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
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
Central Pacific Hurricane Center
National Weather Service Homepage
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center
NOAA Climate Prediction Center
NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project
HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
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
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.
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!
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