Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For May 1 – 8, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #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 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. Additionally, the spring severe weather season is in full swing across the contiguous USA.. We’ve some tornado safety information and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

If you’re interested in citizen science and are looking for projects in weather and climate, check out the mPING project and help National Severe Storms Laboratory scientists collect weather data. The CoCoRaHS project is a citizen science endeavor that is well established. I’ve been an observer for many years. Your daily reports of precipitation, or lack of, is very important to long-term climate data records. The apps for mPING and CoCoRaHS are free and available for both iOS and Android.
This is an excellent long-read that’s worth the time. “Why Weren’t We Ready For The Coronavirus?”
A fascinating astronomy read on our planet’s only local companion. “The moon is emitting carbon, raising questions about how it was formed.”
Microplastics are almost everywhere on our planet. Small and strange looking creatures in our oceans are even using them to make ‘shelters.’
Scientists and the general public have taken note of the startling drop in air pollution and urban noise during the ongoing pandemic. “Rather than let this time be forgotten, the United Nations and environmental campaigners are urging governments to “build back better, to invest in the future not the past”, to ensure that our global recovery has sustainable legacy.“
After consideration, this really makes perfectly good sense. “Forget the TP: Here’s what you really need to get through a disaster.”
The pestilence of pseudoscience runs rampant among many science topics, including weather and climate. When it comes to COVID-19, it has taken on absolutely bizarre dimensions.
A new state of the art NASA satellite has taken a good look at Greenland and Antarctica. The data doesn’t lie. Both are losing billions of tons of ice into the ocean each year and that contributes significantly to global sea-level rise.
This new climate change study takes a look at how it affects the human habitat. “One billion people will live in insufferable heat within 50 years.”
One of the biggest earth science stories as of late has been the opening of the ozone hole over the North Pole. New data shows that after nearly a month, that hole has now closed.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Here’s a concise reminder on taking shelter during a tornado warning. Where you take shelter is quite often a matter of life and death or serious injury.

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 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 27 – April 3, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health #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. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. It’s also the official arrival of the severe weather season across the contiguous USA. We’ll cover that topic and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Let’s start with a very interesting astronomy read. “This Is Why Earth, Surprisingly, Is The Densest Object In Our Solar System.”
For very good reason there are restrictions on crowds, in public or private, during the current global pandemic. For all the wrong reasons, some people still refuse to comply with the rules and/or law. This kind of behavior is also common when their is a severe weather threat.
Social distancing can be challenging…but here’s a fun infographic that will make it easier to understand.
This is what some would call confusing process with content. “The Case Against Waging ‘War’ on the Coronavirus.”
The recommendation that only those infected with the novel coronavirus and/or COVID-19 are the only ones that need to wear masks in public is changing. There is still a great deal of discussion among medical experts, but it’s not a bad idea overall. The more people you are exposed to, the greater your chances of being infected.
Warmer temperatures are spreading throughout the Northern Hemisphere with the arrival of spring. While those warmer temperatures are very welcome to millions, that doesn’t mean that the novel coronavirus will go away.
In spite of it’s ominous nature, this will likely not be a big health threat to humans. We’ve enough of a problem already. “Rare ozone hole opens over Arctic — and it’s big.”
Many atmospheric scientists spend vast amounts of time doing research in Antarctica. Here’s an interesting look at one meteorologist who works in Antarctica and had tips that might help you through the current pandemic quarantine.
For severe weather preparedness, here are two links of importance to help keep you safe. First, here’s an excellent overview of the weather hazards that become more frequent this time of year. From NOAA: Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Lightning…Nature’s Most Violent Storms.
Second: In the contiguous USA, we’ve already seen several severe weather episodes in 2020. That includes many tornadoes. Here’s a fantastic FAQ on tornadoes from the Storm Prediction Center that probably answers every tornado question you have.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

With the arrival of the most active months of severe weather comes a plethora of information sources. A handful are excellent, a substantial segment are satisfactory, and a vast majority are built on hype under the guise of ‘saving lives.’ This is no time for carelessness. Trusted and official weather information sources such as your local National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center, and the national and local broadcast meteorologists of your choice are always your best choices for timely and accurate information.

One vital and essential element of keeping you safe is Doppler Radar. This infographic covers the history of National Weather Service radars and how they work.

You’re far more likely to be in a severe thunderstorm than a tornado. But, not all thunderstorms are severe. All should be treated with respect as even the most modest of thunderstorms can be laced with deadly lightning and even flash floods. Some thunderstorms can have strong winds and even hail, but are not considered severe. This infographic explains the criteria used by the National Weather Service.

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 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.

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 Reads For October 19 – 26, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #airquality #public health

Greetings again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last two 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 selection will be subjective, but lean heavily towards what my followers in social media are interested in. 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 ‘good vibes’ and 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 take a look at this week’s reads.

Infographic courtesy World Health Organization

There are many weather and climate hazards that are life threatening and make for big headlines. One that is all to often overlooked and affects virtually every human on this planet is air quality. Here’s an excellent site from the World Health Organization on air quality, pollution, and how it affects your health.
It is not a matter of ‘if’ citizen science can contribute to science…the answer is a resounding ‘YES!’
As our climate changes, the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire in California increases dramatically year after year.
The discussion in California of wildfires and electrical power grids continues. “Electric Utilities Can’t Blame Wildfires Solely on Climate, Experts Say.“
While on the topic of wildfires, lets take a look from a global perspective at the unusual and disturbing increase in fires worldwide.
On 20 October 2019, a strong tornado moved across parts of the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. The autumn months typically bring an uptick in severe weather activity across much of the USA’s Great Plains. This story from the Guardian is a good overview of the situation. Unfortunately the headline, which implies that one tornado moved from Dallas into Arkansas, is all too common.
Are you stressed out by the daunting challenges of climate change? You’re not alone. Here are a list of eight actions you can take, some are better than others, other like ‘fight shaming’ are ridiculous, most important is the realization that every small action you can take adds up to big changes…and a better quality of life.
According to new data from NOAA and NASA, the Earth’s ozone hole is the smallest it has ever been since its discovery.
A recently released study says, “Antarctic ice sheets have been melting rapidly for hundreds of years, much longer than scientists previously thought.“
The Atlantic hurricane season will be coming to an official end very soon, but it’s never too late, early, our ‘out of season’ to have a preparedness plan and supplies in place. My Hurricane Preparedness Page can be a helpful starting point to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross can be very helpful in putting together a disaster preparedness kit. This emergency kit can also be applicable in many different climates and for all seasons.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. A million ‘thank you’ again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. 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 getting your PSA tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers!

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

Chances are good you’re exposed to this. “We’ve got another ozone problem, and it’s not what you think.” @Grist #environment #airquality #health

The beneficial ozone up in the stratosphere has an evil cousin, and it’s right here on the ground. grist.org/article/weve-got-another-ozone-problem-and-its-not-what-you-think/

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For May 25 – June 1, 2019

Greetings to everyone and Happy Meteorological Summer to my followers and friends in the Northern Hemisphere! It’s also the official first day of the Atlantic hurricane season. May was a wild weather month for much of the Great Plains in the USA with substantial numbers of tornadoes and record breaking floods across much of the Arkansas River basin. Many more topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

The planet Mars is a very dusty location with our amazing rovers getting a thorough covering of Martian dust in short order. Fortunately, there’s a solution.
An amazing discover that gives us a look back in time. “This Seawater Is 20,000 Years Old, and Has Remained Untouched Since the Last Ice Age.”
Wildfires can devastate areas that are full of homes, businesses, and other populated areas. When looked at from a nature perspective, they truly are a very normal part of how our planet operates.
I’d like to this this was in jest, but it’s not. Apparently, changing a name makes all the difference in the world. Not.
This gives new meaning to the phrase, “cooking the books.” “E.P.A. Plans to Get Thousands of Pollution Deaths Off the Books by Changing Its Math.”
In recent years, climate discussions have rarely centered around the Earth’s ozone layer. New studies have begun to focus on this very important part of our planet’s atmosphere.
“As a climate researcher, should I change my air-travel habits?” Personally speaking, I wouldn’t and feel this is a subject that many are taking far too seriously.
These ideas should be implemented in other USA states as well. “Louisiana has a new plan to prevent flood disasters.”
Recent global weather patterns have led to the above average number of tornadoes across much of the USA’s Great Plains. Here’s a concise read on why this happened.
Here’s a more detailed look at the May 2019 tornado activity across the USA. This month is certainly going to be one for the record books.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

Testing your NOAA weather radio year round is one of the best ways to stay informed on weather conditions for your area regardless of the season. Many National Weather Service offices conduct weekly tests. It’s also a good idea to replace the batteries in your NOAA weather radio when you change batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

Infographic courtesy NWS Amarillo, Texas

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years. One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

National Weather Service Homepage

Storm Prediction Center

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Sky Watcher Cloud Chart: An excellent 2 page PDF file from NOAA and NASA on cloud types and and information on how clouds form.

Tornadoes, Lightning, & Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (PDF file)

Tornado Safety Rules from the Storm Prediction Center

Highway Overpasses As Tornado Shelters (Slide Presentation)

The Online Tornado FAQ

Facts About Derechos

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

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 weather information, watches, and 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! To my new followers, I’d like to extend a very sincere “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, your loyalty is deeply appreciated. Thanks so much for the support and kind words!

Cheers!

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

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

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

Tornado Quest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tornadoquest

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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FLOOD SAFETY

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

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