Tornado Quest Top Science Links For April 9 – 16, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with a infographic on the best choice of a safe place during a tornado warning. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

Let’s start with some good news, specifically on the exciting potential of wind power as a renewable energy source and its future benefits for our planet.
Here’s another story with good news on an old tool. A knife made of wood (which would easily biodegrade) as opposed to steel. I’ll be the first in line to give this a try!
This is a fascinating read on past climates & our ancestors. “Record-breaking simulation hints at how climate shaped human migration.”
Strict adherence to long term goals is key. “Climate change: COP26 promises will hold warming under 2C.”
If you live in the USA or it’s territories, do you know where your National Weather Service office is located? Knowing where is important regardless of your climate. Enter your location at the NWS page here to find yours.
Here’s a look at the latest US Drought Monitor. Unfortunately, there’s been little change in the drought conditions that have plagued the western half of the contiguous USA for the past several months.
Ambivalence, and forgetfulness, sets in fast. “Officials Warn of ‘Complacency’ ahead of Hurricane Season.”
This is an excellent read on tornado occurrence within National Weather Service county warning areas.
In weather history, 10 April marked the 43rd anniversary of the Red River tornado outbreak in Oklahoma and Texas. There were many long track violent tornadoes that occurred in this outbreak, the most notable one was the Wichita Falls event.

Map of the 10 April 1979 Red River Valley tornado outbreak. Image courtesy NWS Norman, OK

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving, information on winter storm watches, warnings, and other related weather advisories! None of the links on this website should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

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 April 9 – 16 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 March 5 – 12, 2022 #weather #climate #drought #severeweather #weathersafety #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy and doing well. We’ll continue this week with a severe weather safety infographic to help you prepare for the spring severe weather season. There are many other topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

This is a very cool read about an unexpected finding. “Strange Terraces on Mars are a Clear Signal of Sedimentary Rock.”
Unfortunately, this was inevitable. “Will the Ukraine war derail the green energy transition?” As Europe scrambles to find alternatives to Russian oil & gas & global energy prices soar, coal could be the winner.
This new study reinforces a long standing and well known fact that indoor plants help improve indoor air quality.
Heat is a vastly underrated weather hazard that kills far more people every year than many other weather hazards combined. “Higher risk of temperature-related death if global warming exceeds 2°C.“
Here’s some very important information on how to receive potentially life saving severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service on your cell phone. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) may save your life.
The latest US Drought Monitor has a bleak picture for the current state of drought in the contiguous USA. For the first time in just under a decade, over 50% of the USA is experiencing drought conditions.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

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, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a good fitting quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

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 February 26 – March 5, 2022

Interesting shelf cloud formations often precede strong to severe thunderstorms.

Greetings to everyone! Happy meteorological spring to folks in the northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy and your week is going well. With the arrival of spring across North America, the change in seasons means an increase in severe weather activity. We’ll start off this week with a series of severe weather safety infographics to help you prepare for the coming storms. There are many other topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

The Mars Curiosity rover rolled up to a rock on the ‘red planet’ that has a bizarre shape reminiscent of a plant.
Unfortunately, this was inevitable. “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Strains International Space Station Partnership.”
The stress on the human body isn’t limited to physical health. “Psychologists Urge Peers to Take Climate Action.”
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report coveys a very sobering message.
The IPCC report, which contains data from hundreds of other research reports, also has a message that both rich and poor countries will suffer from climate change.
Our next step in dealing with climate change is to focus on solutions that will stave off immediate threats to economies, standard of living, et al. even if they aren’t what some would consider glamorous or important.
Parts of Australia have been getting pounded by relentless heavy rainfall. “Record flooding in Australia driven by La Niña & climate change.”
On the other end of the precipitation spectrum is the western USA which is in the grips of a long term drought. Cloud seeding, though not an old technique, is being considered as a way of bringing badly needed rains to parched regions.
Here’s some very important information on how to receive potentially life saving severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service on your cell phone. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) may save your life.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK is responsible for severe weather forecasts and issuing severe weather watches for the USA. This infographic explains the risk categories and the expected hazards.

Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards. Infographic courtesy NWS.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro podcast for February 26 – March 5, 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 December 11 – 18, 2021 #science #weather #climate #winter #wintersafety #astronomy #tornado #tornadooutbreak #covid19

Greetings to one and all. This has been quite an active severe weather month for the USA with two Moderate Risk events in the middle of December. We’ll continue our look at winter weather safety this week. There are many other interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

This is a startling look at graphics that depict how vaccines for COVID-19 shaped 2021.
This is quite an accomplishment. NASA sent a probe close to our sun and the results were spectacular.
Meanwhile in the Antarctic. “Giant cracks push imperiled Antarctic glacier closer to collapse.” For decades, scientists have carefully tracked changes in the Thwaites Glacier which causes 4% of global sea-level rise.
So much for that white Christmas that so many of us in the Northern Hemisphere would like to have. “The Twelve Days of Christmas Have Grown More Than 8 Degrees F Warmer in Parts of the U.S.“
Taking a global perspective puts the ugly new ‘normal’ into a new light. Around our planet, many weather records were obliterated in a variety of climates on continents around our humble home.
This is a concise and informative review from NOAA and the National Weather Service of the tornado outbreak of 10-11 December 2021. Several individual National Weather Service offices also have their own links to further information.
Is there a connection between tornado events and climate change? Some preliminary data indicates there is. With the small data set of severe weather events scientists are limited to, it’s still to early to say definitely whether causation exists. With time and more scientific analysis, the answer will be found.
It’s no secret that tornadoes that occur at night are often more deadly and, depending on the storm mode, may be in a high precipitation supercell moving at a very fast speed. It’s these ingredients, along with regional factors, that make tornadoes in the southeastern USA more deadly than their great plains counterparts.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

This infographic continues our winter weather safety focus on wind chill with a specific focus on how wind during winter cold affects our bodies.

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 winter storm watches, warnings, and other related weather advisories! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas, USA

That’s a wrap for this post! A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a good fitting quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday…Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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 24 – 31, 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 continues to plague much of the western states and provinces. Much of the great plains and southern states are in the grips of a heat wave with dangerous heat indicies. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, all is quiet for now. For 2021, an active Atlantic hurricane season is forecast. 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.

Here’s a fascinating astronomy read. “X-rays can echo & bend around the back of supermassive black holes.”
The ‘carefree’ summer that many Americans were looking forward to has been snuffed out by a monster that is nothing like the virus we were dealing with a year ago.
If you’ve been wondering why the Delta variant is so nefariously evil, here’s a very detailed explanation of this particularly nasty virus.
Forget about sharks, tigers, lions, and bears. This is the most dangerous critters to humankind. “10 myths about mosquitoes debunked by experts.”
The costs of climate change go far beyond extreme weather events and include substantial effects on finances and potentially lethal public health challenges.
Speaking of finances, a warming climate leads to warming rivers. That’s not good for the fishing industry or consumers.
This is a badly needed change to severe thunderstorm warnings issued by the National Weather Service in the USA. “New “Destructive” Severe Thunderstorm Warning category to trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile phones.”
The ongoing wildfires in the western USA and elsewhere on the planet are just one of many signals of our changing climate. “The Climate Change Link To More And Bigger Wildfires.”
Across North American counties, drought or abnormal dryness has spread in the West, Central Plains to Upper Mississippi Valley, New England & Hawaii. The USA drought area increased to 39.5% by the end of June, 2021.

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 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

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

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!

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 June 26 – July 3, 2021

Greetings to one and all! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking. Across North America, drought and heat wave conditions continue. In the Atlantic basic, Tropical Storm Else is front and center as the first hurricane of the 2021 season. An active Atlantic season is forecast. There’s a complete section of information on hurricane safety in this week’s post. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

Due to the conditions at it’s surface, Venus is a very difficult planet to place a probe on. Fortunately, the European Space Agency is sending an orbiter to study why this blistering hot planet is so different from Earth.
Heat is a lethal & underrated weather hazard. Sadly, this summer’s heatwave in western North America is taking a tragic toll. “More than 230 deaths reported in British Columbia amid historic heat wave.”
In consideration of the lethal heatwave in the western USA & Canada, here’s an excellent heat safety site from NOAA & the National Weather Service that covered many topics including preventing pediatric heatstroke vehicular deaths.
This is a very informative climate read. “COVID’s lesson for climate research: go local.”
Due to significant advances in climate science, businesses could be facing legal action for their part in adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
Water shortages go hand in hand with climate change. “Running out of water: how climate change fuels a crisis in the US west.”
Reminder: The Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is anticipated . Time will tell whether the outlook verifies. As of this post, we have had three named tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. It may be quite for now, but it’s best to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. You’ll find details on Hurricane Safety And Preparedness below.

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

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. 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 March 20 – 27, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #australia #westnilevirus #drought #droughtmonitor

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. This week’s post contains more severe weather weather safety infographics with a focus on understanding your severe weather forecast and doppler radar. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

Fantastic view of the weather on another planet! “Watch This Awesome Video of Clouds Drifting Across the Martian Sky.”
As if the annual danger from mosquitoes wasn’t bad enough. “Light pollution drives increased risk of West Nile virus.”
This should come as no surprise. “Climate fight ‘is undermined by social media’s toxic reports.’” The challenge is the fact that social media often creates an environment where it’s very difficult for the layperson to distinguish facts from fiction.
Very thought provoking climate read. “It’s not too late for Australia to forestall a dystopian future that alternates between Mad Max & Waterworld.”
Lightning Rises Sharply in the Arctic. In fact, Arctic lightning has tripled in the last decade alone.
NOAA has released their outlook for the rest of spring 2021. Among the details, drought conditions are expected to persist across much of the western contiguous USA.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been issued. As you can see from the map below, 36.4% of the USA and 43.55% of the contigous 48 states are experiencing drought conditions this week.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Let’s start with an excellent two-page printable PDF file from NOAA that covers the basics of severe weather safety.

Tornadoes, Lightning, and Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (20 Page PDF File).

This NOAA safety page has a plethora of good information on staying safe during weather and climate issues from air quality to lightning to tornadoes to wildfires.

This long-standing site has the basics of tornado safety rules.

Highway overpasses are often mistaken as a safe haven from severe weather and especially tornadoes. NOTHING ABOUT THIS MYTH IS REMOTELY CONNECTED TO THE TRUTH.

The Online Tornado FAQ…another excellent long-standing site with very important information.

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: SEVERE WEATHER: UNDERSTANDING SEVERE WEATHER RISK CATEGORIES, THE HAZARDS YOU CAN EXPECT, AND HOW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR HELPS KEEP YOU SAFE!

*Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards. Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS*

Doppler radar has saved countless lives since it came into widespread use. Here’s a timeline on the history of this technology and how it keeps you safe year round.

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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.

Where you get your weather forecasts, warnings, and other important information is as important as being informed. Discretion is of the upmost importance when you’re trying to stay weather aware. As of late, it’s been brought to my attention that there have been amateur ‘forecasters’ using graphics with the intention of appearing as professional and official sources of information on Twitter, Facebook, et al. They should NOT be taken as official sources of potentially life-saving warnings and weather forecasts and updates.

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 types of weather year round.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll take a look at more severe weather 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, 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 promotions, marketing schemes, prizes, or papers that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 29 – February 5, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #noreaster #winter #wintersafety #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #nationalweatherpsersonsday

It’s been an active weather week across much of North America with several eastern USA states getting a substantial amount of snow. A rare, but not unheard of, severe weather episode took place on the afternoon of 30 January 2021 with several brief tornadoes forming in northeastern Oklahoma. It’s a good reminder that, given the right ingredients, tornadoes can occur in any month of the year. As for winter, we’ve still many more weeks of cold conditions and any potential hazards that go with the weather at this time of year. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are several interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

An excellent and very timely read with several important suggestions on how to fight back. “Beating Back Cancel Culture: A Case Study from the Field of Artificial Intelligence.“
Climate change denialism disguised as apathy. “‘The New Climate War’ exposes tactics of climate change inactivists.”
A startling and concise overview of the massive amounts of ice melt that has occurred in the past thirty years in sea ice, ice sheets, and glaciers.
Slow but steady progress. Realizing there is a problem is key to addressing the problem. “U.S. Cities Are Underestimating Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions.“
Late January 2021 brought a Nor’easter to several states in the northeastern USA. If you’ve ever wondered what a Nor’easter is, this excellent site from the National Weather Service will tell you everything you need to know.
Weather and citizen science go very well together. If you’re into observing the weather and citizen science, check out the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program!
Last but not least, Happy National Weatherperson ‘s Day to all the folks involved in weather and climate work in the public, private, educational, and volunteer communities! If not for all of us the world over collecting, analyzing, and sharing data 24/7, 365…the world would be in a total mess. Enjoy your day!

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)

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.

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome 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!

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)

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.

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

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

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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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HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: SEVERE WEATHER: UNDERSTANDING SEVERE WEATHER RISK CATEGORIES, THE HAZARDS YOU CAN EXPECT, AND HOW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR HELPS KEEP YOU SAFE!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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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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