Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 1 – 8, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #criticalthinking

The winter weather over the contiguous USA has been rather tranquil as of late. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. Please note that effective 1 January 2021, I will only post the top science links rather than pick ten. Quite often there are not enough quality stories to pass along and, like other media outlets, they present top stories but don’t go to the trouble of finding a specific number each week. This change allows me to share only the best with you. Let me also take a moment and wish all of you a happy and healthy 2021 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.

When one takes into consideration the recent trends & current hot topics, a dose of this is badly needed. “Introduction to Critical Thinking.”
After the dumpster fire on steroids that 2020 was, this year has plenty of catching up to do. “The science events to watch for in 2021.”
By some accounts, the devastating wildfires that occurred in Australia in 2019 and 2020 are a wake up call that can’t be ignored in the future.
With a myriad of changes taking place, including a changing climate, the Antarctica that we’ve known has the potential to look very different in the near future.
One of the most fascinating and enigmatic phenomenons of meteorology are the snowflakes that make for a winter wonderland. Here’s a great read on their formation and tips on how to study them on your own.
2020 was a remarkable year in so many respects…and climate was certainly a factor. “Climate crisis: 2020 was joint hottest year ever recorded.” Global heating continued unabated despite Covid lockdowns with record Arctic wildfires & Atlantic tropical cyclones.
Last but not least, here’s a preliminary look at the record setting Atlantic hurricane season from the National Hurricane Center. With so many storms having occurred, it will be some time before summaries on each storm is complete.

Graphic courtesy NOAA/National Hurricane Center

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, 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! Here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For December 18 – 25, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #windenergy #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #health

As 2020 draws to a close, there are plenty of ways to look back on a year that none of us will forget anytime soon. It was not only a remarkable year on the weather and climate front, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is changing the lives of billions forever. This week’s post will have links to touch on those topics. Many substantial winter weather events have taken place across North America and Europe as winter dominates the Northern Hemisphere. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are many other good stories to cover, so lets get started.

This is an excellent essay by Claire Lehmann of Quillette that is not only timely, but addresses many of the ‘front and center’ issues of 2020.
What is your risk of catching COVID-19? Here’s an interesting read with some very useful tools to help you estimate your risk. However, the life-or-death caveat is the simple fact that the ‘3 W’s’ along with trusting medical science will be beneficial to all of us regardless of our personal risk.
The conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter on 21 December 2020 was a rare astronomical event. What was captured in these stunning images had not been seen this clearly in almost 800 years.
2020 has had very little good news, but here’s a positive story on British wind farms. Let’s hope this kind of renewable energy spreads far and wide.
Major natural disasters from tornadoes to tsunamis carry a myriad of health hazards. This is one that many people may not have heard of and has occurred in the wake of tsunamis, wildfires, and tornadoes.
To say that 2020 has been an exceptionally stressful year is almost an understatement. Fortunately, there are coping techniques that people use in the aftermath of a natural disaster or other catastrophes that will help us all cope with our current state of mental and physical distress.
There were many weather and climate events that either helped break records or took center stage in 2020. Here’s a look back at just a few climate related stories that have long term implications.
Here’s a look back at photographs taken in the wake of a record breaking year for hurricanes in the United States. “2020 Gulf Coast Hurricane Season in Photos: From the Front Lines of Climate Change.“
Climate change is happening at a rate that is much faster than was previously anticipated. “Earth may be even closer to 1.5°C of global warming than we thought.”
Let’s end this week’s post with a read that considers some optimistic perspectives in an otherwise dour year. “6 reasons 2020 wasn’t as bad for climate change as you thought.“

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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 hazards of wind chill should never be underestimated. A few simple steps of layering clothing can make a big difference. Even in full sun, wind chill can be a health hazard in temperatures as warm as 40F.

Infographic courtesy NWS Mobile, Alabama

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! Happy Holidays everyone!

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)

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For November 20 – 27, 2020

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask

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.

Communicating scientific data to the general public is a daunting task…even for the most seasoned scientist who is used to dealing with public relations. How that information and data is conveyed is just as important as the content. “Five rules for evidence communication.”
2020 is a rough year for most of us no matter what your perspective is. To put it in a historical perspective makes a great deal of difference. Here’s a timely and thought provoking essay that does just that.
Ignorance, whether with the pandemic or a tornado warning, isn’t bliss…or clever. “This Pandemic Must Be Seen.” If we could watch what’s really going on in hospitals, there would be no more complacency
For some time astronomers have known that water once flowed on Mars. Here’s a look at evidence of a ‘megaflood’ that occurred on the planet.
The Earth’s atmosphere hasn’t always been like the sky and weather that we see every day. In fact, at one point it may have more closely resembled the toxic and hot atmosphere on Venus.
There’s a substantial amount of rebuilding to do after a devastating USA wildfire year. However… “Rebuilding After A Wildfire? Most States Don’t Require Fire-Resistant Materials.”
Not even Earth’s highest mountain is free of this pestilence. “Microplastic pollution discovered near the top of Mount Everest.”
Rising sea levels present a substantial danger along low lying coastal areas. According to new research, some areas as far as 50 miles inland are under great danger as well.
Here’s a very sound concept with long term benefits if it comes to fruition. “We Need a National Institute of Climate Change & Health.” 2020 reinforced a very powerful lesson. If we don’t prepare for health disasters & manage them skillfully, informed by the best evidence, then people suffer & die needlessly.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is one that won’t be forgotten soon. So many records were broken that it’s hard to fathom just how active a year it was. Here’s a fantastic NOAA infographic looking at a remarkable year by the numbers.

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

This handy checklist 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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is red-cross-emergency-preparedness-checklist.jpg — Graphic courtesy American Red Cross

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_1223-1.jpg — Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For November 13 – 20, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask

Hurricane Iota at category 5 intensity on 16 November 2020

This year has seen an unprecedented degree of tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin. Hurricane Iota, which may well be the last storm of the Atlantic season, was the most powerful reaching Category 5 status before making landfall in Nicaragua, the second hurricane to affect that country in two weeks. 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 thought provoking read. Communication style & content with scientific topics is often the key to success with the general public. We see this often with weather safety issues. “A Lack of Transparency Is Undermining Pandemic Policy.”
This is a very novel idea with great potential! “Simulating the pandemic: What COVID forecasters can learn from climate models.” Methods that are routinely used in computation-heavy fields such as meteorology and climatology could lead to more reliable pandemic predictions.
People that are asymptomatic or have very minor symptoms and yet are shedding the SARS_CoV2 virus like snowflakes in a blizzard are one of the most frightening facets of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A dose of nature may be just the trick to help you deal with the stress of the ongoing global pandemic.
Here’s some very good news for a change…specifically in regards to renewable energy. “Electrifying news: Coal’s 50-year reign to end by 2025.”
There will always be skeptics regarding new technology, but this borders on the ridiculous. “Climate Deniers Are Claiming EVs Are Bad for the Environment — Again. Here’s Why They’re Wrong.“
These are spectacular images, but the message behind them is unsettling. “The Bittersweet Beauty of Greenland’s Melting Glaciers.“
2020 will go down in the record books as an extraordinary year in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. Climate change certainly has a part and, according to some studies, isn’t responsible so much for the number of storms as the intensity of the ones that reach hurricane status.
The latest NOAA Drought Monitor is out. Much of the western contiguous USA is experiencing worsening drought conditions.

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For November 6 – 13, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask #scicomm

This past week saw Tropical Storm Theta as the 29th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season…a season which will go in the record books. 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 this week and in the weeks to come. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

A very timely read on a topic that has been around for centuries…the discrediting of science at any cost. “The Denialist Playbook. On vaccines, evolution, & more, rejection of science has followed a familiar pattern.“
As the global COVID-19 pandemic worsens across several continents and spirals out of control in the USA, there’s one important action that many of us can take to help ourselves, our loved ones, and medical workers…get an influenza vaccine.
Meteorites are more than just a rock that fell from space. They have wealth of information within them that can give us incredible insights into the formation and changes that have taken place in our solar system over billions of years.
An important read on the irrevocable link between health & pollution. The quality of the air you breathe is as important as what you eat. “Being Around Cars is Bad For Your Mental Health.“
“Arctic tundra emits more methane during autumn freeze than spring thaw.” Warmer temperatures accelerate soil organic carbon decomposition in permafrost soils & resulting in larger net methane emissions.
This is an interesting and very informative read on the role that upper level wind patterns play in melting large patches of Antarctic sea ice.
Florida certainly gets its share of rainfall, much of which comes from thunderstorms. This new study looks at how a warming Atlantic Ocean will affect late summer Florida rainfall events which coincide with the year’s highest high tides.
When this article was written, Tropical Storm Theta hadn’t yet formed to become the 29th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Regardless, the point it makes is very clear. “In 2020, Record-Breaking Hurricanes Arrived Early—and Often.“
Here’s a look back at October 2020 from NOAA. Overall, for the contiguous USA, it was a year of wide swings with drought, wildfires, and tropical cyclones taking center stage.

Drought conditions for the contiguous USA in October 2020. Data courtesy NOAA

Winter weather safety should never be taken for granted. With the arrival of autumn, weather concerns for many areas turn to winter weather safety. NOAA has an excellent publication that covers one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

WINTER WEATHER 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 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.

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For October 23 – 30, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask #factchecking #criticalthinking

Hurricane Zeta making landfall on the Louisiana coast on 28 October 2020

This has been another busy week in the tropical Atlantic with Hurricane Zeta making landfall on the Louisiana coast during the afternoon of 28 October 2020. This year has become an extraordinary year for tropical cyclones, wildfires, drought, and much more. 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 this week and in the weeks to come. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

The International Space Station has been a miraculous achievement for the countries involved. Unfortunately, it won’t last forever. What comes next?
Our humble home that we call Earth is always in a state of change, and the magnetic poles are no exception. “Scientists in Japan Have Found a Detailed Record of the Earth’s Last Magnetic Reversal, 773,000 Years Ago.“
Fact checkers are important in so many areas of our daily lives and science is no exception. Being human, individual and subjective biases can prove to be problematic. Those biases exist on all points of the socio-psychological and political spectrum. Fortunately, critical thinking can alleviate many roadblocks to the truth.
Chances are that very similar scenarios will be found with our current global pandemic. History has a tendency to repeat itself. “Bad Weather and 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic.“
The science behind face masks in the midst of our global pandemic is solid. Wearing face masks helps tremendously. In spite of solid evidence in favor of them, doubt still exists…which speaks volumes about the level of scientific literacy within the general public.
We wouldn’t be having this discussion if the ‘powers that be’ were pro-science. “Next week, the US leaves the Paris Agreement. How do we get back in?“
Considering the modus operandi of the past, this should come as no surprise. NOAA’s chief scientist has been sacked due to fear of sound climate science contained in 5th National Climate Assessment.
This year has set many records including some of the worst wildfires that have ever taken place in some USA states. The link between wildfires and climate change is undeniable. Communicating the urgency of that irrevocable link is the big challenge for our polarized times.
Dealing with a hurricane is bad enough, but when you live next to a fossil fuel refinery, there are significant added hazards.
With autumn having settled in across the northern hemisphere, weather concerns for many areas turn to winter weather safety. NOAA has an excellent publication that covers one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly winding down. Though tropical cyclone activity can still occur, statistically we’re entering the end of the season. 2020 will go down in the record books for many facets 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.

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For October 9 – 16, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #thunderstorm #drought #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #covid19 #pandemic

Hurricane Delta intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico on 6 October 2020.

A very busy episode in the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is taking a respite, which is very good news. Hurricane Delta made landfall as a Category 2 tropical cyclone only a few miles from where Hurricane Laura moved inland only six weeks earlier. Drought conditions and western USA wildfires are also making headlines with no relief in sight for that parched region. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

The abundance of misinformation and disinformation that is present in social media and many mainstream media outlets is astounding, but not surprising. Fallacies, conspiracy theories, rumors, and outright lies run rampant with every field of science with weather and climate being no exception. Considering the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, this kind of nefarious misinformation/disinformation has many lethal ramifications.
Like it or not, the connection between science and politics is irrevocable. “We are in the midst of a pandemic and a climate crisis, both solvable by centering scientific expertise. When our government ignores scientists, the consequences can be fatal. More than 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Yet, as our nation grapples with the pandemic, our current administration believes that “science shouldn’t stand in the way” of business as usual.
Carrying on a conversation with someone who has any concerns, or lack thereof, on climate change can be very challenging. With active listening and scientific facts, that conversational challenge can be easier.
Climate change has many facets that affect our daily lives. In the case of medical residents, it’s now a part of their training to treat people with afflictions that are climate related and becoming more common.
This has been a long time coming. “New poll on climate change: Denial is out, alarm is in.“
As our oceans warm, the ramifications around the world is significant. With marine heatwaves becoming hotter, larger, and lasting longer, scientists say the trend has major ecological consequences, from altering fish and plant populations to forcing whales into hazardous waters.
The fact that extreme weather events have increased in frequency and intensity in the last twenty years is well documented. For humans, one extreme weather event will overlap another and influence others therefore test our resilience.

Graphic credit: United Nations Office For Disaster Risk Reduction

Here’s an interesting read on some new research on thunderstorms and lightning. Meteorology, like all other sciences, is in a constant state of flow and ebb, changing with each new bit of solid research.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out and the news is not good. Just under 40% of the USA is experiencing drought conditions.

The NOAA climate assessment for September 2020 is out. For the contiguous USA, the end of the month saw 2020’s year-to-date total of sixteen weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Delta, the latest tropical cyclone to affect the USA, made landfall just a few miles from the landfall point of Hurricane Laura which devastated a significant part of southern Louisiana just seven weeks ago. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have also taken place. With several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go, it’s important to not let your guard down. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

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

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

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

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Hurricane Delta is, as of this post, forecast to make landfall on the USA’s Gulf Coast. 2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of September 18th, twenty-two named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For September 25 – October 2, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #prostatecancer

A visible satellite view of the busiest segment of the 2020 eastern Pacific and Atlantic tropical cyclone season.

The wildfires in California are, as of this post, showing no signs of letting up. In the meantime, the Atlantic tropical cyclone season is much quieter, but many more weeks remain. As usual, there are several good stories to cover this week including a good read on a shift in tornado occurrence patterns, so lets get started.

In spite of the fantastic voyages to Mars that humans have been capable of and the incredible data they’ve gathered, there’s always something new to learn about this incredible planet. Here’s a fascinating read on the discovery of three buried lakes.
A very thought provoking read regarding our planet’s environment, renewable/sustainable energy, and climate change. “Dawn of the Heliocene – Issue 90: Something Green.” This covers the reasons why the next geological epoch should be named for when we tapped the sun’s energy.
This is an obligation humans must embrace for the benefit of future generations. “World leaders pledge to halt Earth’s destruction ahead of United Nations summit.“
Our planet has many complex natural systems that are interconnected. Taking a look at the big picture is imperative to understanding local events. “6 Graphics Explain The Climate Feedback Loop Fueling US Fires.”
While much attention has been given to the Arctic as of late, the climate change related topics for Antarctica are equally important.
Disastrous duo of heatwaves and droughts have become increasingly frequent across North America. Periods of dry and hot weather, which can make wildfires more likely, are becoming larger, more intense, and more frequent because of climate change.
The nightmare of seeing an out-of-control wildfire is a terror that only a few have experienced. With no doubt, it’s something they’ll never forget.
Could we soon have reliable weather forecasts up to 3 weeks in advance? Some say it’s possible. “A Hopeful Forecast: More Accurate Long-Term Weather Predictions.”
If hurricane seasons in recent years seem to keep getting worse in terms of human impacts, you’re not imagining things. For decades, climate researchers using computer models have predicted that the warming ocean and atmosphere would likely increase the intensity of natural disasters like hurricanes.
If have taken note of a noticeable change in USA tornado events in the past few years, you’re not alone. This is an important and thought provoking 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.
Last but not least, something quixotic…and not a little insane. There have been many ‘suggestions’ in the past for ways to dissipate tornadoes and (in this case) hurricanes, but this takes the cake.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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

I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are 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!

September may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean an end to the need for prostate cancer awareness. 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

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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