Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 14 – 21, 2023 #science #weather #climate #climatechange #drought #astronomy

Photo by Stein Egil Liland via Pexels.com

Greetings everyone! I hope everyone’s new year is getting off to a good start. This week, we’ll continue our winter weather safety information. There are many interesting science links to check out including a link on a January tornado outbreak, so let’s get started.

Here’s an interesting concept. A nuclear rocket that is designed to travel from Earth to Mars in a mere 45 days.
That sneaky dust that does little good. “Increased atmospheric dust is masking greenhouse gases’ warming effect.“
Without a doubt, this is applicable around the world regardless of the disaster. “Spate of natural disasters takes a toll on Australians’ mental health, survey finds.“
Some startling images here that are a stark reminder of the year past in disasters and climate change. “2022 in Photos: Gaslighting by the Fossil Fuel Industry and Its Supporters.”
As we note the halfway mark of meteorological winter, here’s a good read for the general public on how recent southern states tornadoes and the pummeling CA is taking are connected.
In case you missed it, this is a review of the USA climate in 2022 from NOAA. Not only was drought a major factor across much of the lower 48, but eighteen billion dollar natural disasters took place.

Here is the latest update on the USA Drought Monitor. Recent precipitation has brought some improvements even to California in the wake of several significant storm systems. East of the Mississippi river, conditions have improved significantly while parts of the central and southern plains still have extreme or exceptional drought conditions.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

If you’re looking for winter weather preparedness and safety information, here’s an excellent website for everything you need to know for before and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA and the National Weather Service will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics have tips on dressing for the cold and five things to keep in mind during the coldest months of the year.

Infographic courtesy NWS Mobile, Alabama

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who pay this website a visit! Whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, I wish all of you the absolute best during this holiday season and for all of us, a very healthy and happy 2023!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest Micro-Podcast for January 14 – 20, 2023

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 January 7 – 14, 2023

The James Webb Space Telescope continues to impress us with new discoveries on an almost weekly basis. This fascinating read is on spiral galaxies that formed approximately eleven billion years ago.
An interesting perspective on the rise in USA carbon emissions in 2022 and why, at least according to this account, that’s not a dire prediction for 2023.
Some encouraging news that you may have already heard about, but it’s worth looking over again. “Earth’s ozone layer on course to be healed within decades, UN report finds.“
In many areas, this has come at a high price. “Dramatic spike in rain has helped counter California’s extreme drought, data reveals.”
The biggest short term challenge? Our seas dominate global weather patterns. “Oceans were the hottest ever recorded in 2022, analysis shows.”
At the most recent meeting of the American Meteorological Society, a climate report presented details on how climate change is making storms, heat waves, and droughts more intense.
On 12 January 2023, a significant severe weather event took place in several southeastern USA states. Along with the severe thunderstorms were numerous tornadoes that resulted in a considerable amount of damage and at least nine fatalities. Here’s a concise overview of the event and the atmospheric ingredients necessary for a winter severe weather episode.
Here’s a look back at the USA climate in 2022 from NOAA. Not only was drought a major factor, but eighteen billion dollar natural disasters took place.

Here is this week’s update on the USA Drought Monitor. Recent precipitation has brought some improvements even to California which has been pummeled in recent days with several significant storm systems. East of the Mississippi, conditions have improved significantly while the plains still hold fast to extreme or exceptional drought conditions.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

If you’re looking for winter weather preparedness and safety information, here’s an excellent website for everything you need to know for before and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA and the National Weather Service will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics have tips on dressing for the cold and five things to keep in mind during the coldest months of the year.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest Micro-Podcast for January 7 – 14, 2023

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 October 29 – November 5, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you well. In the USA, autumn is no stranger to tornado activity as was proved by a localized outbreak on 4 November 2022 in parts of northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas. For the eastern Pacific and Atlantic, there are a few weeks left in the hurricane season. Therefore, I’ll continue sharing helpful information on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. There are many essential science reads this week including important information on the upcoming COP27 summit, so let’s get started.

Who do you trust when it comes to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc? The simple and most sane answer is to stay with official resources. This is the best and safety way to avoid the misinformation and disinformation that is so pervasive in social media.
Here’s a preliminary news report from Associated Press on the 4 November 2022 tornado events in parts of Oklahoma and Texas.
This fits well in the “no good deed goes unpunished” category. “Oregon tried to inform residents about wildfire risk. The backlash was explosive.”
This is some encouraging news. “This simple material could scrub carbon dioxide from power plant smokestacks.”
Hopeful renewable statistics from Spain who now is capable of producing over 38% of the countries energy needs from mostly wind, hydroelectric, and solar power.
As our planet warms, those who suffer with hay fever may have a harder time dealing with this health issue.
Here’s a very informative and concise guide to the important COP27 climate summit and what atmospheric scientists are watching.
As the COP27 climate summit approaches, many feel helpless and wonder where are the solutions to our global climate crisis.
Here’s a look at the latest US Drought Monitor. Drought conditions still plague much of the contiguous USA. Parts of the plains states and central California have been the hardest hit. Recent outlooks offer little to no relief in sight.

Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking for hurricane preparedness information, here’s your one stop website for everything you need to know for before, and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics below will help you prepare an emergency kit and use discretion when you come across questionable weather information/forecasts/hyperbole when online or using social media.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Infographic courtesy FEMA/Ready.gov/Red Cross

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, a follow is appreciated! And remember, prepare ahead for the storm you hope never happens!

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

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

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For May 14 – 21, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with an infographic on tornado sheltering safety. There are many other interesting topics to cover, so let’s get started.

The supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy is the biggest science news to come from astronomy in some time.
After 45 years, this was inevitable. “Voyager 1 glitch? Strange signals from probe has NASA baffled.“
Australia has some of the world’s oldest tropical rain forests. Climate change is decimating many of the irreplaceable trees.
Air pollution is responsible for up to 9 million deaths globally every year. This is one of the most underrated weather/climate hazards.
“Climate change swells odds of record India, Pakistan heatwaves.” Here’s the rub…if these kind of heat waves can occur in these countries, there’s no reason they can’t happen in Europe, South America, or North America.
Flash droughts are fast becoming a new normal, especially in Oklahoma.
The latest summer outlook for the contiguous USA doesn’t look good for folks like myself who are not fans of hot weather.
Here’s the official NOAA outlook for summer 2022 located on page 14 and 15 in this PDF document covering the temperature and drought outlook.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

A quick review of some important tornado sheltering guidelines.

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 winter 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!

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 May 14 – 21, 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 April 30 – May 7, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with an infographic on the dangers of flooding. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

Let’s start off with a spectacular view. “A ‘galaxy’ is unmasked as a pulsar — the brightest outside the Milky Way.”
Here’s another interesting astronomy read with a trip to Mars and a look at how the Martian south pole was sculpted by carbon dioxide.
Unfortunately, this may become commonplace. With an ongoing drought and no relief in sight, some California residents are required to ration water.
A sobering read on the connection between climate change and viral outbreaks and the ramifications for public health.
Drought is one issue. Another important facet to consider is the amount of moisture transferred from land surfaces into our atmosphere.
Andover, Kansas was struck by a tornado on 29 April 2022. This spectacular surveillance camera view shows the tornado’s change in inflow winds & vortex structural changes including an amazing helical structure.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

Flooding or flash flooding is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths in the USA with more annual deaths than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Even the largest trucks with plenty of ground clearance can be swept away by modest flash floods.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for April 30 – May 7, 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 April 23 – 30, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with an infographic on preparing an emergency kit than can be used year round. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

A very unusual find. “Here’s Something Rare: a Martian Crater That isn’t a Circle. What Happened?“
This is a very thought provoking read. “Chemistry education must change to help the planet: here’s how.”
We’re very familiar with the weather on our planet, but the topic of space weather is discussed infrequently. What makes space weather so important and unique is that it can affect everyone on our planet at the same time.
As our climate changes, the effects on ocean life will not be subtle.
An ongoing heat wave in India with temperatures to 111F has millions of people looking for any way to stay cool.
As we approach the peak of tornado activity in the USA, here’s a detailed look at tornado probability by month and year across the lower 48 states.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

Infographic courtesy American Red Cross/Ready.gov/FEMA

See you next Saturday!

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

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with an infographic on where to not take shelter during a storm. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

The Hubble telescope has been going strong for thirty-two years. Check out this recent photo of a group of galaxies.
When did life begin on our planet? According to new research, it may have happened a mere 300 million years after the Earth was formed.
It’s time for Earth Day, but every day can be Earth Day and there are measures you can take during every day life that are beneficial to our humble home.
Dramatic changes that are having substantial changes to this island nation. “As the world experiences rising sea levels, Iceland’s waters are falling & flowing to the other side of the planet.”
Air pollution patterns across North America can be substantially altered by wildfires in the Pacific northwest. This can have health ramifications for pregnant women and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
“Why Are Nature-Based Solutions on Climate Being Overlooked?” International funding has shortchanged such solutions in favor of more costly & less efficient engineering projects.
According to new data from NOAA, March 2022 was the world’s fifth-warmest March on record. Furthermore, there was near record-low Antarctic sea ice coverage.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

See you next Saturday!

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

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with a infographic on the best choice of a safe place during a tornado warning. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

Let’s start with some good news, specifically on the exciting potential of wind power as a renewable energy source and its future benefits for our planet.
Here’s another story with good news on an old tool. A knife made of wood (which would easily biodegrade) as opposed to steel. I’ll be the first in line to give this a try!
This is a fascinating read on past climates & our ancestors. “Record-breaking simulation hints at how climate shaped human migration.”
Strict adherence to long term goals is key. “Climate change: COP26 promises will hold warming under 2C.”
If you live in the USA or it’s territories, do you know where your National Weather Service office is located? Knowing where is important regardless of your climate. Enter your location at the NWS page here to find yours.
Here’s a look at the latest US Drought Monitor. Unfortunately, there’s been little change in the drought conditions that have plagued the western half of the contiguous USA for the past several months.
Ambivalence, and forgetfulness, sets in fast. “Officials Warn of ‘Complacency’ ahead of Hurricane Season.”
This is an excellent read on tornado occurrence within National Weather Service county warning areas.
In weather history, 10 April marked the 43rd anniversary of the Red River tornado outbreak in Oklahoma and Texas. There were many long track violent tornadoes that occurred in this outbreak, the most notable one was the Wichita Falls event.

Map of the 10 April 1979 Red River Valley tornado outbreak. Image courtesy NWS Norman, OK

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for April 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 April 2 – 9, 2022

Xenia, OH F-5/EF-5 tornado of 3 April 1974

Greetings to everyone! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with a infographic on lightning safety. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

Let’s start with some good news on renewable energy. “Stanford engineers create solar panel that can generate electricity at night.”
Beyond carbon storage, tropical forests have a substantial benefit to our planet’s climate.
This is a sobering message indeed. “IPCC’s starkest message yet: extreme steps needed to avert climate disaster.”
More information confirming the link between health and air quality. Sadly, this includes almost every human on the planet.
This week marks the 48th anniversary of the April 3-4, 1974 tornado superoutbreak, which is the outbreak with the most violent category tornadoes to date.
March 2020 was a record setting month for tornado activity across the USA. Recent advancements in Doppler radar technology may have played a part.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

With several days of severe weather forecast across the USA during the coming week, here’s a reminder of severe thunderstorm risk categories and the expected hazards.

Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro podcast for April 2 – 9, 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 March 26 – April 2, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with a infographic on taking shelter during a tornado warning. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

This is a very cool astronomy read on the Hubble telescope taking a look at a star 28 billion light years away. That makes it the most distant star ever seen.
There is a race to upcycle CO₂ into concrete, fuels and much more…but will it help curb climate change?
In the UK, 2021 saw a jump in greenhouse gas emissions that was the largest annual increase since 1990.
Planting trees is a good idea, but it’s benefits are not as clear and are far more complicated than previously thought.
California used to have a fire season, but with climate change in play, it’s turned into a fire year.
A ice melting event that has ties to climate change. “Conger ice shelf has collapsed: what you need to know, according to experts.”
This is the 40th anniversary of the April 2-3, 1982 USA tornado outbreak. Many things make this event interesting including the first time the wording “particularly dangerous situation” was used in a tornado watch.
Here’s an excellent look from NOAA at eleven American regions and subregions that have released their latest spring 2022 climate outlooks and winter summaries.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

This is an excellent infographic on knowing where to and where not to go in a tornado warning if in a substantial structure such as a house, apartment, office, school, store, etc.

The following infographic carries a clear message about where NOT to go in a tornado warning…and how you can avoid getting in trouble in the first place.

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.

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

This is an excellent infographic on knowing where to and where not to go in a tornado warning if in a substantial structure such as a house, apartment, office, school, store, etc.

The following infographic carries a clear message about where NOT to go in a tornado warning…and how you can avoid getting in trouble in the first place.

Share this:

Like this: