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

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 May 29 – June 5, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #climate #climatechange #environment #publichealth #covid19

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking wherever you are around the world. Across North America, the severe weather season continues. If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review posts from March and April. You’ll find a plethora of severe weather, tornado, and flooding safety information. The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1. This week, I will start posting a series of hurricane safety infographics. There are many good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

As human being are want to do, we are subject to biases, trusting sensationalist rumors over experts, misinformation, and disinformation. Once we acknowledge that fact, the real work begins. “Can we keep human inconsistency from confusing expert advice?“
The scientific story behind the origins and ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic are complicated. Here’s a look at five different charts that help to put the ongoing pandemic into an objective perspective.
Here’s some very good astronomy news. NASA will be going back to Venus for the first time in almost thirty years.
“Prepare for the worst: 10 steps to get ready for wildfire smoke.” People are outdoors more due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since most #wildfires are caused by human activity, the summer of 2021 has the potential to be worse than any season before it.
A town in Norway is feeling the effects of climate change in a multitude of ways. “The World’s Northernmost Town Is Changing Dramatically.”
This is certainly an eye opening read. “Here Are America’s Top Methane Emitters. Some Will Surprise You.”
The threat of climate tipping points going down like a row of dominoes is a very real threat. The effects are substantial and would be long-lasting.
An ounce of prevention is far less expensive than a pound of cure in many disaster scenarios. “Beleaguered by disaster damages, the USA may finally start spending on resilience.”
In case you missed it, the annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is predicted. We’ve already had our first named storm for the Atlantic. Current outlooks indicate we could be in for a very busy season.

THE BASICS OF HURRICANE SAFETY

PREPARING A HURRICANE EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

This helpful checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit. This is essential in a variety of dangerous scenarios from hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires, and blizzards.

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! As I mentioned in the introduction, if you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts. Next week, we’ll take a look at more 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 May 22 -29, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #tornado #hurricane #climate #climatechange #environment #publichealth

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking wherever you are. Across much of the western contiguous USA, drought conditions conditions to worsen. The climatological peak of the severe weather and tornado season has arrived across the North American great plains. If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review posts from March and April. You’ll find a plethora of severe weather, tornado, and flooding safety information. It’s also important to remember that the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1. Next week, we’ll start a series of hurricane safety infographics. There are many good science reads to review, so let’s get started.

Pollution from plastics is a problem that won’t go away easily. “World to waste one trillion more plastic bottles and bags by 2025 as production ramps up.”
The chances are quite good that these wind up in your vegetable garden. “‘Forever chemicals’ found in home fertilizer made from sewage sludge.”
These protected reserves should have never been disturbed in the first place. “Palaeontologists hope Biden will restore protections on fossil-rich US lands.”
Taking into consideration the severity of the ongoing drought, this will be challenging months to come. “Melting Snow Usually Means Water For The West. But This Year, It Might Not Be Enough.”
The climate crisis has far reaching effects on the Earth’s human population, and that includes mental health.
Here’s new climate data from the World Meteorological Organization. “New climate predictions increase likelihood of temporarily reaching 1.5 °C in next 5 years.”
In case you missed it, the annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is predicted.

A TORNADO & SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDER

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER 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.

That’s a wrap for this post! As I mentioned in the introduction, if you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. Starting 5 June 2021, we’ll take a look at 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 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 May 15 – 22, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #tornado #hurricane #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking wherever you are. Across much of the western contiguous USA, drought conditions conditions to worsen. The climatological peak of the severe weather and tornado season has arrived across the North American great plains. If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review posts from March and April as these have a plethora of severe weather, tornado, and flooding safety information. It’s also important to remember that the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1. In two weeks, we’ll take a look at hurricane safety. This week, there are many good science reads to review, so let’s get started.

Finding a location with exceptionally dark night skies is not easy in today’s world. Fortunately, there are the Canary Islands.
Pollution from plastics is a problem that won’t go away easily. “World to waste one trillion more plastic bottles and bags by 2025 as production ramps up.”
Startling imagery here with a view of the world’s largest iceberg breaking off an ice shelf.
Wildfires that we are familiar with are hazardous enough. Here’s an interesting read on ‘zombie fires’ that can linger even under winter snow.
This comes as no surprise. “Climate change to blame for $8 billion of Hurricane Sandy damages.” Sandy destroyed half a million homes, killed 159 people, & caused $62.5 billion in damages.
Yet another example of the ravages that result from climate change. This new study, released by NOAA, shows how droughts are intensified and lengthened by greenhouse aerosol and gas emissions.
The annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook has just been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is predicted.

A TORNADO SAFETY REMINDER

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! As I mentioned in the introduction, if you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. Starting 5 June 2021, we’ll take a look at 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, 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 April 10 – 17, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #astronomy #misinformation #disinformation

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll wrap up our series on severe weather safety and preparedness with a few infographics covering several topics. There are many good reads to review this week including NOAA’s global climate assessment for March 2021, so let’s get started.

Steven Pinker is spot on with his evaluation of the current state of humanity. We take for granted the fact that we are living in one of the most peaceful times in recorded human history. Unfortunately, that takes away from our focus on real long term challenges such as climate change and environmental issues.
Debunking misinformation, disinformation, and general anti-science rhetoric has never been more important than in today’s society. Though this read focuses on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it certainly can be applied to any field of science…and good communication is key. “How To Debunk Misinformation About COVID, Vaccines, And Masks.”
In astronomy news, the Hubble telescope…which is a legend in its own right…recently captured an image of a dying galaxy.
The other planets in our solar system have weather conditions that are as unique as each planet. Here’s a look at how big raindrops would be on other planets.
Microplastics are one of the most nefarious pollutants on our planet. Where they frequently come from may be a surprise.
A very thought provoking read on the state of many USA cities that are under the gun from climate change…and other cities that may become havens for people fleeing vulnerable locations.
Numerous corporate executives of more than 300 businesses including Google, WalMart, and McDonalds want to double the USA’s target for cuts to emissions that contribute to climate change and a warming planet.
An excellent read on climate change and potential hazards. “Measuring what matters: A new approach to assessing sovereign climate risk.“
The latest global climate assessment from NOAA has been issued. Among the findings, “The global temperature departure from average for March 2021 was the eighth highest for the month of March in the 142-year NOAA global temperature dataset record, which dates back to 1880.”

TORNADO AND SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY LINKS

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 SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS…

A SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REVIEW!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’d like a reminder of severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. 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 February 19 – 26, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #drought #droughtmonitor #nasa #perseverance

Much of the contiguous USA is recovering this week from an unusually robust cold wave that brought record breaking snowfall amounts, low temperatures, and wind chills across almost every state except Florida. Though much of the lower 48 is warming up, winter isn’t over yet. Below are several important infographics addressing wild chill and how to dress properly to best handle cold weather and retain body heat. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information in this week’s post. Next week, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, et al.) preparedness. There are several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

In the process of debating a topic, using critical thinking is very helpful in a variety of situations. Resorting to ad hominem vitriol isn’t. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be the default ‘MO’ in this day and age.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has begun to take a look around it’s new home on Mars. Take a look at some of the amazing images that the rover has sent in the past week.
Here’s something that my fellow map lovers and fans of cartography will enjoy. “Astrophysicists create the most accurate ‘flat map’ of Earth ever.“
“Air pollution kills. Making that official can help us tackle it.” Thought provoking read on the irrevocable link between air quality & health.
The cold wave and winter storm of February 2021 took a heavy toll on Texas. “Texas freeze led to release of tons of air pollutants as refineries shut.” These shutdowns led to refineries burning and/or releasing gases. That darkened the skies in east TX with smoke visible for miles.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Approximately 38% of the USA is currently experiencing some degree of drought. As the map below shows, the worst conditions are being felt in the western half of the contiguous USA.

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.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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.

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week. I will be adding a plethora of information regarding severe weather and tornado safety. 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 February 12 – 19, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #thunderstorms #lightning #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #pollution #airquality #health #nasa #perseverance

Much of North America is in the grip of or recovering from a very potent cold wave with many locations seeing record snowfall amounts, low temperatures, wind chills, electric power grid failures and water that is either in short supply or nonexistent. This is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable the USA’s infrastructure is when dealt a blow from weather and climate. The very cold temperatures across much of the contiguous USA were responsible for much of the ongoing challenges. Below are several important infographics addressing wild chill and how to dress properly to best handle 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 two weeks. Afterwards, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, et al.) preparedness. There are several interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

Visible Satellite image on 19 February 2021 of widespread snow cover in Oklahoma and adjacent parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas.

NASA successfully landed the Mars Perseverance Rover on the ‘red planet’ this week. Here’s a great website from NASA with a plethora of information on this watershed mission.
While on the topic of Mars, here’s a stunning display of some of the most incredible photographs taken on this planet…including the first photo from July 1976.
“Life found beneath Antarctic ice sheet ‘shouldn’t be there.” This find is significant because it suggests that life in Antarctica’s harshest environments is more adaptable & more diverse than thought.
Ocean pollution has ramifications that run far and wide…and human health is no exception.
While on the topic of pollution, here’s more evidence of the irrevocable link between local air quality and public health. “Wood burning at home now biggest cause of UK particle pollution.”
“Weather forecasts can protect animals too.” Weather forecasts have the potential to be an important conservation tool, say meteorologists.
The more we learn about thunderstorms, the more questions and mysteries arise. “Thunderstorms spew out gamma rays — these scientists want to know why.“
Weather and climate is often confused. The USA’s winter storm of February 2021 will be discussed for some time. Chances are very good that climate change played a major factor in the severity of this event. Regardless, it will be an interesting topic of science-based discussion for some time. “Climate change may be why frigid weather has slid so far south, experts say.“

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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 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

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 Science Links For December 25, 2020 – January 1, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #astronomy #health #education

The year of 2020 will go down in history as a watershed event for the planet Earth, the planet’s climate, and an insidious virus that led to the worse health crises in a century. There were several weather and climate events that will be landmark events as well. 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. Please note that effective 1 January 2021, I will only post the top science links rather than pick ten. Quite often there are not enough quality stories to pass along and, like other media outlets, they present top stories but don’t go to the trouble of finding a specific number each week. This change allows me to share only the best with you. Let me also take a moment and wish all of you a happy and healthy 2021 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.

This is a classic case of the orthodoxy of cancel culture run amok. “I’ve Been Fired. If You Value Academic Freedom, That Should Worry You.“
We know little about the specifics of the weather on other planets in our solar system, but that doesn’t negate the fact that what happens in the atmosphere of other worlds in our solar system is fascinating.
Plastic pollution is an environmental challenge that we face on a global scale. Perhaps it’s time for us to seriously consider a Paris Agreement on plastics.
It’s common knowledge that any wildfire smoke is dangerous to breathe. When you add microbes to that health hazard, an additional risk develops quickly.
As our planet warms, will white Christmases become a relic of the past?
From US Tornadoes, a look back at some excellent tornado videos from 2020.
Last but not least, a good read on self empowerment. The year has finally come to and end and 2021 has begun. To say that 2020 has been an exceptionally stressful year for hundreds of millions around the globe 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.

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

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, 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! Here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

TORNADO QUEST TOP TEN SCIENCE LINKS FOR DECEMBER 4 – 11, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #climate #climatechange #stateoftheclimate #drought #wildfire #environment #scicomm #criticalthinking

An exceptional weather year is quickly winding down but not before setting many records with wildfires and Atlantic tropical cyclones taking center stage. With the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere, attention will shift to winter weather safety. The infographic above shows you how to dress according to winter weather temperatures. We’ll touch 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.

With misinformation and disinformation getting some well deserved attention, here is a very timely and informative read on how our brains process information and respond to dialog that conveys possibility.
This is nothing less than an astounding image. “Best map of Milky Way reveals a billion stars in motion.“
If you haven’t thought about this before, it’s certainly an eye opening thought. “Human-Made Stuff Now Outweighs All Life on Earth.“
Public health and climate patterns go hand in hand. The medical community has known about this for quite some time. Overall, the human population has been getting healthier. But with climate change taking place right before our eyes, there’s a danger of decades of public health advances being erased.
California’s ancient redwood trees are one of the natural wonders of the world. Sadly, as is so much the case across the globe, they are being affected in a detrimental manner by climate change.
In spite of the cooler temperatures, wildfires are very common during the winter months. Add climate change to the equation, and we have a particularly volatile combination.
The concept of climate change is not really new. Many of my meteorological mentors mentioned how our use of fossil fuels could have long term ramifications…and this was in the late 1970’s. This information, originally published in 1978, addresses climate change concerns that go back a few decades.
The western and northwestern USA has been subjected to a variety of weather extremes as of late. “From Alaska to California, the climate is off-kilter in the West.”
The Arctic region of our planet is changing rapidly. In a matter of a few decades, will look nothing like it does today.
Lastly, NOAA has just released their November 2020 Climate Report. A myriad of records were set from tropical cyclones to precipitation and temperature.

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)

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

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

THE BASICS OF HURRICANE SAFETY

PREPARING A HURRICANE EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

Share this:

Like this:

A TORNADO & SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDER

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

Share this:

Like this:

A TORNADO SAFETY REMINDER

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

Share this:

Like this:

TORNADO AND SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY LINKS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS…

A SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REVIEW!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this:

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Share this:

Like this: