Tornado Quest Top Science Links For November 19 – 26, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you well. If you celebrated the American thanksgiving holiday, I hope it was a pleasant day for all. Winter is making its presence known across much of North America. A recent record breaking snowstorm in New York state is one example. Therefore, I’ll continue posting winter weather safety information this week with helpful tips on understanding winter weather forecasts and 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 conclusion of the COP27 climate summit, so let’s get started.

NASA’s Orion capsule has just started an amazing adventure and a new chapter in space exploration. Here’s a look at its close swing by our planet’s moon.
The COP27 climate summit has come to a conclusion. Here’s a concise summary of the good and not so good results.
No doubt, this was the topic of conversation around many dinner tables during the American Thanksgiving holiday with not a little consternation in the air. Fortunately, for those that deny sound science, there are ways to understand their behavior and, perhaps, encourage them to understand the basis behind established facts and data.
There are many variables and metrics to consider when evaluating climate change and extreme weather events. Aerosols are one variable that we can’t afford to leave out due to the major role they play in air quality and regional extreme weather events.
According to a Stockholm University study, much of continental Europe is, on average, warming at twice the rate of the rest of the Earth.
As Europe goes, so goes the UK with a ‘second spring’ now becoming common with plants that normally would be dormant this time of year now springing back to life.
If the plant is warming, it would make sense that snowfalls would decrease in amounts and intensity. In fact, the opposite is true.
Here is this week’s update on the USA Drought Monitor. 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.

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. Furthermore, 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.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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 November 19 – 26 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 August 20 – 27, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet, but that could change over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I will share some infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. This week also marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew making landfall as a rare Category 5 storm on the Florida coast. There are many other essential and important reads to review, so let’s get started.

Category 5 Hurricane Andrew crossing the Florida peninsula on 24 August 1992. Image courtesy NOAA.

This past week marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew making landfall as a rare Category 5 storm. NOAA has an excellent look back at this watershed event and explains how the meteorological technology has changed over the past 3 decades.
It’s no surprise that misinformation and disinformation have spread like wildfire across every form of communication imaginable. Is it possible to inoculate the general public from this rubbish?
Spruce trees are spreading into areas of Alaska and the Arctic tundra. That may sound good, but the truth is otherwise.
The lower water levels on the Danube river aren’t good, but they’ve also revealed a hidden side to 20th century history that has been under water for decades.
On the wildfire front, fires have not only been on the increase, but they’re now burning almost twice as much forest cover as they did 20 years ago.
As we enter into the USA’s fourth month of “Danger Season,” here’s a sobering look at the year so far.
Contrary to what the climate change deniers insist is truth, the real reality is that concern in the American public over climate change, present and future, is wide spread and growing.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, stay safe, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 20 – 27, 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 August 13 – 20, 2022

Category 4 Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020. Satellite image: NOAA

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet, but that could change over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I will share some infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. There are many other essential and important reads to review, so let’s get started.

The academic environment in our colleges and universities isn’t what it used to be. The love of teaching, conveying knowledge, and mentoring older teens and young adults so they will become productive citizens with a keen concept of critical thinking is quickly becoming extinct.
Our planet Earth spins on its axis at around 1,000 miles per hour. That may sound simple enough, but there’s more to that simple fact.
This is a very thought provoking read. “We exist. What can that fact teach us about the Universe?“
Huge volcanic eruptions present an underrated hazard to humans in many areas around the globe. It’s time to buckle down on forecasting these eruptions and taking steps before they happen to reduce damage and the toll they take on human lives.
This has been a record breaking year for wildfires in Europe with an area of approximately the same size as one-fifth of Belgium having already been burned.
Megafloods and megafires in California share one link…climate change.
The more sea ice loss is studied, the more dour the research findings become. Those very important findings also come with an ominous warning.
As our oceans warm, the patterns in our tropical cyclones/hurricanes have changed. In fact, NOAA is considering changing the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to May 15.
With the Atlantic hurricane season upon us, here are some excellent NOAA and National Weather Service hurricane safety resources all on one website.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 13 – 20, 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 July 16 – 23, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. Across much of North America, a brutal heat wave that has turned lethal continues to have many states in its grip. Much of Europe and the UK are also experiencing a heat wave of their own. Because of this ongoing and very serious danger, we’ll continue this week with safety infographics on heat safety. There are many other essential reads to review, so let’s get started.

It’s no secret that Twitter is full of drama and dysfunction from the most recent news to this spot on read from April 2018 that is still relevant today. Even in the best of circumstances where the user is exceptionally careful in spotting misinformation, it can be easily re-shared. It’s a social media outlet that’s grown increasing hostile, bitter, and sophomorically divisive. It’s sensationalism over science, notoriety over knowledge, aggrandizement over objective analysis. From politicians to back alley pundits to shilling storm chasers, it’s a platform that once had great potential for sharing important and pertinent information but is now run by hyperbole on steroids. My opinion is subjective, but also backed by daily personal observations of trends since I joined Twitter in March 2009. Many will disagree or take issue with my stance, but I feel my viewpoints are valid and solid.
As of this post, wildfires in Europe have destroyed hundreds of structures and burned vast areas. What’s behind the recent dramatic increase in European wildfires?
I couldn’t have said this better myself. “On the whole, the national and international political response to the climate crisis remains both tragic and farcical.“
We have names for tropical cyclones and occasionally substantial storms that affect large areas of continents are named, but there is no plans or need for naming heat waves.
The USA’s Clean Air Act is needed now more than ever. Unfortunately, there are powers that be that have undermined its ability to protect American’s quality of life and public health.
Heat is the leading cause of weather related deaths worldwide and far surpasses floods, hurricanes, and even tornadoes. This begs the question, just how hot is far too hot for the human body to handle?

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

Summer heat is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths and illnesses. Due to its slow yet potentially deadly ways in which is affects the human body, even the most physically fit individual who is well hydrated can succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke very quickly. As of mid July, over ten deaths have occurred in the USA due to individuals being left in vehicles. All of those fatalities were preventable. Summer heat is often called the ‘silent killer‘ and for good reason. Much of the contiguous USA is in the midst of a brutal heat wave with little to no relief in long range forecasts. Take the heat safety information below very seriously. It could save a life.

The Heat Index is a very important part of summer safety. Here’s an excellent page from the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas that explains how to calculate heat index and why it’s important.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 16 – 23, 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 July 2 – 9, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For this week, our safety infographics cover summer heat safety. As usual, there are many topics to review, so let’s get started.

In the late 1980’s, the late great Carl Sagan gave a lecture that is worth revisiting due to the fact that it was decades ahead of its time.
This is definitely something to look forward to. NASA is giving us a subtle preview of what the new Webb telescope’s first images will look like.
Now that the USA’s EPA has had it’s power removed to stave off the effects of climate change, time will tell what will happen now that it’s up to the individual American states to either courageously take action, or forego any responsibility and duty.
Interesting read on progress that’s at risk. “Europe must not backslide on climate action despite war in Ukraine.”
A very timely and accurate read on the state of our current lack of actions regarding climate change. “Beyond Magical Thinking: Time to Get Real on Climate Change.
Here’s a very concise and essential read on how and why heat waves occur.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been released. In spite of recent rainfall, dry and/or drought conditions are spreading back into much of the great plains.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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 July 17 – 24, 2021

Greetings to one and all! I hope this week’s post finds you health and happy. Across much of the North American continent, a persistent drought and devastating wildfires continue with much of the smoke traveling thousands of miles. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, all is quiet for now. For 2021, an active Atlantic hurricane season is forecast. So far in 2021, we’ve had five named storms in the Atlantic basin including two hurricanes. There’s a complete section of information on hurricane safety in this week’s post. We’ll also continue our review of summer heat safety. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

From California to British Columbia, vast amounts of wildfire smoke are blown east across Canada and the USA on 22 July 2021.

The Delta virus variant that is now the dominant variation worldwide is a completely different viral monster than what we saw a year ago. “How the Delta variant achieves its ultrafast spread.”
Here’s some good news for a change. NASA has fixed problems with the Hubble telescope that’s kept the instrument silent for many weeks.
Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions worldwide is a daunting task. “Huge gaps in detection networks plague emissions monitoring.”
Yet more studies on the irrevocable link between air quality and health. “Doctors issue official guidance on effects of air pollution and bushfire smoke on pregnancy.”
Considering the extent of the ongoing USA wildfires, air quality and public health is now an issue. “The Western Wildfires Are Affecting People 3,000 Miles Away.”
North America isn’t the only region being affected by wildfires. The extent of the fires also has spread to Siberia.
For specific USA drought condition data, visit the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) website.
As for recent European flooding, the effects of climate change are stark. “On the heels of Europe’s devastating floods, scientists warn more is yet to come.” A new study finds that slow-moving, low-pressure storms could become 14 times more frequent in Europe over the next century.
Beginning on 2 August 2021, the USA’s National Weather Service will start issuing a Destructive Severe Thunderstorm Warning when conditions warrant. This is a badly needed addition to the arsenal of warnings to give the general public a ‘heads up’ that a particularly dangerous and destructive severe thunderstorm is headed their way.

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

In light of the ongoing North American heat wave, here are some very helpful infographics on heat safety that could save someone’s life.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, 2021. As is the case with most years, the late summer and autumn months comes the peak of activity. This is a list of tropical cyclone safety and preparedness links that I hope you’ll find helpful and spearhead your preparedness plan. None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency kits, staying informed, and avoiding misinformation and disinformation that are applicable to tropical cyclone scenarios. Tornadoes are also common in land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes. If in doubt, always stay with OFFICIAL sources of important information, forecasts, and warnings.

Even though this infographic is focused on winter weather, it certainly applies to weather information year round. Diligence from January through December is important to cull through misinformation, disinformation, and unfounded rumors.

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

Please keep in mind that ONLY NOAA weather radio, your local National Weather Service office, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving information on hurricane/tropical storm watches, warnings, and other related 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! If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review April and May posts. Next week we’ll continue information on hurricane preparedness and summer heat safety. I’d like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 July 10 – 17, 2021

Greetings to one and all! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy, and your weather is pleasant. Across much of the North American continent, a persistent drought and heat wave continues. The floods in several European countries have a death toll that is now well over 100. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, all is quiet for now. For 2021, an active Atlantic hurricane season is forecast. So far in 2021, we’ve had five named storms in the Atlantic basin including two hurricanes. There’s a complete section of information on hurricane safety in this week’s post. We’ll also continue our review of summer heat safety. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

Due to it’s very hostile conditions, Venus is a very difficult planet to study. However, a recent discovery is worth noting. “Strange gas in Venus’s clouds may be a sign of volcanoes, not life.”
Speaking of Venus, here’s a look at the surface of this planet. “Venus’ Surface Tectonics is More Like Pack ice on Earth.”
Now, let’s take a look at Mars…which never fails to surprise and fascinate us. “Mars Rover Found Bedrock That Looks Like Flagstones.”
This is ambitious, worthy goal that will likely face months of negotiations. “EU unveils sweeping climate change plan.”
The recent flooding in Europe has taken on proportions in damage and fatalities that is equal to a major hurricane landfall or a tornado outbreak with several violent tornadoes. As of this post, over 120 fatalities have occurred…and the toll is rising.
The ramifications of the western USA drought and heat wave continue. “Soaring Temperatures, Wildfire Threaten California’s Power Grid.”
Startling images. “These NASA satellite images show total devastation of water sources in California’s drought.”
Yet more western USA drought challenges. “Severe drought threatens Hoover dam reservoir & water for US west.” The wellspring of Lake Mead created by the dam’s blocking of the Colorado River has plummeted to an historic low as states in the west face cuts in water supplies.
Last but not least, NOAA data shows that June 2021 was the hottest June on record for the USA. Furthermore, there have been eight billion dollar natural disasters in the USA from January to June…and the year’s only half over.

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

In light of the ongoing North American heat wave, here are some very helpful infographics on heat safety that could save someone’s life.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

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 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 Picks For April 17 – 24, 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. On the positive side, Earth day was this week and it’s still Citizen Science Month. We’ll cover that topic and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

April is Citizen Science Month and there’s a myriad of fascinating projects that you can take part in. Here’s a great place to start…SciStarter has an excellent website with many projects. Science Friday has a very nice segment from their 24 April 2020 broadcast with even more projects. For those interested in projects specifically in weather and climate, check out the mPING project and help National Severe Storms Laboratory scientists collect weather data. The CoCoRaHS project is a citizen science endeavor that is well established. I’ve been an observer for many years. Your daily reports of precipitation, or lack of, is very important to long-term climate data records. The apps for mPING and CoCoRaHS are free and available for both iOS and Android.
The year ahead will be like nothing that living generations, save for those who fought in World War 2, have ever seen. This is very uncharted territory…and anyone who thinks it’s going to be “business back to normal” in short order will get a big surprise.
This essay speaks for many of us…including yours truly. “I Am a Mad Scientist.” Misinformation, rumors, & hatred may go viral, but nothing is better at spreading than a virus itself. Politicians are powerful, but science is real.
True number of asymptotic/infected is likely astronomical. “Antibody tests suggest that coronavirus infections vastly exceed official counts.”
Our planet has been in a state of constant change since its formation. New data indicates that plate tectonics may have started almost 3.2 billion years ago.
This is very discouraging news…but political agendas always trump public health. Pun intended. “These air pollution standards kept people out of the hospital. Trump just rolled them back.”
The 22 April 2020 marked the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day. Here’s a great site from NOAA. “Earth Day turns 50: Get to know our planet without leaving home.”
In a matter of weeks, the Atlantic hurricane season will officially begin. With that threat in mind, many communities are facing the harsh reality of inundation.
Some recent data indicates that slower moving hurricanes will do just what we fear most…catastrophic flooding well inland away from the strongest winds.
Yet another record setting year for climate change. “This Is How Europe’s Hottest Year Looked From Space.”

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

One of the most dangerous mistakes that motorists make during a storm is taking shelter under and overpass. This has proven time and time again to be extremely dangerous…and deadly.

infographic courtesy National Weather Service, Norman, OK

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.

hat’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For February 7 – 14, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #stateoftheclimate #environment #education #airquality #pollution #spaceweather #dinosaur

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. Antarctica may have set an all-time record high temperature and, according to some sources, we may see a repeat in 2020 of the devastating 2019 USA floods. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Let us start off with a look at space weather and the spectacular views it can give us…the magnificent auroras that can be seen around the Earth’s north and south poles.
Here’s a real treat for my fellow dinosaur fans. The majestic Tyrannosaurus Rex has a newly discovered fearsome cousin who has been labeled the “Reaper Of Death.”
Mindset is often one of the most powerful tools for humans to use in order to adapt and deal with significant events. Attitudes of many young people regarding climate change are understandingly pessimistic…and we need to listen to them.
Speaking of mindset and young people, here’s an encouraging read on educators that are courageously conveying scientific knowledge of climate change into the classroom.
The Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 saw nearly 800 million litres of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, which satellite tracking suggested covered an estimated 149,000 square kilometres. New data indicates that it may have been much larger than we thought.
Air pollution doesn’t remain in the location where it originates. Quite often it travels great distances…and affects your health.
Flooding across several contiguous USA states during 2019 was devastating. There’s a clear signal that we may get a repeat performance in 2020.
If verified, Antarctica may have set an all-time high temperature. If current climate change trends continue, this will only be one of many records to come.
Thunderstorms are no stranger to northern Europe. What is problematic would be the increase in the many facets of severe thunderstorms in regions that are not familiar with how violent these storms can be.
Last but not least, here’s the latest NOAA State Of The Climate report. “January 2020 average global land & ocean temperature was the highest for January since records began in 1880.”

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

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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