Tornado Quest Top Science Links For February 5 – 12, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #wintersafety #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #pollution #environment

Much of North America is getting quite a blast of Arctic cold air this week. Some regions of the southern USA are seeing temperatures up to 30F lower than normal. Below are two very important infographics with one addressing wild chill and the other showing how to dress properly to best handle the cold weather and retain body heat. 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.

We’ll be wearing masks to help with controlling the spread of COVID-19 for some time. I’ve been double masking for over a month. The challenge is avoiding the critical ‘side gap.’
There are many misconceptions about wildfires that are quite pervasive and difficult to eradicate. This video is an interesting look at those wildfire misconceptions and how they help fuel…literally…wildfires.
Because plastics are forever. “Microplastics are everywhere. Here’s what that means for our health.”
Here’s an interesting read on the connection between economic growth and large variations in daily temperatures.
A major win for the international treaty that protects the ozone layer. “Illegal CFC emissions have stopped since scientists raised alarm.”
Folks who deal with seasonal allergies are miserable enough. Here’s the rub…climate change may make their symptoms worse.

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.

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 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 Science Links For January 15 – 22, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #weathersafety #wintersafety #emergencyprep #climate #climatechange #criticalthinking #thinkbeforesharing #covid19 #pandemic

Winter weather across much of North America has been rather quiet in recent days. 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. I’d also like to take a moment and share my hopes for the year of 2021 to be a better one for all of us 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.

Conspiracy theories have existed for as long as some humans have had trouble accepting the inevitable uncertainties that will exist in our lives. What exactly are their allure and how do these fairy tales get started?

While this infographic via European Commission focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, it can easily be applied to a myriad of conspiracy theories.

There’s no denying the psychological toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on human existence the world over. Many of us, including yours truly, are struggling every day with ramifications of a virus that has claimed the lives of millions, made tens of millions ill, and affected our economy in a drastic manner. However, to deny the scientific truth and solid scientific evidence is the most cowardly thing humans can do. In a war such as this, we must do what is best for the common good of society as a whole…even if we are fighting an invisible enemy.
More on the myriad of wildfire hazards. “Wildfires having devastating effect on air quality in western US, study finds.” Researchers say air pollution caused by smoke could be just as deadly as excessive heat.
The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic reduced carbon emissions in 2020, but not by a large amount. New data shows global emissions of carbon dioxide picked up in the second half of 2020.
Here’s a concise review of specific details on 2020’s climate records that spared no region of our planet. “2020 Climate Events Were Examples Of How Excess Heat Is Expressed On Earth.”
While on the topics of 2020’s records, here’s a very nice interactive look at where and how those climate records were felt around the globe.
Winter Storm Warnings are commonly issued by the National Weather Service throughout the winter season. However, the likelihood of one being issued depends as much on where you live as the conditions expected.

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)

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 and Happy New Year 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! 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 11 – 18, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #arctic #environment #wildfire #scicomm #criticalthinking

As 2020 winds down, it’s time to take pause and look back on an exceptional year. We’ve two links that touch on the past twelve months. There are many important climate change stories to review as well. 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.

Here’s a glimpse at some scientific silver linings. “2020 Has Been a Huge Year for Understanding the Process of Science.” For COVID-19, climate, dinosaurs, & more, we’re seeing how science works.
Speaking of how science works, there are plenty who think it doesn’t…especially when it comes to climate science. “Big Name Climate Deniers Aren’t Joining Conspiracy Theory-Friendly Parler — Yet.”
Wildfires are known for sending large amounts of smoke into the earth’s atmosphere and often result in a cloud formation called pyrocumulonimbus. Large fires in Australia formed substantial amounts of pyrocumulonimbus clouds…and some of that smoke is still circling the globe almost twelve months after these events.
Lapland is a spectacular and gorgeous region of Scandinavia. Unfortunately, it’s not escaped the wrath of climate change.
2020 has been an exceptional year in so many ways. Here’s a month-by-month review of the biggest climate stories of the year.
At one point, it was thought that plant life on our planet would absorb a tremendous amount of CO2. Recent research has shown that those hopes may not come to fruition.
Here’s a very important analysis from Carbon Brief on climate change and when our planet might reach 1.5C and 2C of global warming.
The changing climate in the Arctic region is nothing new. Some weather phenomenon, like lightning, isn’t very common but is becoming more so. More data is needed, but this may be yet another sign of our planet’s changing climate.
There’s a fine art to accurately measuring snowfall amounts. If you’re a member of CoCoRaHS, it’s especially important that you give very accurate measurements. This excellent infographic from NOAA/NWS gives spot on tips for getting good data.

Last but not least, here’s a good listen from NPR on staying warm that’s a nice segue into our winter weather safety links.

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)

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 30 – November 6, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #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 this week and in the weeks to come. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

If, like me, you’re in favor of staying with standard time and dumping the anachronistic daylight saving time, you’ll enjoy this read. “The Father of Standard Time Had Bigger Ideas.” However, as most weather geeks like myself do, we pretty much live our lives by UTC!
“How Geologists Reveal the Secrets of the Solar System.” Rocks that have fallen to Earth or been brought here deliberately are practically the only way we can study planets & asteroids up close.
Life aboard the International Space Station may seem glamorous, exciting, and a never ending adventure. Truth be know, there are some unsavory elements with which you will also have to contend with.
It all comes down to human behavior & the ‘3 W’s.’ “Hot or cold, weather alone has no significant effect on COVID-19 spread.” Apparently, temperature & humidity do not play a significant role in the spread of coronavirus.
While on the topic of COVID-19, here’s yet more evidence that air pollution in the USA can be held responsible for increasing the risk of dying of this most insidious virus.
The world’s oceans and many beaches are awash in plastic trash. Which countries are responsible for all of that pollution is a hotly debated issue.
The United States officially pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord on 4 November 2020. What’s next for the USA as other countries aim at targets to reduce emissions?
Studying high winds generated in all kinds of storms isn’t easy. The next obvious solution is to generate winds in a laboratory setting that might represent to a degree those found in nature.
In spite of autumn having arrived across the Northern Hemisphere, it’s never too early to hone your forecasting skills, especially when it comes to severe weather…which is certainly not limited to the spring months. Here’s an excellent read by US Tornadoes on several common and pervasive myths that can bust your forecast.
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 has officially come to an end. 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 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

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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