Tornado Quest Top Science Links For 18 – 25 February 2023 #science #weather #climate #climatechange #wildfire #earthquake #astronomy

Greetings everyone, it’s good to see you. The big weather story for North America this week has been the significant winter storm across many northern states. Even though it’s late February, we’ve many more weeks of winter ahead. Our winter weather safety information has good information to keep you safe including a wind chill chart. There are many other interesting science links to check out. Let’s get started.

Let’s start with a fascinating astronomy read on the spectacular results that take place when two neutron stars collide.
The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have reminded us as to the lethal nature of this natural event. Earthquakes are notoriously difficult to predict, but there are precautions that can be taken to make them less deadly.
If there is an advantage to earthquakes, it’s the view they give us of the inner structure of our planet.
Many areas around the globe are prone to grassfires. Australia is no exception. With climate change (literally) fueling the fires, events like never seen before are inevitable.
While on the topic of wildfires, here’s a fascinating read from NOAA on how large wildfire clouds have a significant impact on our planet’s stratosphere.
Here is this week’s update on the USA Drought Monitor. Conditions east of the Mississippi river and in many western states have improved significantly this past week. Some relief has occurred in the plains states however, extreme or exceptional drought conditions exist from Nebraska to Texas and much of the western states are seeing increased dry contitions.

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. Here’s some more winter safety information from OSHA geared towards those who have to work outdoors in the cold. 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 and follow Tornado Quest in social media!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro podcast for 18 – 25 February 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 September 3 – 10, 2022 #science #weather #climate #hurricane #hurricaneseason #hurricaneprep #cawx #drought

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. The tropical Atlantic is much more active and the potential for a landfalling tropical cyclone is certainly a possibility. Consequently, I’ll continue to share helpful infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. As usual, there are many other essential and important reads to review on climate, weather, and other science related topics, so let’s get started.

If we breach the 1.5°C climate goal, there are six climate tipping points that are guaranteed to occur…all to our planet’s detriment.
Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. This is an interesting read on how coral pollution helped increase the intensity of this very damaging hurricane.
A uncomfortable and potentially lethal new normal is coming to fruition. The summers we are having now may be the coolest we have for the rest of our lives.
Much of California has taken a beating in recent weeks with drought, record heat, wildfires, and the potential for flooding taking place.
Here’s a look at the latest US Drought Monitor. Across the western half of the contiguous USA, drought conditions continue to persist and worsen by the day.

If you’re looking for hurricane preparedness information, here’s your one stop for everything you need to know for before, during and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA will help you prepare for the storms that we hope never happen.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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 September 3 – 10, 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 August 20 – 27, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet, but that could change over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I will share some infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. This week also marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew making landfall as a rare Category 5 storm on the Florida coast. There are many other essential and important reads to review, so let’s get started.

Category 5 Hurricane Andrew crossing the Florida peninsula on 24 August 1992. Image courtesy NOAA.

This past week marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew making landfall as a rare Category 5 storm. NOAA has an excellent look back at this watershed event and explains how the meteorological technology has changed over the past 3 decades.
It’s no surprise that misinformation and disinformation have spread like wildfire across every form of communication imaginable. Is it possible to inoculate the general public from this rubbish?
Spruce trees are spreading into areas of Alaska and the Arctic tundra. That may sound good, but the truth is otherwise.
The lower water levels on the Danube river aren’t good, but they’ve also revealed a hidden side to 20th century history that has been under water for decades.
On the wildfire front, fires have not only been on the increase, but they’re now burning almost twice as much forest cover as they did 20 years ago.
As we enter into the USA’s fourth month of “Danger Season,” here’s a sobering look at the year so far.
Contrary to what the climate change deniers insist is truth, the real reality is that concern in the American public over climate change, present and future, is wide spread and growing.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 20 – 27, 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 August 13 – 20, 2022

Category 4 Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020. Satellite image: NOAA

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet, but that could change over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I will share some infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. There are many other essential and important reads to review, so let’s get started.

The academic environment in our colleges and universities isn’t what it used to be. The love of teaching, conveying knowledge, and mentoring older teens and young adults so they will become productive citizens with a keen concept of critical thinking is quickly becoming extinct.
Our planet Earth spins on its axis at around 1,000 miles per hour. That may sound simple enough, but there’s more to that simple fact.
This is a very thought provoking read. “We exist. What can that fact teach us about the Universe?“
Huge volcanic eruptions present an underrated hazard to humans in many areas around the globe. It’s time to buckle down on forecasting these eruptions and taking steps before they happen to reduce damage and the toll they take on human lives.
This has been a record breaking year for wildfires in Europe with an area of approximately the same size as one-fifth of Belgium having already been burned.
Megafloods and megafires in California share one link…climate change.
The more sea ice loss is studied, the more dour the research findings become. Those very important findings also come with an ominous warning.
As our oceans warm, the patterns in our tropical cyclones/hurricanes have changed. In fact, NOAA is considering changing the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to May 15.
With the Atlantic hurricane season upon us, here are some excellent NOAA and National Weather Service hurricane safety resources all on one website.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 13 – 20, 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

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.

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.

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 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

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 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 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.

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!

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 December 25, 2021 – January 1, 2022 #science #weather #climate #wintersafety #astronomy

Happy Holiday greetings and Happy New Year to one and all! I hope everyone is having a good holiday season. This is the beginning of a new year. Here’s to it being a better year for all of us. Across North America, drought persists across much of the lower 48 as the first substantial Arctic air mass makes its way into the Great Plains. We’ll continue our look at winter weather safety this week with a review of wind chill. There are many other interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

First, some good news. The James Webb space telescope is well underway, but there are several challenging weeks ahead before it becomes fully functional.
Here’s another good news story. “Natural History Museum identifies more than 500 new species in 2021.“
It’s well known that tsunamis can bring incredible devastation and death across vast areas. Here’s an interesting read on how we could get a better warning of their impending approach.
Wildfires across several continents set many records in 2021 and climate change is clearly playing a big part.
As our climate changes, so will the patterns we will see with hurricanes according to a new study.
The latest US Drought Monitor shows little change from the previous week with much of the contiguous USA in a persistent drought.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

This infographic is an excellent overview of how to dress for the cold weather and wind chill. Frostbite and hypothermia can easily be prevented by dressing according to this chart and being keenly aware of air temperature and wind speeds.

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

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas, USA

That’s a wrap for this post! I hope the new year is happy and healthy one for you and your loved ones. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a good fitting quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday! Happy New Year!

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 November 27 – December 4, 2021 #science #weather #climate #winter #wintersafety

Greetings to one and all. I hope everyone is having a great week. Can it be December already? Well, it is and that means the beginning of the meteorological winter across the Northern Hemisphere. The Atlantic hurricane season officially came to an end on November 30. It’s very likely that the Atlantic will not have any more tropical cyclones for the rest of 2021. As always, there are many good reads to review, so let’s get started.

Check out these amazing photographs taken by astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
This is a very thought provoking read on one aspect of the USA that is badly needed. “The United States needs a department of technology & science policy.”
This weather map has been one of my favorites for years. Are you teaching weather and/or climate in your classroom? Check this out. Your students are bound to get a kick, and a new perspective, on winds around our planet.
Recent wildfires in the western USA have been devastating enough on their own. Add climate change to the scenario, and we have dramatic, and potentially very long term, changes in the ecosystem.
As our climate changes, so does the type of precipitation that occurs in the Arctic.
Speaking of precipitation changes, a California free of snow is certainly possible if current climate change trends continue.
Here’s a very interesting read on one study that says Atlantic hurricanes are not only becoming more frequent, but more intense and destructive.
ICYMI: based on the latest NOAA data, October 2021 was the fourth warmest October on record.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

This week, we’ll continue posts on winter weather safety with a look at how to dress for the cold temperatures. December may be getting off to a ‘warm’ start for North America, but that won’t last. While there are good buys out there, now’s the time to buy some good items to stay warm and prevent frostbite and possibly hypothermia when those temperatures really begin to drop.

That’s a wrap for this post! A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

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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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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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.

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

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