Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 27 – April 3, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #droughtmonitor #drought #climate #climatechange #environment #socialmedia #health

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. With the most active severe weather and tornado months for the USA now beginning, this is the time to prepare. This week’s post contains severe weather infographics with a focus on staying informed with potentially life saving watches and warnings. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

An unfortunate trend of sound scientific data & facts refuted by nefarious, misleading ‘theories.’ “The Antiscience Movement Is Escalating, Going Global & Killing Thousands.”
This is a very novel and innovative idea that has been a long time coming. Hempcrete, made from cannabis, is a worthy alternative in many scenarios to the traditional concrete.
A timely read considering the ongoing fire weather across several USA states. “Probing wet fire smoke in clouds: Can water intensify the earth’s warming?”
Hay fever is something that millions deal with many times a year. Climate change may make their symptoms worse.
“How will the biggest tropical trees respond to climate change?” The biggest trees store 1/2 of the carbon in tropical forests, but they could be at risk of death due to climate change. As a result, they would be releasing massive amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere.
Sea level rise goes hand-in-hand with climate change. That also means that many major cities around the world are, with time, in danger of disappearing.
Recent years have seen unprecedented tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. This certainly begs the question; Should the Atlantic hurricane season be lengthened?
In case you missed it, NOAA has released their outlook for the rest of spring 2021 across the USA. Among the details, drought conditions are expected to persist across much of the western contiguous USA.
The latest US Drought Monitor shows dry and drought conditions worsening across much of the western contiguous USA.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS: STAYING INFORMED!

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 NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. A kit like this is very helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes and hurricanes.

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll review tornado safety. I’d like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy! See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch Please note: queries regarding promotions, marketing schemes, prizes, or papers that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For 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

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.

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.

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, 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

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 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 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 2 – 9, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #wildfire #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic

Whether it’s a hurricane, a tornado, or winter storms, your NOAA weather radio should be at the ready year round. Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS

As of this post, all eyes are on Hurricane Delta, the second hurricane of the Atlantic 2020 to make landfall on the central USA Gulf Coast. Delta is a perfect example of a hurricane that has achieved major status during it’s life cycle after starting out with very humble origins. This kind of rapid intensification is something we’ll be seeing more often. This week’s post includes information and links on hurricane preparation. In addition, western USA wildfires continue to rage out of control and a gigafire…the first million acre wildfire on record, has taken place. As a result, air quality for many regions far from the fires has become a significant public health issue. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

This is a very thought provoking read on the current state of the societal attitude towards the COVID-19 pandemic. “As troubling as our pandemic response has been, the largest gap may not be between our performance and that of other countries but between our pre-pandemic understanding of America and what we now see revealed.”
While on the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s a spot-on essay that has been a long time coming and pulls no punches where they are deserved. “Dying In A Leadership Vacuum.“
The time to reevaluate the USA’s position as a leader in scientific endeavors has come. “Is America Finally Ready To Become A Scientific Nation?“
“Life on Venus? Scientists hunt for the truth.” The surprise discovery of gas that could be a sign of life on Venus has reignited scientific interest in Earth’s closest neighbor.
Speaking of our solar system, here’s a solid read on the origins of our universe.
As wildfires continue to ravage many western USA states, air quality has become a major public health issue. Fortunately, there are new apps and sensors to help people assess their personal risks.
Over four million acres have burned in California during 2020. While that number is useful, it may not be the most important number for us to focus on.
Gigafire is the new term for wildfires this bad. “Scientists didn’t expect wildfires this terrible for another 30 years.“
Now that a million acre wildfire known as a gigafire has taken place, what are the long-term implications for such an unprecedented event?
Last but not least, some good news in 2020. The USA may see the fewest lightning deaths in a single year in recorded history.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Hurricane Delta is, as of this post, forecast to make landfall on the USA’s Gulf Coast. 2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of September 18th, twenty-two named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. 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.

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For September 4 – 11, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #covid19 #pandemic #prostatecancer

The past two weeks have been very active across much of North America and in tropical regions around the globe. The ongoing wildfires across much of the western and mountain states of the USA have sent large plumes of smoke across much of the continent. Ramifications from Hurricane Laura and the Midwestern derecho of early August will be felt for some time. The tropical Atlantic has also continued to be active. We’ve still several weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so I have included information on hurricane and disaster preparedness. There are several other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

At university campuses around the world, and particularly in the USA, a climate of 21 Century McCarthyism exists with cancel culture and oppressive political correctness at the spearhead. “A main thread in the missives is people left-of-center wondering why, suddenly, to be anything but radical is to be treated as a retrograde heretic.” It’s obvious that a dearth of critical thinking and rationale exists.
A very thought provoking read. “The Idea that a Scientific Theory can be ‘Falsified’ Is a Myth.”
This is not only a fun astronomy read, but a challenging one as well. “There are Three Asteroids Hiding in this Animation, See If You Can Find Them.“
Some very sound ideas in this essay. “Protecting half of the planet is the best way to fight climate change and biodiversity loss – we’ve mapped the key places to do it.“
While these are very pretty to look at, the reasons for their existence can be worrisome. “Beautiful blooming phytoplankton create swirling art in the Baltic Sea.“
The daunting challenges from climate change go far beyond what takes place in the natural world. “Federal Report Warns of Financial Havoc From Climate Change.“
There has been a great deal of noise from the climate change deniers as of late disputing any connection between the western USA wildfires and climate change. They couldn’t be more incorrect. The connection is solid and based on sound science.
While on the topic of wildfires, there are millions of Americans that are being exposed to the ongoing western states wildfires. The smoke many of them are breathing is hazardous to their health for a myriad of reasons.
Summer heat is responsible for far more deaths around the world than most all cold weather events combined. The dangers of heat are vastly underrated. That begs the question, why don’t we talk about the dangers of heat more often?
Have you ever wondered why some hurricanes gain intensity at a ferocious rate? Here’s a very simple and concise explanation of why this happens. Hurricane Laura was a perfect example.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this year. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of September 11th, eighteen named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. 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 always an excellent source with potentially life-saving information that is specific to your local situation. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

Prostate cancer has touch my life and, as a result, changed my outlook on life forever. It’s not an ‘old man’s’ disease. Many men in their forties are diagnosed with prostate cancer. For men, it’s the second leading cause of death by cancer. My diagnosis came about as a result of a routine PSA test from my general practitioner. Regardless of your family history, race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, etc., don’t think it can’t happen to you. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one.

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!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For August 28 – September 4, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #prostatecancer

The past week has been a busy and historic one for the USA. Record breaking wildfires have ravaged many areas of the western USA with millions of acres torched. Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana as a high-end Category 4 storm. From its humble beginnings as a cluster of thunderstorms moving off the coast of western Africa, what would become Laura traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic, entered the Caribbean region, crossed Puerto Rico and Cuba, then emerged into the Gulf of Mexico where it underwent explosive intensification in less than twenty-four hours. Recovery from these wildfires and Hurricane Laura will take years. We’ve still several weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so I have included information on hurricane and disaster preparedness. There are several other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020

The road to being a good scientist, regardless of the field of specialty, is a long one. While one should never consider their education complete, there are certain characteristics that make one stand out. Here’s an excellent essay on four lessons that every good scientist must learn.
Black holes are one of most enigmatic topics in astronomy. This recent news just raised the bar on changing the way we view our universe. “‘It’s mindboggling!’: astronomers detect most powerful black-hole collision yet.”
Summer heat and air quality can have deleterious effects on ones health. Add to that more extreme variations due to climate change and we have a serious public health problem on our hands.
There’s no doubt that California wildfires are getting worse. As our climate warms and droughts and heat in the western states become more commonplace, the daunting challenges posed by intense wildfires increases exponentially.
“Sea level rise from ice sheets track worst-case climate change scenario.” Melting rates in Greenland & Antarctica are matching the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s worst-case climate warming scenarios.
While on the topic of sea ice melt, here’s another scenario with links to the warming of our climate. “Winter ice in the Bering Sea is doomed to disappear within decades.“
Ice melt is also occurring elsewhere. The stability of the lakes that are filling up with the water from the melting ice is in question.
Lightning presents a significant threat to people and structures year round. In tropical regions, it’s responsible for the deaths of millions of trees annually.
Here’s a sobering listen on the beginning of the recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Laura. The daunting task ahead for people in the wake of this powerful storm is made worse by a pandemic that is raging out of control.
“‘Hurricane amnesia’: Why we might forget the lessons from Hurricane Laura.” During the quiet stretches between tropical cyclones, the fear of a hurricane will often dissipate.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this year. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of August 28th, thirteen named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. 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 always an excellent source with potentially life-saving information that is specific to your local situation. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

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! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For July 31 – August 7, 2020 #science #climate #climatechange #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #disasterprep #spacex #nasa #astronomy #mars

Hurricane Katrina approaches the central USA Gulf Coast on 28 August 2005. Satellite image courtesy NOAA.

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is a daunting challenge and finding a long-term path of human adaptation is far easier said than done. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start with, as of this post, nine named storms for the 2020 season. We’ll also take a look at a checklist for assembling an emergency kit and hurricane preparedness…so let’s get started.

Let’s start with some good news in an otherwise challenging current events scenario. “SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule makes splashdown with NASA astronauts.“
Astronomers know that Mars once was partially covered by water. New data shows that glaciers may have played a part in forming the Martian landscape.
As a former HVAC tech, this concerns me greatly. “Why Aren’t We Talking More About Ventilation?” Furthermore, how is it that six months into a global respiratory pandemic, we’re still doing so little to mitigate airborne transmission?
While on the topic of pandemics, the unnecessary rancor over facial masks was also a hot-button topic during the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Sad to say that in spite of sound scientific evidence, some people still don’t get it.
The Arctic region has been plagued by wildfires in recent years. “Data by the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) shows that in June and July 2020, Arctic fires released 204 megatons of carbon dioxide, far exceeding last year’s 140 megatons and eclipsing the annual emissions of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland combined.”
Forecasting tropical cyclones is one of the most daunting tasks that a meteorologist will ever face. Here’s a very interesting take on forecasting one of the most dangerous atmospheric phenomenons. “Application of machine learning can optimize hurricane track forecast.“
When it comes to climate change, individual acts alone may not have a substantial effect. Many experts with a substantial knowledge of climate change and related topics have some very encouraging words.
One of the most underrated weather hazards is heat and the effects heat waves have on life on our planet. This suggestion by experts is a novel one…name heatwaves in the same manner that we name hurricanes.
If the active Atlantic hurricane season has piqued your interest in tropical cyclones, NOAA has an excellent educational website that explains how these powerful storms develop and operate.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been very busy with, as of this post, nine named storms…and the peak of the season is still weeks away. NOAA has revised their Atlantic basin hurricane outlook for what could be an ‘extremely active’ season.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this summer. In the central Pacific, Douglas took a swipe at Hawaii. Hanna made landfall in Texas and Isaias on the USA’s east coast. The Atlantic has been unusually active with nine named storms having taken place by the end of July…and the peak of hurricane season is still ahead. 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, now is the time to assemble your kits for home and your place of work.

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 always an excellent source as well. 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! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS: STAYING INFORMED!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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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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SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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