Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 8 – 15, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #polarvortex #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #flooding #climate #climatechange #astronomy #criticalthinking

The winter weather over the contiguous USA has been rather tranquil as of late save for a second round of snow for central Texas. Not unheard of, but still rather unusual. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. I’d also like to take a moment and share my hopes for the year of 2021 to be a better one for all of us and let you know how much I appreciate all of the support so many of you have given me over the past year. All of you are deeply appreciated. Having said that, lets get started.

Unfortunately, this is no surprise. Along with many other colleagues, I saw this coming from a hundred miles away. “Climate Deniers Moved Rapidly to Spread Misinformation During and After Attack on US Capitol.“
Solar activity is an area of astronomy that is fascinating to study and carefully observe. “Will Solar Cycle 25 Dazzle or Fizzle in 2021?“
The many facets of climate change will have an irrevocable effect on many aspects of our lives and the atmospheric hazards we face. Flooding is no exception. This new study explains how the rising costs of frequent floods is clearly linked to climate change.
Here’s a fascinating read for my fellow cloud enthusiasts on one of the more rare and unique types of cloud that you will ever see in our skies. “These Bizarre Cloud Patterns are von Kármán’s Vortices, Caused by the air Wrapping Around Tall Islands.“
The Polar Vortex is an atmospheric phenomenon that has seen a great deal of discussion as of late. Here’s a concise overview of what the Polar Vortex is and how it effects our weather and climate.
Yet more evidence that as far as climate, 2020 was another record breaking year according to NOAA data. It was also the sixth year in a row that the USA experienced more than ten individual billion dollar disasters.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

With cooler temperature, snow, ice storms, et al. having settled in across much of the northern hemisphere, folks attention appropriately turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones, tornadoes, flooding, etc. are beneficial to have for winter weather. NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need.

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

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

Misinformation and disinformation is running rampant across social media platforms of all kinds as of late. I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. Here’s an excellent and concise video on spotting misinformation you might see online. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

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

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome and Happy New Year to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy! Here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

TORNADO QUEST TOP TEN SCIENCE LINKS FOR NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 4, 2020

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #environment #pollution #astronomy #scicomm #criticalthinking

After many harrowing months during and exceptionally hazardous and stressful year, the Atlantic hurricane season has officially come to and end. We’ll take a quick look back at a record setting year the few will forget anytime soon. With the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere, attention will shift to winter weather safety. We’ll touch on that topic with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are many other good stories to cover, so lets get started.

This is a very important and timely read on not only the challenges of communicating scientific data to the general public, but the tragic acceptability of a dearth of scientific literacy in society.
Here’s a fascinating astronomy story that’s gotten very little coverage. “Earth had a minimoon for nearly three years before it drifted away.“
We know that plastic pollution can last for years on land masses. New studies show that plastic dropped in a river or ocean can travel astoundingly long distances.
More evidence on the effects climate change has on our biosphere. This read concerns a study that shows trees may lose their leaves in autumn earlier rather than later due to our changing climate.
While winter sets in for the Northern Hemisphere, the warm season is in full swing south of the equator. As of late, parts of Australia have been enduring a brutal heatwave with temperatures in Sydney reaching 104F!
This is a very stern warning that has come none too late. “Humans waging ‘suicidal war’ on nature – UN chief Antonio Guterres.“
Here’s a small glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel. “Climate change: Temperature analysis shows United Nations goals ‘within reach.‘”
Flood events can be the result of any number of weather phenomenon. Recent research has an ominous message. The once-in-a-lifetime floods that once were rare are likely to become quite common.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been issued. For much of the western half of the contiguous USA, drought conditions have worsened will little relief in sight. This has exacerbated wildfire conditions in California.

Last but not least, let’s take a look back at the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season by the numbers and a review of the events on a map of the Atlantic basin. By all respects, it was a remarkable year that won’t soon be forgotten. More details from NOAA: “Record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season draws to an end.“

Graphic courtesy NWS/National Hurricane Center

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will officially end on 30 November 2020. This year will go down in the record books for having many elements of an extraordinary year. Now, across much of the northern hemisphere, attention turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones are beneficial to have for winter weather. NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need.

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For July 24 – 31, 2020 #science #perseverance #mars #climate #climatechange #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #disasterprep

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, eight 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 best. A common feature of a powerful hurricane is a well developed eye. Photo courtesy NOAA/NWS.

Let’s start off with some very good news…and get excited over anticipating the future discoveries of Perseverance. “NASA has launched the most ambitious Mars rover ever built: here’s what happens next.“
Lightning is a dangerous atmospheric phenomenon that takes place year round all over the planet. This study takes a look at how lightning has an effect on ecosystems in tropical regions.
As strange as it may seem, facts & data may not be enough. “The surprising reasons why people ignore the facts about climate change.”
While on the topic of climate change and social psychology, it may appear that media coverage of climate change is skewed towards deniers while pro-climate information is scarce. If it looks that way to you, you’d be correct.
A new study on climate change takes a look at best and worst case scenarios with a conclusion that a middle ground is a very likely outcome.
Arctic wildfires have been raging through parts of Siberia as of late…and what is called an area of “blocking high pressure aloft” is largely to blame.
A new study says sea level rise, storm surges, and high tides will put trillions of dollars of assets at risk around the world by the end of the century. “Extra 23 million people could face coastal flooding within 30 years even with emission cuts.”
Here’s a very interesting read on getting weather satellites into a lower orbit. “Earth Observation Satellites Could Be Flown Much Lower Than Current Altitudes And Do Better Science.“
If the Earth’s atmosphere could make a sound, it would vibrate like a giant bell with, “various large-scale resonant waves traveling in both directions around the globe.”
Here’s a very important climate read from NOAA. “National Climate Assessment: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will save thousands of lives in the U.S.” This further proves the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones in July. In the central Pacific, Douglas took a swipe at Hawaii. The Atlantic has been unusually active. Hanna made landfall in southern Texas. As of this post, Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Southeastern USA coast as it intensifies. Time is running out on preparations that are further made more difficult by the pandemic conditions in Florida and several surrounding states. 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 those in regions prone to hurricanes, now is the time to assemble your kit for home and/or your place of work.

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 5 – 12, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #hurricane #drought #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 taken a momentary lull, 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 flood safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Science communication is fraught with hazards of many kinds. This excellent series of podcasts addresses the issue that many of us in the sciences face with increasing frequency.
While on the topic of communication, you will be besieged with information from many science fields and on many outlets…some mainstream, some are personal social media contacts…and they will be full of misinformation. How do you tell the truth from the riffraff?
Blue-sky thinking: how cities can keep air clean after COVID-19. Many urban dwellers gaze in awe at their newly clean cities in the last few months. But three cities, Copenhagen, Oakland, & Mexico City lead the way in making such transformations.
As for the months ahead with COVID-19, they could get very interesting…and not a little challenging to our health care system…as the ongoing pandemic intensifies along with the annual influenza season.
By this account, the USA has a lot of catching up to do. “We’re (the USA) Number… 24.” US near back of pack among developed nations on environment.“
“Ocean data need a sea change to help navigate the warming world.” Scientists also call for improvements in how we collect, share & access that data to power a global response to climate change, overfishing & pollution.
After studying 71 lakes in 33 countries, researchers found that phytoplankton and algae blooms are generally increasing around the world.
The latest drought information for the USA shows a substantial area covering several states that is in an ongoing drought that, if current conditions persist, will likely worsen and spread.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK does a stellar job year round forecasting severe weather and giving valuable input on many other weather events. The severe weather outlook criteria and categories are simple to understand for those of us who use them on a daily basis. For some of the general public, there exists a certain amount of confusion. “The National Weather Service issues highly accurate thunderstorm forecasts. The public doesn’t understand them.“
With the arrival of June comes the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The interesting factor for 2020 is that we have, as of June 11, already had three named storms. What the rest of the season will bring remains to be seen but, by many valid viewpoints, this could be an exceptionally active and hazardous tropical cyclone season.

SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The power of flood waters is all too often underestimated. People loose their lives every year to even minor flooding events. Regardless of what you think, that flood water is more dangerous than you think. Flooding is responsible for more deaths annually than any other weather related hazard.

Knowing where to get reliable, accurate, and timely weather information can be a daunting task, especially for folks who are new to a region that may be prone to a hurricane risk, winter storms, or episodes of severe weather (large hail, damaging straight line winds, and tornadoes). This infographic from NOAA’s National Weather Service will help you through the murky haze of misinformation and hype and is valid year round for every kind of weather situation.

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For March 20 – 27, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #flooding #floodsafety #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 pandemic is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. We’ll cover that topic with several of this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Let’s start with a very good FAQ about the coronavirus and COVIS=19. This is only one of many excellent sources of basic information to help you understand what is taking place with our current global pandemic.
This is a startling view of just how the coronavirus spread round our home. It just shows how easily many life-threatening pathogens can spread from continent to continent.
People who are asymptomatic could be spreading coronavirus & Covid-19 to much of the population and they’re not even aware of it.
As is the case with so many viruses, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can live for many days on a variety of surfaces.
A common misconception concerning viruses is they ‘disappear’ during the warmer months of the year…depending on which hemisphere you live in. The best answer to that is…maybe.
When those warmer months show up, we tend to get outdoors more often. With the current pandemic, that may not be an option for many people. If you’re feeling the strain of being indoors, this is a good read that will help you through the quarantine that very well may save your life.
As our climate warms, many species of animals have challenges on adapting. “With Temperatures Rising, Can Animals Survive the Heat Stress?”
Extreme weather events have become more commonplace in recent years. This is causing a particularly challenging scenario for forecasters.
While on the topic of forecasting, changes in our planet’s ozone layer are redirecting global wind patterns. We’ve yet to see what ramifications this has on weather forecasts.
Last but not least, staying informed about severe weather potential and ongoing storms can be stressful enough. Keeping up with a severe weather event and getting overwhelmed by other very important events can seem far too much. “S even Calming Ways To Keep Up With Stormy Weather While Avoiding The News.”

FLOOD SAFETY

Flooding is a threat that exists year round but with the onset of the spring severe weather season, it’s become more likely across North America. Here are some helpful infographics from NOAA regarding staying safe if you encounter the weather phenomenon that causes more deaths annually than any other hazard.

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 follow good personal hygiene and prescribed by official sources, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For February 28 – March 6, 2020 – #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #severeweather #tnwx #climate #climatechange #environment #citizenscience #citsci #weatherready #astronomy

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

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

Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards.

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.

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 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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For January 3 – 10, 2020 #science #weather #climate #climatechange #australia #brushfire #scandinavia #windchill

Greetings once again to one and all! I hope your new year is off to a good start. The Australian brushfires that are unprecedented in every way have received a great deal of coverage. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center as we reach, by some accounts, a point of no return. Also, along with these posts will be the occasional winter weather safety link that I hope you’ll find helpful. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

The Australian brush fires have been getting a great deal of coverage that is well deserved for such a devastating event. Here’s a good read that’s a concise explanation of why these disastrous fires are taking place.
Sometimes, the powers that be can’t relate to the fear, despair, & painful loss of disaster victims. “Falling ash, skies of blood – and now Australia’s anger smoulders.”
Another major weather/climate disaster has been taking place in Indonesia. “Indonesia’s sinking capital of Jakarta and the surrounding areas have been inundated with rain, triggering landslides and floods that have killed dozens of people.”
When the facts you find make you itch, make up your own. “These Climate Science Deniers are Spreading Misinformation about the Australian Bushfires.”
Studying the climate of remote regions of the Earth can be exceptionally challenging. These new weather satellites are going to be spearheading a change for the better in data gathering.
Computer models are also invaluable in studying climate and climate change. Here’s an essential read on how the latest generation of climate models have been performing.
There are many changes we can make in our day-to-day living that will reduce our individual carbon footprint. Regardless, it still begs the very important question, “Could you live the 1.5° lifestyle?“
As of early January, parts of Scandinavia have seen winter temperatures in the mid 60’s. That’s nothing less than frightfully bizarre.
Speaking of January, skating on ice is often a common pastime in areas where long, deep cold is an annual event. However, extreme caution should be taken when on that ice. It may be much thinner, and more dangerous, than you think.
Finally, a basic but informative infographic on the science of wind chill. Ultimately, the wind chill should be more important to you than the actual air temperature. How your body reacts to cold air combined with wind can have substantial health and winter weather safety ramifications. For healthy people, wind chill may not be anything but uncomfortable. For others with pulmonary and/or cardiovascular health issues, the effects of wind chill can be substantial and even dangerous.

That’s a wrap for this post! Happy New Year to one and all! 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 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

“’100-year’ floods will happen every 1 to 30 years, according to new flood maps.” (Journal reference to original study included in article.) @ScienceDaily #climate #flooding

Researchers have developed new maps that predict coastal flooding for every county on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts and find 100-year floods could become annual occurrences in New England; and happen every one to 30 years along the southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico shorelines.
— Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190822165010.htm

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #environment #pollution #astronomy #scicomm #criticalthinking

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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FLOOD SAFETY

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