Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 8 – 15, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #polarvortex #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #flooding #climate #climatechange #astronomy #criticalthinking

The winter weather over the contiguous USA has been rather tranquil as of late save for a second round of snow for central Texas. Not unheard of, but still rather unusual. 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.

Unfortunately, this is no surprise. Along with many other colleagues, I saw this coming from a hundred miles away. “Climate Deniers Moved Rapidly to Spread Misinformation During and After Attack on US Capitol.“
Solar activity is an area of astronomy that is fascinating to study and carefully observe. “Will Solar Cycle 25 Dazzle or Fizzle in 2021?“
The many facets of climate change will have an irrevocable effect on many aspects of our lives and the atmospheric hazards we face. Flooding is no exception. This new study explains how the rising costs of frequent floods is clearly linked to climate change.
Here’s a fascinating read for my fellow cloud enthusiasts on one of the more rare and unique types of cloud that you will ever see in our skies. “These Bizarre Cloud Patterns are von Kármán’s Vortices, Caused by the air Wrapping Around Tall Islands.“
The Polar Vortex is an atmospheric phenomenon that has seen a great deal of discussion as of late. Here’s a concise overview of what the Polar Vortex is and how it effects our weather and climate.
Yet more evidence that as far as climate, 2020 was another record breaking year according to NOAA data. It was also the sixth year in a row that the USA experienced more than ten individual billion dollar disasters.

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.

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.

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 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 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)

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

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)

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 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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For October 16 – 23, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #recycling #environment #covid19 #pandemic

Atlantic Hurricane Epsilon shortly after reaching Category 3 status on 21 October 2020

After many weeks of extraordinary activity, the tropical Atlantic is considerably quiet as the hurricane season slowly winds down. The lone exception is Hurricane Epsilon which reached major hurricane status on 21 October 2020 as a late season Atlantic tropical cyclone. 2020 will go in the record books as a very extraordinary year. Wildfires and drought continue to plague much of North America with no immediate relief in sight. There are many other good stories to cover this week including a successful spacecraft mission to and asteroid, so lets get started.

Science frequently becomes the target for ad hominem attacks, ridiculous conspiracy theories, et al. Here’s a concise examination of eight persistent COVID-19 myths and the often unpredictable reasons why people believe them.
The concept of ‘herd immunity’ is a disaster from the start and will lead to nothing than the illnesses and deaths of millions across our planet.
For a refreshing change, here’s some good news on the astronomy front. “Success! OSIRIS-REx Touches Asteroid Bennu to Collect Samples.“
This is truly a spectacular view. “The Most Comprehensive 3D Map of Galaxies Has Been Released.“
A very novel idea that needs to be implemented as soon as possible. “If recycling plastics isn’t making sense, remake the plastics.“
This is a concept that deserves many chances to work. “Superwhite paint can cool buildings even in hot sunlight.“
This concise read covers many topics regarding wildfires including the climate/wildfire connection.
Based on recent data from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, over forty-five percent of the contiguous USA is currently experiencing drought conditions.
The challenges that USA cities face dealing with climate change are daunting, but success hasn’t been achieved and may not for some time.
Carrying on a conversation with someone who has no concerns, interests, or ability to handle the science behind climate change can be very challenging and frustrating. With active listening and scientific facts, this conversational challenge can be easier.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

2020 continues to be on track as a record year for the Atlantic hurricane season. Fortunately, the official end of the Atlantic tropical cyclone season is coming soon. Regardless, it’s important to not let your guard down. Late season tropical storms and hurricanes can occur and catch people off guard who think the danger is over for the year. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For folks living in regions prone to hurricanes, it’s not too late to assemble your kits for home and your place of work. A kit like this can also be helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes.

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. 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 9 – 16, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #thunderstorm #drought #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #covid19 #pandemic

Hurricane Delta intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico on 6 October 2020.

A very busy episode in the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is taking a respite, which is very good news. Hurricane Delta made landfall as a Category 2 tropical cyclone only a few miles from where Hurricane Laura moved inland only six weeks earlier. Drought conditions and western USA wildfires are also making headlines with no relief in sight for that parched region. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

The abundance of misinformation and disinformation that is present in social media and many mainstream media outlets is astounding, but not surprising. Fallacies, conspiracy theories, rumors, and outright lies run rampant with every field of science with weather and climate being no exception. Considering the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, this kind of nefarious misinformation/disinformation has many lethal ramifications.
Like it or not, the connection between science and politics is irrevocable. “We are in the midst of a pandemic and a climate crisis, both solvable by centering scientific expertise. When our government ignores scientists, the consequences can be fatal. More than 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Yet, as our nation grapples with the pandemic, our current administration believes that “science shouldn’t stand in the way” of business as usual.
Carrying on a conversation with someone who has any concerns, or lack thereof, on climate change can be very challenging. With active listening and scientific facts, that conversational challenge can be easier.
Climate change has many facets that affect our daily lives. In the case of medical residents, it’s now a part of their training to treat people with afflictions that are climate related and becoming more common.
This has been a long time coming. “New poll on climate change: Denial is out, alarm is in.“
As our oceans warm, the ramifications around the world is significant. With marine heatwaves becoming hotter, larger, and lasting longer, scientists say the trend has major ecological consequences, from altering fish and plant populations to forcing whales into hazardous waters.
The fact that extreme weather events have increased in frequency and intensity in the last twenty years is well documented. For humans, one extreme weather event will overlap another and influence others therefore test our resilience.

Graphic credit: United Nations Office For Disaster Risk Reduction

Here’s an interesting read on some new research on thunderstorms and lightning. Meteorology, like all other sciences, is in a constant state of flow and ebb, changing with each new bit of solid research.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out and the news is not good. Just under 40% of the USA is experiencing drought conditions.

The NOAA climate assessment for September 2020 is out. For the contiguous USA, the end of the month saw 2020’s year-to-date total of sixteen weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Delta, the latest tropical cyclone to affect the USA, made landfall just a few miles from the landfall point of Hurricane Laura which devastated a significant part of southern Louisiana just seven weeks ago. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have also taken place. With several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go, it’s important to not let your guard down. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.

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. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #environment #pollution #astronomy #scicomm #criticalthinking

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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