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 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 April 24 – May 1, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #renewableenergy #nasa #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! The past few days across North America have seen a few episodes of severe weather. Fortunately, there have been no major events or outbreaks. With the arrival of May, we have reached the climatological peak of the tornado/severe weather season across the USA, so there are plenty of chances for many severe weather events. Climate change and reducing emissions has been in the news a great deal as of late. There are several other good science reads to review this week, so let’s get started.

The planets in our own solar system never cease to amaze us. “Animation Shows how Saturn’s Rings Move at Different Speeds.”
The occasional meteorite (aka ‘shooting start’) is one thing, but space dust is another matter and, according to data from Antarctica, reaches our planet in surprisingly large quantities.
Here’s some very encouraging news on the renewable energy front. “The Sky’s the Limit: Solar and wind energy potential is 100 times as much as global energy demand.”
As our planet’s climate changes, NASA has been conducting a significant amount of research into how changes in climate affect a myriad of our planet’s systems including hurricanes.
“Halting the Vast Release of Methane Is Critical for Climate.” A major United Nations report says reducing methane emissions, the main component of natural gas, is far more vital than previously thought.
Perception of a ongoing or potential danger to personal well-being has a definite connection to climate change. “Somehow, a majority of Americans still don’t think climate change will affect them.”
Looking on the bright side, there is reason to be optimistic regarding climate change. “More reasons for optimism on climate change than we’ve seen for decades: 2 climate experts explain.”
This is a very interesting perspective on the USA’s 2021 tornado activity to date & what could be in store for the rest of the year. Considering it’s a La Niña year & May is the climatological peak of annual tornado activity, we could be in for some substantial events. Time will tell.

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER 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.

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 NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. 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 April 3 – 10, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #dinosaur #astronomy #mars

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on tornado safety and preparedness. Of course, there are also several new, interesting stories to review…so let’s get started.

For my fellow dinosaur fans, here’s some interesting news. Paleontologists have discovered a dinosaur that, compared to other dinosaurs, may have had exceptional hearing.
The helicopter that caught a ride on Perseverance to Mars finally took a short trip…and sent back it’s first photo!
Speaking of photos taken on Mars, this image brought speculation that rainbows occur on Mars. Actually, it was something totally different.
This image of Mars from NASA gives us a spectacular view of blue dunes on the red planet.
In spite of the ongoing pandemic and shutdowns taking place world wide, CO2 emissions continue to rise.
Have a few minutes? Here’s a good listen. “Why There Is A Change Coming To Your Local Weather Forecast.”
This is a timely and fascinating read from US Tornadoes on tornado occurrence patterns. The traditional ‘tornado season’ doesn’t always follow the rules.

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…

TORNADO SAFETY!

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll take a final review of severe weather 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.

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.

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 September 25 – October 2, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #prostatecancer

A visible satellite view of the busiest segment of the 2020 eastern Pacific and Atlantic tropical cyclone season.

The wildfires in California are, as of this post, showing no signs of letting up. In the meantime, the Atlantic tropical cyclone season is much quieter, but many more weeks remain. As usual, there are several good stories to cover this week including a good read on a shift in tornado occurrence patterns, so lets get started.

In spite of the fantastic voyages to Mars that humans have been capable of and the incredible data they’ve gathered, there’s always something new to learn about this incredible planet. Here’s a fascinating read on the discovery of three buried lakes.
A very thought provoking read regarding our planet’s environment, renewable/sustainable energy, and climate change. “Dawn of the Heliocene – Issue 90: Something Green.” This covers the reasons why the next geological epoch should be named for when we tapped the sun’s energy.
This is an obligation humans must embrace for the benefit of future generations. “World leaders pledge to halt Earth’s destruction ahead of United Nations summit.“
Our planet has many complex natural systems that are interconnected. Taking a look at the big picture is imperative to understanding local events. “6 Graphics Explain The Climate Feedback Loop Fueling US Fires.”
While much attention has been given to the Arctic as of late, the climate change related topics for Antarctica are equally important.
Disastrous duo of heatwaves and droughts have become increasingly frequent across North America. Periods of dry and hot weather, which can make wildfires more likely, are becoming larger, more intense, and more frequent because of climate change.
The nightmare of seeing an out-of-control wildfire is a terror that only a few have experienced. With no doubt, it’s something they’ll never forget.
Could we soon have reliable weather forecasts up to 3 weeks in advance? Some say it’s possible. “A Hopeful Forecast: More Accurate Long-Term Weather Predictions.”
If hurricane seasons in recent years seem to keep getting worse in terms of human impacts, you’re not imagining things. For decades, climate researchers using computer models have predicted that the warming ocean and atmosphere would likely increase the intensity of natural disasters like hurricanes.
If have taken note of a noticeable change in USA tornado events in the past few years, you’re not alone. This is an important and thought provoking read on shifting patterns in tornado occurrence across the USA. In recent years, there’s been a notable shift in tornado frequency from the traditional ‘Tornado Alley’ to the southern states. With that shift has come a significant increase in tornado related deaths.
Last but not least, something quixotic…and not a little insane. There have been many ‘suggestions’ in the past for ways to dissipate tornadoes and (in this case) hurricanes, but this takes the cake.

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 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.

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

September may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean an end to the need for prostate cancer awareness. 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 Reads For June 5 – 12, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #hurricane #drought #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #covid19 #pandemic

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 proving to be an obstacle in dealing with the pandemic and finding a long-term path of adaptation. The North American spring severe weather season has taken a momentary lull, but and uptick in activity will inevitably take place. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historical start. We’ll also take a look at flood safety information and much more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

Science communication is fraught with hazards of many kinds. This excellent series of podcasts addresses the issue that many of us in the sciences face with increasing frequency.
While on the topic of communication, you will be besieged with information from many science fields and on many outlets…some mainstream, some are personal social media contacts…and they will be full of misinformation. How do you tell the truth from the riffraff?
Blue-sky thinking: how cities can keep air clean after COVID-19. Many urban dwellers gaze in awe at their newly clean cities in the last few months. But three cities, Copenhagen, Oakland, & Mexico City lead the way in making such transformations.
As for the months ahead with COVID-19, they could get very interesting…and not a little challenging to our health care system…as the ongoing pandemic intensifies along with the annual influenza season.
By this account, the USA has a lot of catching up to do. “We’re (the USA) Number… 24.” US near back of pack among developed nations on environment.“
“Ocean data need a sea change to help navigate the warming world.” Scientists also call for improvements in how we collect, share & access that data to power a global response to climate change, overfishing & pollution.
After studying 71 lakes in 33 countries, researchers found that phytoplankton and algae blooms are generally increasing around the world.
The latest drought information for the USA shows a substantial area covering several states that is in an ongoing drought that, if current conditions persist, will likely worsen and spread.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK does a stellar job year round forecasting severe weather and giving valuable input on many other weather events. The severe weather outlook criteria and categories are simple to understand for those of us who use them on a daily basis. For some of the general public, there exists a certain amount of confusion. “The National Weather Service issues highly accurate thunderstorm forecasts. The public doesn’t understand them.“
With the arrival of June comes the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The interesting factor for 2020 is that we have, as of June 11, already had three named storms. What the rest of the season will bring remains to be seen but, by many valid viewpoints, this could be an exceptionally active and hazardous tropical cyclone season.

SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The power of flood waters is all too often underestimated. People loose their lives every year to even minor flooding events. Regardless of what you think, that flood water is more dangerous than you think. Flooding is responsible for more deaths annually than any other weather related hazard.

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 misinformation and hype and is valid year round for every kind of weather situation.

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, 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

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Picks For April 24 – May 1, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #climate #climatechange #environment #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. On the positive side, Citizen Science Month is wrapping up, but there are plenty of projects for you to get involved in. We’ll cover that topic and more with this week’s picks…so let’s get started.

April is Citizen Science Month and there’s a myriad of fascinating projects that you can take part in. Here’s a great place to start…SciStarter has an excellent website with many projects. Science Friday has a very nice segment from their 24 April 2020 broadcast with even more projects. For those interested in projects specifically in weather and climate, check out the mPING project and help National Severe Storms Laboratory scientists collect weather data. The CoCoRaHS project is a citizen science endeavor that is well established. I’ve been an observer for many years. Your daily reports of precipitation, or lack of, is very important to long-term climate data records. The apps for mPING and CoCoRaHS are free and available for both iOS and Android.
Space weather, which largely focuses on how our sun and its solar storms affect our planet, is exceptionally important in our highly technical society. As of late, our sun has been relatively quiet, but that may not last for long.
Much of the world is on lockdown or stay-at-home practices for good reason. In spite of that, greenhouse gas emissions are still holding steady. What’s causing this trend?
While on the topic of stay-at-home recommendations and lockdowns that save lives, this news should come as no surprise. “The Same People Who Peddle Climate Denial Are Behind Coronavirus Pseudoscience.”
Speaking of denial, this should come as no surprise. “Why climate skeptics are less likely to wear coronavirus masks.”
Emergency preparedness, whether for a pandemic or a natural disaster, is far less expensive and labor intensive than getting caught in a bind and having to literally do ‘damage control.’ The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is teaching humanity a very hard lesson.
Many housing and urban development projects are constructed in zones where flooding is inevitable. There’s no easy solution to this problem other than literally removing up to one million homes in the USA.
There are many factors that make for an active Atlantic hurricane season. By many indicators, the 2020 season could be well above average in activity.
If you’re interesting in tornadoes, check out the National Severe Storms Laboratory website and their page on past and ongoing tornado research.
Last but not least, here’s a simple but poignant message from the Hubble telescope to the inhabitants of the planet we live on.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

An emergency kit is also an essential part of severe weather preparedness. This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you get started. Since severe weather and other weather-related disasters can occur year round, it’s an excellent idea to have this at the ready regardless of where you live or the month/season.

Flooding kills more people in the USA than any other weather related hazard. Flash flooding that occurs during and/or after thunderstorms is particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service has more information on flood safety and the Turn Around, Don’t Drown safety campaign.

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 Picks For March 6 – 13, 2020 – #science #weather #meteorology #tornado #severeweather #climate #climatechange #environment #weatherready #airquality #health #astronomy

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 is the big story with the USA now under, as of 13 March 2020, a national emergency. Now…let’s get started on this week’s reads.

This exoplanet has the kind of atmosphere that you would definitely want to steer clear of at all costs.
From the American Scientist archive, a very important and still valid read on poor air quality and how it can shorten the human life span.
Storms have many significant effects on land, but understanding how they affect the underwater ecology is just as important.
Human behavior to threats is a complicated and quixotic topic of behavioral study. “Why don’t we panic about climate change like we do coronavirus?.”
Speaking of the coronavirus, the spread of the virus worldwide has had an interesting effect on CO2 emissions.
The connection between tornadoes and climate change isn’t yet clear, but it’s definitely there.
The latest US Drought Monitor shows that, for the week of March 4-10, 2020, approximately 10.8% of the USA is experiencing drought conditions.
Yet another record month for our ever changing climate. “Earth just had its 2nd-hottest February on record.”
This is a must-read on a persistent problem that has infested social media and the online world for many years. As a result, many weather ‘hobbyists’ put information out on the internet as if they are the only reliable source. “Meteorologists say they are sick of clickbait and misleading social media weather forecasts.”
Here’s a very concise and to-the-point overview of the challenges faced during the 2 March 2020 Tennessee tornado outbreak. “Tennessee tornadoes’ death toll was tied to a lack of warning, awareness and readiness.”

For our severe weather preparedness tip for this week, let’s touch on two topics…reliable and official sources of weather forecasts, watches, and warnings, and then, the difference between a severe weather watch and warning.

This infographic says it all concisely, clearly, and makes no mistake that you should only follow important severe weather information from trusted weather sources.

If by chance you are in an area where severe weather is forecast, it’s important to know the difference between a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch and a warning.

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 follow good personal hygiene and prescribed by official sources, stay safe, and stay healthy!

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

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS…

TORNADO SAFETY!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

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SEVERE WEATHER AND HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

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