in the Baltic Sea.“
The daunting challenges from climate change go far beyond what takes place in the natural world. “Federal Report Warns of Financial Havoc From Climate Change.“
There has been a great deal of noise from the climate change deniers as of late disputing any connection between the western USA wildfires and climate change. They couldn’t be more incorrect. The connection is solid and based on sound science.
While on the topic of wildfires, there are millions of Americans that are being exposed to the ongoing western states wildfires. The smoke many of them are breathing is hazardous to their health for a myriad of reasons.
Summer heat is responsible for far more deaths around the world than most all cold weather events combined. The dangers of heat are vastly underrated. That begs the question, why don’t we talk about the dangers of heat more often?
Have you ever wondered why some hurricanes gain intensity at a ferocious rate? Here’s a very simple and concise explanation of why this happens. Hurricane Laura was a perfect example.

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 11th, eighteen named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

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

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

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

Prostate cancer has touch my life and, as a result, changed my outlook on life forever. It’s not an ‘old man’s’ disease. Many men in their forties are diagnosed with prostate cancer. For men, it’s the second leading cause of death by cancer. My diagnosis came about as a result of a routine PSA test from my general practitioner. Regardless of your family history, race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, etc., don’t think it can’t happen to you. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one.

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For May 18 – 25, 2019

Greetings everyone! I hope the weather’s to your liking no matter where you live. Here in the Great Plains of the USA, it’s been a wild May with a significant amount of severe weather activity complete with numerous tornadoes and record setting floods across many states. There’s plenty to review this week, so let’s get started.

Communicating scientific concepts and theories to the general public is one of the most daunting challenges scientists (and citizen scientists) will face. Often, misunderstanding how science and the scientific method fosters an atmosphere of anti-science hostility. Here’s an interesting and informative read on how to reverse the assault on science that has been going full steam in recent years.
By the year 2100, sea level rise could reach levels that are much more than currently feared.
If you’ve ever had a sneaking suspicion that China isn’t living up to it’s environmental obligations, you would be correct. They’re not only playing dice with their citizens, but life as we know it the world over.
For some regions of our planet, it’s “double trouble” with a health endangering fight between air pollution and increases in CO2.
Our planet’s biodiversity is bigger than most of us can comprehend. Here’s an interesting look at how the biodiversity is allocated…and how much it would weigh.
Are hurricanes getting stronger and is climate change playing a part? According to some new data, the answer is in the affirmative.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK is like no other weather forcasting office in the world. Here’s an inside view of how this amazing part of NOAA works.
The latest State Of The Climate report is out. “The global land and ocean surface temperature departure from average for April 2019 was the second highest for the month of April in the 140-year NOAA global temperature dataset record, which dates back to 1880. The year-to-date temperature was the third warmest January–April on record.”
The latest USA Drought Monitor has some surprising news. Drought coverage for the USA has hit a 20 year low. Unfortunately, this has come at the expense of dangerous flooding across several great plains states.
Last but not least, the NOAA Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released. There are many variables involved, but as of now, a relatively normal season is expected.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

Testing your NOAA weather radio year round is one of the best ways to stay informed on weather conditions for your area regardless of the season. Many National Weather Service offices conduct weekly tests. It’s also a good idea to replace the batteries in your NOAA weather radio when you change batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

Infographic courtesy NWS Amarillo, Texas

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

National Weather Service Homepage

Storm Prediction Center

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Sky Watcher Cloud Chart: An excellent 2 page PDF file from NOAA and NASA on cloud types and and information on how clouds form.

Tornadoes, Lightning, & Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (PDF file)

Tornado Safety Rules from the Storm Prediction Center

Highway Overpasses As Tornado Shelters (Slide Presentation)

The Online Tornado FAQ

Facts About Derechos

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

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

That’s a wrap for this post! To my new followers, I’d like to extend a sincere “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, your loyalty is deeply appreciated. Thanks so much for the support and kind words!

Cheers!

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

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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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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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

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