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.

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For May 8 – 15, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #weatherready #coronavirus #covid19 #pandemic #health

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. The coronavirus and Covid-19 situation is foremost on everyone’s mind with a world-wide pandemic that’s like nothing the world’s current population has ever seen. Additionally, the spring severe weather season is in full swing across the contiguous USA. Well take a look at some severe weather safety information and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

“Galileo’s story is always relevant.” With science denialism stronger than ever, Galileo’s grapple with heresy charges is chillingly relevant.
If you think the weather on our planet is wild, we’re going to learn some amazing things about Jupiter’s weather that will make you change your mind.
New research is showing that microplastics are everywhere on our planet…even in sea spray.
As stay-at-home recommendations relax during the current COVID-19 pandemic, delusions of safety increase exponentially. The inevitable result has the potential to be even more lethal than what we’ve already experienced worldwide.
This blog post on Covid-19 has gone viral…& for very good reason. “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them.”
Yet another fine example of manipulating misinformation and cherry picking at its finest. “Climate Deniers Argue Carbon Pollution Is Beneficial, Again Take Aim at EPA’s Endangerment Finding.“
Here’s a very cool teaching resource for educators or at-home schoolers. NOAA has a very nice website where your students can learn a lot about weather. Check out SciJinks!
Hurricane forecasting and preparedness has come a long way in just a few short decades. Here’s an fantastic look back at how life saving meteorological advancements took place.
“Coronavirus Could Disrupt Weather Forecasting.” A vast amount of atmospheric data routinely gathered by commercial airliners has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus the World Meteorological Organization announced.
Climate change is already a daunting challenge for humanity. For the USA, add climate change to the variety of frequent extreme weather events, and you have a particularly volatile recipe.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Regardless of where you live or the weather that is common to your region, make your NOAA weather radio an essential part of your information sources. Not only can it save your life, but at anytime of the day or night you can get your local forecast and special forecast updates on any potential weather hazards for up to a week in advance. They should be as common in home and workplaces as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Knowing where to get reliable, accurate, and timely weather information can be a daunting task, especially for folks who are new to a region that may be prone to a hurricane risk, winter storms, or episodes of severe weather (large hail, damaging straight line winds, and tornadoes). This infographic from NOAA’s National Weather Service will help you through the murky haze of disinformation.

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information. As for the coronavirus, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For February 21 – 28, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #cawx #kswx #weatherforecasting #winter #scicomm

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery and good health during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. You folks are awesome! Now…let’s get started on this week’s reads.

The Earth isn’t the only planet where vorticies form. Here’s a fascinating read on dust devils on Mars and the paths they leave behind.
An interesting look back at the last Ice Age. “Huge stores of Arctic sea ice likely contributed to past climate cooling.”
While on the topic of sea ice, here’s a look at how Antarctica is changing as polar climates warm and ice melts revealing ‘new’ land masses.
The Great Barrier Reef has gone through substantial bleaching in the past. Now, it’s showing signs of another major bleaching event.
I have never been in favor of deliberate ‘weather modification’ in any way, shape, or form. If this continues…in spite of its third-rate first-rate failure, nothing good will come of it. Regardless of what the ‘experts’ say, I stand behind every word I’ve said about this over the years.
In a ‘normal’ year, the month of February is often one of the wettest months of the year for parts of California. This year, parts of the state that desperately need rain haven’t seen a drop all month.
This has to be seen to be believed…and also illustrates the exceptionally daunting challenges that meteorologists face when forecasting winter weather events.
Climate change and global warming affects life in the USA in a wide variety of ways. Here’s a sobering look at just a few changes that are quite likely now the new norm.
Communicating scientific data to the general public can be very difficult. Quite often, the process is given a back seat to scientifically technical content. “Want people to care about climate change? Skip the jargon.”
A quick and concise review of a climate news story you may have missed, but is very important. Yet another record warm month is now in the record books. “January was warmest on record for the globe.“

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is an excellent website with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For February 7 – 14, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #stateoftheclimate #environment #education #airquality #pollution #spaceweather #dinosaur

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. Antarctica may have set an all-time record high temperature and, according to some sources, we may see a repeat in 2020 of the devastating 2019 USA floods. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Let us start off with a look at space weather and the spectacular views it can give us…the magnificent auroras that can be seen around the Earth’s north and south poles.
Here’s a real treat for my fellow dinosaur fans. The majestic Tyrannosaurus Rex has a newly discovered fearsome cousin who has been labeled the “Reaper Of Death.”
Mindset is often one of the most powerful tools for humans to use in order to adapt and deal with significant events. Attitudes of many young people regarding climate change are understandingly pessimistic…and we need to listen to them.
Speaking of mindset and young people, here’s an encouraging read on educators that are courageously conveying scientific knowledge of climate change into the classroom.
The Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 saw nearly 800 million litres of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, which satellite tracking suggested covered an estimated 149,000 square kilometres. New data indicates that it may have been much larger than we thought.
Air pollution doesn’t remain in the location where it originates. Quite often it travels great distances…and affects your health.
Flooding across several contiguous USA states during 2019 was devastating. There’s a clear signal that we may get a repeat performance in 2020.
If verified, Antarctica may have set an all-time high temperature. If current climate change trends continue, this will only be one of many records to come.
Thunderstorms are no stranger to northern Europe. What is problematic would be the increase in the many facets of severe thunderstorms in regions that are not familiar with how violent these storms can be.
Last but not least, here’s the latest NOAA State Of The Climate report. “January 2020 average global land & ocean temperature was the highest for January since records began in 1880.”

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For January 24 – 31 , 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #climate #climatechange #australia #brushfire #environment #wintersafety #scicomm

Greetings once again to one and all! Plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. The Australian brushfires are still a big story if for no other reason that it is a watershed event. In atmospheric science news, our changing climate is front and center and will be for many years as humanity grapples with the best path of adaptation. On a more personal note, I appreciate the continued best wishes for recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Conveying science topics to the general public can be a very daunting task, especially when the information is very complex. Here’s a very helpful read on getting your message across to members of the public.
This new satellite gives us a view of our sun that is like no other.
As expected, the Australian brushfires will add a significant amount of CO2 in 2020.
We’ve many daunting challenges ahead to offset or minimize climate change and the way it would affect our lives. Here’s an interesting read on STIs…Social Tipping Interventions that, in the decades to come, are necessary.
Facing climate change head-on has many consequences…and that includes economics. Inaction would be the most costly choice.
The next big carbon super-polluters consists of something that hasn’t been discussed much if at all…plastic plant facilities.
Yet more information on the irrevocable link between air quality and public health. “Heavy traffic pollution may affect kids’ brain development.”
Summer heat is one of nature’s most underrated dangers. Here’s a good read on reevaluating how to keep track of heat related deaths.
A broadcast meteorologist can face many daunting challenges. Here’s an inspiring read regarding those who are delving into the topics on and within climate change.
Last but not least, a quick winter weather safety reminder on dressing for cold weather. The key to staying warm is layers…and being mindful of wind chills you may encounter.

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so am I and I invite you to enjoy me. Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

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

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

An excellent read on an essential skill of everyday life…critical thinking. “Key concepts for making informed choices.” @NatureNews #criticalthinking #knowledge

Teach people to think critically about claims and comparisons — they will make better decisions. www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02407-9

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For June 22 – 29, 2019

Greetings to one and all. If it’s summer in your location, I hope the heat isn’t getting ridiculous. Much of Europe is in the midst of a lethal heatwave that will likely happen more often and with steady intensity.

If you’re an urban dweller and have a feeling that city life is hotter during the summer than rural locations, you’re not imagining things. The urban heat island effect is a very real weather phenomenon.
Speaking of heat, as of this post, much of continental Europe is broiling in temperatures of 104°F (40°C) or higher! In fact, France had their highest recorded temperature of 114.6F (45.9C) which broke a record that was set during a very deadly 2003 heatwave.
Disaster prevention is a tricky business, especially when it comes to weather events. By some standards, investment that will help reduce damage from floods and winds is money well spent.
Over 70 public health and medical organizations are calling for badly needed action on climate change.
“Demand For Electricity To Climb As World Gets Hotter.” Most of the tropics, as well as southern Europe, China, & the US, are likely to experience the highest increases.
An excellent essay by Dr. Marshall Shepherd on why communicating science to the general public is so important and why that communication needs to be carefully crafted to a fine art.
Confusing process with content…& the failure to comprehend or objectively assess scientific data. “Red State Vs. Blue State: Climate Action Splits America.”
Yet another example of the irrevocable connection between air quality and public health. “Exposure to air pollution seems to negatively affect women’s fertility.”
Our planet is often thought of as several separate entities with no connecting links. Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether it is the atmosphere or the deepest part of the oceans, all are linked in an unbreakable bond.
Last but not least, a very thought provoking “must read” with exceptionally unique & profound viewpoints. “Life in space: Stories from 50 astronauts in their own words.”

Hurricane Preparedness

The beginning of June brings the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. For the next few weeks, I’ll share some informative links pertaining to this threat that, like many other weather hazards across North America, occurs annually. Some years are relatively quiet, some not so. The important fact to remember is that it only takes one tropical storm or hurricane to affect the lives of millions. Unlike tornadoes, tropical cyclones can be forecast days in advance which, for those in its path, is fortunate since it gives them plentiful time to prepare and evacuate. These are links pertaining to tropical cyclones (tropical storms & hurricanes) that I hope you’ll find helpful.

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

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving weather information, watches, and warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

Cheers!

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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Hurricane Preparedness

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

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