Greetings! I hope you’re faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. #Laura is our newest named Atlantic tropical cyclone and is forecast by the National Hurricane Center to eventually move into the Gulf Of Mexico. Another tropical depression is, as of this date, also forecast to move into the Gulf Of Mexico…therefore we have an unusual and very busy week ahead for the USA’s Gulf states. We’ll take a look at a checklist for assembling an emergency kit for hurricane and/or disaster preparedness and plenty of other topics…so let’s get started.
- “Did Snowball Earth Happen Because of a Sudden Drop in Sunlight?” A planet encased in ice & snow sounds devastating, but these episodes may have paved the way for the development of complex life on Earth.
- Why do deniers of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change paint scientists as alarmists? Perhaps because sound scientific facts are too hard to face…and basically a part of a very predictable human behavior pattern.
- This is a very interesting listen with some sobering information on the amount of plastic pollution in the Atlantic ocean.
- Here’s a very detailed read on how deadly heat waves are and the connection to climate change. Plenty of input and information from the Japanese Meteorological Agency.
- Contrary to popular opinion, new information on our current state of climate change indicates that any emissions reduction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will be minuscule. However, what we do globally in a post COVID-19 world may make a big difference.
- The devastation in the wake of the 10 August 2020 derecho event across the central plains is so widespread that it could be comparable to damage from a land-falling hurricane. Iowa took the brunt of this storm and it will be many months before the cleanup is finished and damages are calculated.
- 2020 may not be the warmest year yet, but it will certainly be close to the top. It will also have achieved that place without the help of an El Nino event.
- Could we have a new record for a global high temperature? If the 130F (54.4C) temperature recorded at Death Valley National Park, California is verified by the National Weather Service, it’ll be one for the global record books.
- A very short and to-the-point message from NOAA regarding the rest of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. “Expect more, stronger, and longer-lived storms.”
- Speaking of hurricane season, we’ve had quite a few storms already in the Atlantic basin this year. Here’s a concise and simple explanation of why that is happening and what could be in store for the future.
HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this summer. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with nine named storms having taken place to date…and the peak of hurricane season is still ahead. 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, now is the time to assemble your kits for home and your place of work.
I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are always an excellent source with potentially life-saving information that is specific to your local situation. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!
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