Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For October 2 – 9, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #wildfire #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic

Whether it’s a hurricane, a tornado, or winter storms, your NOAA weather radio should be at the ready year round. Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS

As of this post, all eyes are on Hurricane Delta, the second hurricane of the Atlantic 2020 to make landfall on the central USA Gulf Coast. Delta is a perfect example of a hurricane that has achieved major status during it’s life cycle after starting out with very humble origins. This kind of rapid intensification is something we’ll be seeing more often. This week’s post includes information and links on hurricane preparation. In addition, western USA wildfires continue to rage out of control and a gigafire…the first million acre wildfire on record, has taken place. As a result, air quality for many regions far from the fires has become a significant public health issue. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

This is a very thought provoking read on the current state of the societal attitude towards the COVID-19 pandemic. “As troubling as our pandemic response has been, the largest gap may not be between our performance and that of other countries but between our pre-pandemic understanding of America and what we now see revealed.”
While on the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s a spot-on essay that has been a long time coming and pulls no punches where they are deserved. “Dying In A Leadership Vacuum.“
The time to reevaluate the USA’s position as a leader in scientific endeavors has come. “Is America Finally Ready To Become A Scientific Nation?“
“Life on Venus? Scientists hunt for the truth.” The surprise discovery of gas that could be a sign of life on Venus has reignited scientific interest in Earth’s closest neighbor.
Speaking of our solar system, here’s a solid read on the origins of our universe.
As wildfires continue to ravage many western USA states, air quality has become a major public health issue. Fortunately, there are new apps and sensors to help people assess their personal risks.
Over four million acres have burned in California during 2020. While that number is useful, it may not be the most important number for us to focus on.
Gigafire is the new term for wildfires this bad. “Scientists didn’t expect wildfires this terrible for another 30 years.“
Now that a million acre wildfire known as a gigafire has taken place, what are the long-term implications for such an unprecedented event?
Last but not least, some good news in 2020. The USA may see the fewest lightning deaths in a single year in recorded history.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Hurricane Delta is, as of this post, forecast to make landfall on the USA’s Gulf Coast. 2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. 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.

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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

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

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

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

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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

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.

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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.

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 21 – 28, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #drought #hurricane #laura #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic

Hurricane Laura shortly after making landfall on the Louisiana coast on 27 August 2020.

This has been a very active weather and climate week. For North America, Hurricane Laura was the biggest weather story with the Category 4 hurricane making landfall on the Louisiana coast around 1AM CDT on the 27 August 2020. From humble origins as a cluster of thunderstorms moving westward off the coast of Africa, a modest tropical wave transformed into a powerful storm while traveling thousands of miles and going through explosive intensification in the Gulf Of Mexico. The devastating wildfires in California, Colorado, and elsewhere were also front and center. As usual, there are many other topics to cover plus a review of hurricane preparedness, so let’s get started.

Many people took the opportunity to photograph the comet NEOWISE including the Hubble telescope…but they’re not the kind of photos you might expect.
After reading this and watching the video in this story, you may never look at trees the same way again.
One would think that air travel during the midst of a global pandemic would be exceptionally dangerous. But, due to some features unique to air travel, it may be safer than one would think as long as certain precautions are taken.
Reducing the amount of plastic pollution that exists across the globe may sound easy, but it is a much greater hurdle to overcome than we think.
Why does California have so many wildfires? Here’s an excellent, concise overview of a disastrous event that has become all to common.
“Smoke, heat, & COVID-19: Californians are caught between public health crises.” Air quality hit dangerous levels in parts of CA & CO this week. Millions breathing pollutants from wildfires with potentially dangerous public health impacts.
Preparing for the landfall of a hurricane or evacuating an area in the path of a wildfire is bad enough…but add a pandemic, and the added threats to the well being of the people involved expands significantly.
Some hurricanes leave an indelible mark on the region they affected. No doubt that after this season, the name of Laura will be retired. For that reason and many more, names of hurricanes that had a historical impact are retired.
An analysis of four decades of satellite imagery shows a clear connection to climate change and global warming and the increased chances of a tropical cyclone reaching Category 3 intensity or higher.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Almost 40% of the USA’s population is experiencing unusual dry or drought conditions.

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.

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.

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

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery and good health during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. You folks are awesome! Now…let’s get started on this week’s reads.

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

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 29 – December 6, 2019 #science #weather #climate #climatechange #environment #COP25 #wildfire #drought #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week. This will be published every Friday between 2:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (2000 UTC to 2100 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. To say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. A medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Our solar systems Sun is not an easy object to study. Recently, NASA made some startling discoveries about solar wind which has a direct effect on our planet Earth.
The UN climate talks have been taking place in Madrid. Here’s a concise overview of some of COP25’s most important topics.
Whether before the climate talks started, or after they’ve finished, many ask, “What is the UN’s COP25 climate summit, and why does it matter?“
According to new data from the World Meteorological Organization, “The last decade has been one of “exceptional” heat around the world, and was almost certainly the hottest on record, while the oceans have also warmed to record levels and grown far more acidic.”
Along with the aforementioned exceptional heat is a startling increase in global CO2 emissions.
Finally, with global warming in mind, the polar regions are not going to fare well.
Fire tornadoes are not uncommon in wildfires. There are many mechanisms that will lead to fire tornado formation. Here’s a look at how one fire tornado with the California Camp Fire formed.
From the Capital Weather Gang, an excellent review of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. “Freak storms of 2019 Atlantic hurricane season left trail of destruction and revealed climate change fingerprints.”
The latest North American Drought Portal is out. During October 2019, drought conditions increased substantially across much of the contiguous USA.
Last but certainly not least, #Movember has officially wrapped up. But, that doesn’t mean that physical and mental health issues for men could or should take a back seat to any other concern. Men around the globe (including yours truly) continue grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so is Tornado Quest. I’d like to thank so many of you again 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 November 2 – 9, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #cafire #pollution #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week and will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and a medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. And on that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

SOMIS, CA – NOVEMBER 01: The Maria Fire burns on a hillside as it expands up to 8,000 acres on its first night on November 1, 2019 near Somis, California. Southern California has been hit by a series of dangerous, fast-moving wildfires this week as Santa Ana Winds ushered in strong gusts up to 80 mph and extremely low humidity. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Unlike the plethora of grandstanding storm chasers, these folks are doing serious research into the beast they’re chasing…only this time it’s wildfires. “Wildfire chasers are the new tornado chasers.”
If you’ve been following the California wildfires closely, you’ve certainly seen fire retardant being dispersed from aircraft. Here’s a good read on that chemical, what it does, and its possible hazards.
NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft has had an incredible journey over several decades and has revealed some surprising discoveries as it moved into interstellar space.
There’s no way to describe this situation other than heartbreaking. “Huge amounts of abandoned fishing gear litter the world’s oceans.”
This animation will give you a startling visualization of just how bad and widespread the air pollution is in India and other countries around the globe. To put it more succinctly, “The map shows the forecast amount of tiny particulate matter in the air, also known as PM 2.5. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the blood. They have been linked to heart disease, strokes and cancer.”
The discussion on climate change has taken on very serious tones this year…not because of histrionics, but because of rock solid facts.
Speaking of rock solid facts, a stern message was conveyed by climate scientists backed by decades of research. “11,000 Scientists: Please Panic, Climate Change Will Kill Us All.”
Despite anticipated precipitation increases for places like the United States and Europe, populous regions already facing water stresses. “The world is getting wetter, yet water may become less available for North America and Eurasia.”
How far into the future are weather forecasts reliable and accurate? One recent study says approximately ten days is a reasonable limit…and I wholeheartedly concur.
Last but certainly not least, it’s Movember…one month out of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so is Tornado Quest. I’d like to thank so many of you again 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 a 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 October 26 – November 2, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #cafire #lightning #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last three weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog which contains my personal choices of the top ten science reads from the past week. This post will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). The subject matter will be subjective, but catered towards what my followers in social media are interested in and cover topics that I feel are of scientific importance. There will be seasonal emphasis on the severe weather season across North America and the Atlantic hurricane season. During the next few weeks, there will be a few things to be ironed out, so the usual bugs and/or changes are likely to happen. The topics will be from a wide variety of science interests; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery. I am in the middle of a long rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and your kind and caring words mean the world to me. A medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life.

On that note, let’s get started and take a look at this week’s reads.

The California fire season has gotten a devastating start…and it’s likely to only get worse. “Grab your apocalypse bag — it’s fire season in California.”
Speaking of California, a myriad of hazards to residents is making life in the USA’s most populous state challenging and potentially dangerous to millions.
The ramifications of the wildfires in California have given biologists a chance to study a very important topic…the health risks to humans from all that potentially lethal smoke.
Nothing good can come from this. “Formal U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement Looms.”
This scenario was inevitable. “Cape Canaveral launch sites threatened by rising seas.”
As many as 630 million people are currently living on land masses that are under threat from flooding due to rising sea levels. As of 2019, the greatest increase in risk has been found in Asian megacities.
While on the topic of flooding and climate change, it’s no surprise that even the dead cannot escape the effects of sea level rise in certain regions that are prone to flooding or near/below sea level.
Lightning is one of the most elusive, difficult to study, fascinating, and yet deadly elements of even the most modest of thunderstorms. A type of lightning known as a ‘megaflash’ is a new area of study. One 2017 megaflash traveled from Texas, crossed Oklahoma, and ended in Kansas…more than 500 kilometers!

The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Several areas in the southern half of the contiguous USA have become quite dry in recent weeks.

Last but certainly not least, it’s Movember…one month out of the year when men around the globe grow some facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. I’d like to thank so many of you again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be a 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 with your doctor about getting your PSA tested. 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 October 19 – 26, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #airquality #public health

Greetings again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last two weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog which contains my personal choices of the top ten science reads from the past week. This post will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). The selection will be subjective, but lean heavily towards what my followers in social media are interested in. There will be seasonal emphasis on the severe weather season across North America and the Atlantic hurricane season. During the next few weeks, there will be a few things to be ironed out, so the usual bugs and/or changes are likely to happen. The topics will be from a wide variety of science interests; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the ‘good vibes’ and wishes for a speedy recovery. I am in the middle of a long rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and your kind and caring words mean the world to me. A medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life.

On that note, let’s take a look at this week’s reads.

Infographic courtesy World Health Organization

There are many weather and climate hazards that are life threatening and make for big headlines. One that is all to often overlooked and affects virtually every human on this planet is air quality. Here’s an excellent site from the World Health Organization on air quality, pollution, and how it affects your health.
It is not a matter of ‘if’ citizen science can contribute to science…the answer is a resounding ‘YES!’
As our climate changes, the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire in California increases dramatically year after year.
The discussion in California of wildfires and electrical power grids continues. “Electric Utilities Can’t Blame Wildfires Solely on Climate, Experts Say.“
While on the topic of wildfires, lets take a look from a global perspective at the unusual and disturbing increase in fires worldwide.
On 20 October 2019, a strong tornado moved across parts of the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. The autumn months typically bring an uptick in severe weather activity across much of the USA’s Great Plains. This story from the Guardian is a good overview of the situation. Unfortunately the headline, which implies that one tornado moved from Dallas into Arkansas, is all too common.
Are you stressed out by the daunting challenges of climate change? You’re not alone. Here are a list of eight actions you can take, some are better than others, other like ‘fight shaming’ are ridiculous, most important is the realization that every small action you can take adds up to big changes…and a better quality of life.
According to new data from NOAA and NASA, the Earth’s ozone hole is the smallest it has ever been since its discovery.
A recently released study says, “Antarctic ice sheets have been melting rapidly for hundreds of years, much longer than scientists previously thought.“
The Atlantic hurricane season will be coming to an official end very soon, but it’s never too late, early, our ‘out of season’ to have a preparedness plan and supplies in place. My Hurricane Preparedness Page can be a helpful starting point to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross can be very helpful in putting together a disaster preparedness kit. This emergency kit can also be applicable in many different climates and for all seasons.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. A million ‘thank you’ again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. Cancer does not have to be a 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 with your doctor getting your PSA tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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