Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 30 – August 6, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. Across much of North America, a brutal heat wave that has turned lethal continues to have many states in its grip. Because of this ongoing and very serious danger, we’ll continue this week with safety infographics on heat safety. There are many other essential reads to review, so let’s get started.

This is an excellent analysis of hundreds of scientific studies. “Revealed: how climate breakdown is supercharging toll of extreme weather.”
This is a concise overview of the deadliest kind of flooding you’re most likely to encounter…flash flooding.
While on the topic of floods, it’s imperative that you know your risk of being in a flood regardless of where you live.
Many USA cities are not prepared for this kind of heat. “Hotter than Dubai: US cities at risk of Middle Eastern temperatures by 2100.“
August is well underway and so is the continuation of dry and above average temperatures expected for much of the contiguous USA.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

Summer heat is the leading causes of weather related death and illness. Due to its slow yet potentially deadly ways in which is affects the human body, even the most physically fit individual who is well hydrated can succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke very quickly. As of mid July, over ten deaths have occurred in the USA due to individuals being left in vehicles. All of those fatalities were preventable. Summer heat is often called the ‘silent killer‘ and for good reason. Much of the contiguous USA is in the midst of a brutal heat wave with little to no relief in long range forecasts. Take the heat safety information below very seriously. It could save a life.

The Heat Index is a very important part of summer safety. Here’s an excellent page from the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas that explains how to calculate heat index and why it’s important.

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, stay safe, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 30 – August 6, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 23 – 30, 2022

Surviving any natural disaster is traumatic enough. For many, their unstable financial, housing, food, and family dynamics often make the recovery even more challenging in a myriad of ways.
Deadly flooding has taken place in several USA states with Kentucky being the hardest hit as of this post. Here’s some excellent post-flood safety advice on how to stay safe even after the waters have receded.
Heat waves are often depicted in the media as ‘fun in the sun time.’ Nothing could be further from the truth.
Speaking of heat, here’s an excellent listen from Science Friday on how the human body reacts to high temperatures and how to stay safe.
Disinformation deliberately spread by those with nefarious agendas. “Climate disinformation leaves lasting mark as world heats.“
This is an exceptionally unusual and unsettling event. “Freezing point climbs to record high above Swiss Alpine summits.“
Here’s a technical but very interesting read on the dangers of heat, it’s relation to hospital emergency room visits, and mortality. “In the United States (US), despite continued increases in the availability of air conditioning, the burden of disease from days of extreme heat remains stubbornly high, with thousands of excess deaths attributable to heat each year.”

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

Summer heat is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths and illnesses. Due to its slow yet potentially deadly ways in which is affects the human body, even the most physically fit individual who is well hydrated can succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke very quickly. As of mid July, over ten deaths have occurred in the USA due to individuals being left in vehicles. All of those fatalities were preventable. Summer heat is often called the ‘silent killer‘ and for good reason. Much of the contiguous USA is in the midst of a brutal heat wave with little to no relief in long range forecasts. Take the heat safety information below very seriously. It could save a life.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 23 – 30 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 16 – 23, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. Across much of North America, a brutal heat wave that has turned lethal continues to have many states in its grip. Much of Europe and the UK are also experiencing a heat wave of their own. Because of this ongoing and very serious danger, we’ll continue this week with safety infographics on heat safety. There are many other essential reads to review, so let’s get started.

It’s no secret that Twitter is full of drama and dysfunction from the most recent news to this spot on read from April 2018 that is still relevant today. Even in the best of circumstances where the user is exceptionally careful in spotting misinformation, it can be easily re-shared. It’s a social media outlet that’s grown increasing hostile, bitter, and sophomorically divisive. It’s sensationalism over science, notoriety over knowledge, aggrandizement over objective analysis. From politicians to back alley pundits to shilling storm chasers, it’s a platform that once had great potential for sharing important and pertinent information but is now run by hyperbole on steroids. My opinion is subjective, but also backed by daily personal observations of trends since I joined Twitter in March 2009. Many will disagree or take issue with my stance, but I feel my viewpoints are valid and solid.
As of this post, wildfires in Europe have destroyed hundreds of structures and burned vast areas. What’s behind the recent dramatic increase in European wildfires?
I couldn’t have said this better myself. “On the whole, the national and international political response to the climate crisis remains both tragic and farcical.“
We have names for tropical cyclones and occasionally substantial storms that affect large areas of continents are named, but there is no plans or need for naming heat waves.
The USA’s Clean Air Act is needed now more than ever. Unfortunately, there are powers that be that have undermined its ability to protect American’s quality of life and public health.
Heat is the leading cause of weather related deaths worldwide and far surpasses floods, hurricanes, and even tornadoes. This begs the question, just how hot is far too hot for the human body to handle?

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 16 – 23, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 9 – 16, 2022 #science #weather #climate #astronomy #heatsafety #cop27

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For much of the contiguous USA, a brutal heat wave that has turned lethal has many states in its grip. Because of this ongoing and very serious danger, we’ll continue this week with safety infographics on heat safety. There are many other essential reads to review, so let’s get started.

Let’s start off this week with the biggest science news in some time…the fantastic images from the James Webb telescope!
The COVID-19 pandemic rages on with a new variant that is the most contagious yet. Keeping track of the number of new cases is difficult especially with the proliferation of home test kits. Fortunately, there is a fantastically useful way of keeping track of the number of new cases…because ‘poop’ doesn’t lie.
For those of us awash in scientific research papers, this is an intriguing read. “How to find, read and organize papers.”
Daunting challenges getting from ‘summits to solutions’ amid increasing wild weather events. “Cop27 summit must focus on how world will adapt to climate change.”
Due to a changing climate and wildfires, recent research shows that much of California’s tree growth is dying and likely to not come back.
We often hear about “average” temperatures, precipitation, etc. with weather and climate…but what does “average” really mean?
June 2022 started off the meteorological summer in the USA with heat and drought. As of this post, the USA has already had nine billion dollar disasters…and we’ve yet to get into the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 9 – 16, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 2 – 9, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For this week, our safety infographics cover summer heat safety. As usual, there are many topics to review, so let’s get started.

In the late 1980’s, the late great Carl Sagan gave a lecture that is worth revisiting due to the fact that it was decades ahead of its time.
This is definitely something to look forward to. NASA is giving us a subtle preview of what the new Webb telescope’s first images will look like.
Now that the USA’s EPA has had it’s power removed to stave off the effects of climate change, time will tell what will happen now that it’s up to the individual American states to either courageously take action, or forego any responsibility and duty.
Interesting read on progress that’s at risk. “Europe must not backslide on climate action despite war in Ukraine.”
A very timely and accurate read on the state of our current lack of actions regarding climate change. “Beyond Magical Thinking: Time to Get Real on Climate Change.
Here’s a very concise and essential read on how and why heat waves occur.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been released. In spite of recent rainfall, dry and/or drought conditions are spreading back into much of the great plains.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 25 – July 2, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For this week, our safety infographic is a heat index chart which is important for summer heat safety in a myriad of ways. As usual, there are many topics to review, many with very unsettling news. Let’s get started.

Sunspots are not unusual, but it’s an exceptional event to have one double in size within 24 hours.
A bizarre case of subversion. “Subverting Climate Science in the Classroom.“
Speaking of subversion, a blow was dealt with no consideration of the future of humanity to the Environmental Protection Agency that severely curtails its ability to monitor CO2 emissions.
The Paris Agreement goals are achievable. However, it’s shameful that it took a horrific global health crisis to prove it. “Decrease in CO2 emissions during pandemic shutdown shows it is possible to reach Paris Agreement goals.”
“Climate change role clear in many extreme events but social factors also key, study finds.” Extreme weather events and frequency are sometimes overestimated but climate costs to people are often underestimated.
This interesting study says the number of tropical cyclones (aka hurricanes) has been decreasing since the beginning of the 20th century…but the devil is in the details.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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, information on severe storm watches, warnings, and other related weather advisories! None of the links on this website should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for June 25 – July 2, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 18 – 25, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. This week we’ll start taking a look at summer safety with an infographic on preventing heat related deaths in automobiles. There are several other interesting topics to review, so let’s get started.

The Voyager spacecraft have been going strong since 1977. At this point in their life cycle, NASA is beginning to power them down.
This is a sobering listen on being put in a situation where you can only watch a wildfire rage out of control.
Is the recent flooding in the USA’s Yellowstone National Park a sign of things to come? Yes. And it also applies to the over 420 other American national parks as well.
This is an interesting new tool that helps you discover the influence of climate change on local weather in real time.
While the focus for greenhouse gasses has been on the most popular sources, here’s a source that has been quietly doubling for the past 20 years.
This past week marked the summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere. Do you know the difference between the meteorological and astronomical seasons?
A third La Niña year for our planet is forecast. Meteorologists say this is very unusual and we should prepare for the coming extreme weather events as the Earth continues to warm.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for June 18 – 25, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 11 – 18, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. This week we’ll start taking a look at summer safety with an infographic on staying safe in the heat. There are several other interesting topics to review including a look at the latest US Drought Monitor, so let’s get started.

Astronomers’ main reference guide to the Milky Way just received a major update. “Mega-map of Milky Way adds depth to stars’ motions.”
This is a very disconcerting health read. “More than 1 in 7 people worldwide have had Lyme disease.”
These are some badly needed improvements. “Inspired by palm trees, scientists develop hurricane-resilient wind turbines.”
“Microplastics found in freshly fallen Antarctic snow for first time.” This could accelerate snow & ice melting & pose a threat to the health of the continent’s unique ecosystems.
While it’s true that climate change is related closely to power, you’re not powerless to take action yourself. Every small step counts.
Summer has gone from the lazy days of no school and vacations to a season that presents a high level of danger to our species.
Here is a look at the latest NOAA US Drought Monitor. For the 13th straight week, drought conditions improved in varying degrees across the USA.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For August 14 – 21, 2021

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds everyone doing well. During the past week, drought and damaging wildfires have continue to plague much of western North America. As for the tropical Atlantic, activity had definitely been on the upswing. Hurricane Grace made landfall in Mexico and Hurricane Henri is poised to present a significant threat to the northeastern USA, and Atlantic Canada. We’ve still the most active weeks of the hurricane season ahead. The National Hurricane Center updated the 2021 Atlantic tropical cyclone outlook. An active season is anticipated. A link to the updated outlook is included in this weeks post. We’ll also continue our review of hurricane safety/preparedness and summer heat safety. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

Hurricane Henri strengthening off the eastern USA coast on 21 August 2021

A very solid, though provoking read. “Has COVID taught us anything about pandemic preparedness?”
This is certainly a timely read for today’s challenges. “Why Bad Science Is Sometimes More Appealing Than Good Science.”
For climate science, this was truly a watershed event. “A 1987 Pollution Treaty Prevented the World’s Plants from Withering, Study Finds.”
This is a question that many, including yours truly, would like an answer to. “Will the IPCC report help focus politicians’ minds on climate change?”
While on the topic of the IPCC climate report, it’s important to take note of greenhouse gases and their effects on extreme weather events.
Wildfires that are devastating large areas of Canada and the United States create vast rivers of smoke in our atmosphere. Add to that the out-of-control COVID-19 pandemic, and you have a lethal combination for the unvaccinated.
The California wildfires have brought to the forefront the new ‘normal’ than many areas in the USA will face.
Heat, not cold, is the second biggest weather related killer. In the USA alone, more than 600 fatalities are directly linked to heat every year. Add climate change to the threat, and we’ve a significant hazard on our hands.
In early August, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center updated the official Atlantic hurricane outlook. “Atlantic Hurricane Season Shows No Signs Of Slowing.”

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, 2021. As is the case with most years, the late summer and autumn months comes the peak of activity. This is a list of tropical cyclone safety and preparedness links that I hope you’ll find helpful and spearhead your preparedness plan. None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency kits, staying informed, and avoiding misinformation and disinformation that are applicable to tropical cyclone scenarios. Tornadoes are also common in land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes. If in doubt, always stay with OFFICIAL sources of important information, forecasts, and warnings.

QUICK REVIEW OF

SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

Even though this infographic is focused on winter weather, it certainly applies to weather information year round. Diligence from January through December is important to cull through misinformation, disinformation, and unfounded rumors.

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

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

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review April and May posts. Next week we’ll continue information on hurricane preparedness and summer heat safety. I’d like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a spiffy mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For August 7 -14, 2021

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you health, happy, and the weather is to your liking. The big news this week is the IPCC’s climate report. The full report is in this week’s post. During the past week, drought and damaging wildfires have plagued much of western North America and eastern Europe. In the tropical Atlantic activity has increased in recent days. We’ve still the most active weeks of the hurricane season ahead. The National Hurricane Center updated the 2021 Atlantic tropical cyclone outlook. An active season is anticipated. A link to the updated outlook is included in this weeks post. We’ll also continue our review of hurricane safety/preparedness and summer heat safety. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

There are many mysteries regarding the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Studying data with the scientific method will ultimately lead to sound answers.
Here’s some encouraging news regarding renewable energy. “Offshore turbines could be a windfall for the US steel industry.”
Do severe thunderstorms have a detrimental effect on the stratosphere and its chemistry? A new study from NASA intends to find out.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released a exceptionally important update on climate change. “AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.” In terms of importance, this is a watershed event that clearly conveys the severity of the climate crisis. Here’s a concise overview on the report’s five climate futures.
This contains some very insightful perspectives from the IPCC’s lead author on the new climate report.
Record breaking heat has been taking place in several locations around the globe. On 11 August 2021, Sicily hit a high of 48.8C (120F) setting a new record high temperature for all of Europe.
In case you missed it, the National Hurricane Center has an updated Atlantic hurricane outlook. “Atlantic Hurricane Season Shows No Signs Of Slowing.”

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

In light of the ongoing North American heat wave, here are some very helpful infographics on heat safety that could save someone’s life.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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