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 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

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!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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.

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!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

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

Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020

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

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this year. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of August 28th, thirteen named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

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 Links For July 17 – 24, 2020 #science #environment #pollution #astronomy #weather #hurricane #tropics #heatsafety #covid19 #drought #emergencyprep

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As usual, we’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be a continuing daunting challenge and finding a long-term path of human adaptation is far easier said than done. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start with, as of this post, seven named storms for the 2020 season. We’ll also take a look at heat safety and a checklist for assembling an emergency kit…so let’s get started.

Looking into the eye of the beast. Image courtesy NOAA/NWS

Let’s start with a thought provoking read on risk. We live in a very different world than we did just a few months ago. Few of us will ever forget 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Living in this world requires very serious choices and decisions. With each choice and decision, there’s a risk. Choose wisely.
This is a very intriguing astronomy read. “We don’t know how fast the universe is expanding, and that’s a problem.“
While we’re on astronomy, take a look at these spectacular images from the European Space Agency’s new solar orbiter!
European cities are often on the cutting edge of new technology to increase the quality of life for city dwellers. Here’s a fantastic example.
A new study that was partly undertaken with the World Health Organization has new data on potentially lethal air pollution that can affect up to 55% of the world’s population.
Heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths around the world. In the USA alone, over 600 people die from heat annually. The actual number is probably twice that figure. Heat is called the ‘Silent Kiler’ and there’s a good reason for that. Add the challenges of climate change, and the human body is struggling to adapt to a potentially lethal weather phenomenon.
Speaking of heat, as an urban dweller, I’ve been familiar with the urban heat island effect for a very long time. Planted in the proper locations and well maintained, trees can help a great deal in offsetting the heat island effect that plagues so many urban areas during the hot summer months.
It will be interesting to see how this forecast model works out and lives up to it’s intended potential. “New tropical cyclone outlook model has potential to save lives in the Pacific.”
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Drought levels running from moderate to extreme are affecting as much as 26% of the USA and Puerto Rico.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_2557.png — Graphic courtesy NIDIS/Drought.gov

The Atlantic has become quite active in the past week. We now have Gonzalo which, regardless of it’s changing intensity, can have significant impacts on landfall. Now is the perfect time to prepare for the hurricane you hope never happens. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

This handy checklist will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For those in regions prone to hurricanes, now is the time to assemble your kit for home and/or your place of work.

So far in 2020, eleven children have died across the USA from heat illnesses while in automobiles. Two of these deaths occurred in Tulsa, OK after a brother and sister were in a car for approximately five hours. All of these deaths are even the more tragic since they were all preventable. Temperatures as low as 78F-80F can become lethal.

This is an infographic explaining the symptoms of the two most common kinds of heat illnesses. Heat stroke is especially deadly and paramedics should be summoned as quickly as possible.

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For July 10 – 17, 2020

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As usual, we’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be a continuing daunting challenge and finding a long-term path of human adaptation is far easier said than done. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start with, as of this post, six named storms having taken place. We’ll also take a look at summer heat safety and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Misinformation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic spreads as fast as the virus itself. This spread of misinformation has a lot to say about human behavior.
Take a look at this amazing image of our Sun. The more we study this amazing star, the more we realize that it is anything but a bright light in the sky.
A sobering read on a new study that shows a previously undiscovered source of microplastic pollution…road traffic.
Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Its concentration reached a new record in 2019 that is more than two and a half times preindustrial levels.
Many facets to this study. “Climate change will cause more extreme wet and dry seasons, researchers find.“
The deadly heat wave that killed over 700 people in the Chicago metro areas in 1995 was a watershed event in summer heat disasters for the USA. Lessons learned from that lethal heat event are now being used to prepare urban areas which, for a variety of reasons, tend to take the brunt of heat waves.
It’s hurricane season in the Atlantic. These amazing floating robots are set to send back to meteorologists amazing data that isn’t available from weather satellites.
The Arctic recently has seen unprecedented high temperatures. This not only means melting ice, but ocean waves that are higher than ones previously seen.
The Atlantic basin has no active hurricanes as of this post. It’s still early in the season and that means it’s the perfect time to prepare for the hurricane you hope never happens. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.
Summer heat is responsible for up to 600 deaths annually in the USA alone. Most of these deaths and heat illnesses are preventable. NOAA has a very comprehensive Heat Safety and Resources page that has excellent information. Check out the inforgraphics below for more summer safety tips.

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

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

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

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For July 3 – 10, 2020

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start and, as of this post, the USA now has Tropical Storm Fay. Speaking of tropical cyclones, we’ll take a look at hurricane safety and preparedness information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

After several months of dealing with a global health crisis that is nothing like living generations have ever experienced, medical science is challenged with answering several crucial questions about SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19. Not for want of trying, but this is how science works.
Evaluating information about COVID-19, or any other scientific topic, can be a daunting task for the general public. Here’s an excellent read on interpreting COVID-19 information that can easily be applied to any other science field…including weather and climate.
Here’s a fascinating look at the weather on another planet…and it’s all about a new storm!
“Supercomputer Simulations Help Researchers Predict Solar Wind Storms.” These storms can cause severe damage to power grids, satellites, & many other technological electrical systems.
Trees are more than just large plants. They are a source of valuable information from the past and give us a look into the future.
But will this novel idea work? There’s the rub. “Pulling carbon from the sky is necessary but not sufficient.” Carbon dioxide removal is becoming a serious proposition. But it is not a substitute for aggressive action to cut emissions.
Siberia has been experiencing record warmth in 2020. That has also helped to spread wildfires in the region which are releasing a record amount of carbon into our atmosphere.
Climate change will still be a daunting challenge for some time to come. What is more problematic and ominous is the possibility that we may be running out of time before we reach a critical level of global warming.
This is an excellent read on a very rare cloud. “Noctilucent clouds (NLC) over Knowlton Church in Dorset.“
The Atlantic basin has no active hurricanes as of this post. It’s still early in the season and that means it’s the perfect time to prepare for the hurricane you hope never happens. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY AND HURRICANE/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For June 26 – July 3, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #emergencyprep #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start but is on a temporary hiatus due to unfavorable conditions for tropical cyclone formation and a large amount of Saharan desert dust that has crossed over from the Saharan desert region. Speaking of tropical cyclones, we’ll take a look at hurricane safety and preparedness information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Hurricane Michael making landfall on the Florida panhandle. Image courtesy NOAA.

Fortunately, the USA’s NIST website is still up and running. If you want the true and official time, you’ll find no more accurate source of information.
It wouldn’t be 2020 without weirdness of some kind…and here’s a look at a long-standing pseudoscience that has no validity whatsoever.
One of the interesting social aspects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is how this global health crisis has exposed humans tendency to believe in or trust facts that coincide with their perspective on social/political events.
We know little about the atmosphere on other planets outside of our own solar system. Here’s fascinating read on new information concerning the atmosphere on three exoplanets.
Misinformation is rampant on the world wide web. When it comes to climate change, it is commonplace with claims from denialists running amok. How does climate change misinformation spread on the internet? Easily and quickly.
The more we look for plastic pollution, the more we find…including places where we never would have guessed we’d find remnants of a substance that will be around for thousands of years.
In countries where air-conditioning is the exception rather than the rule, this heat would be brutal & potentially lethal. “Climate change: UK could hit 40C ‘regularly’ by end of this century.”
Florida has had it’s fare share of devastating hurricanes with the most recent being the Category 5 Michael. As some people continue to struggle to recover while dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the threat of the current Atlantic hurricane season looms large.
Could the Covid-19 pandemic lead to longer power outages caused by a land-falling hurricane? By some accounts, the answer is, ‘yes.’
The Atlantic basin is quiet for now with no tropical cyclones forecast for development. It’s still early in the season and that means it’s the perfect time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

HURRICANE AND SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For June 19 – 26, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #summersafety #heatsafety #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The North American spring severe weather season has slowed a bit, but and uptick in activity will inevitably take place. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start. We’ll also take a look at summer heat safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

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

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

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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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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SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY AND HURRICANE/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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SUMMER HEAT SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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