Meteorology & Climatology
- Top Five Tornado Articles
- High Tech Climate Monitoring
- Climate Change Affects Everything
- Top Five Winter Weather Articles
- Worldwide Weather Forecasts
- We Can Solve It Campaign
- The Facinating World of Tesla
- Be Thankful for Spring Showers
- Be Prepared for Severe Weather
- Spring Has Sprung, Almost!
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
Read the top articles on tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to learn more about how tornadoes form, how they are detected and how tornado watches and warnings are issued.
Due to recent weather events, including devastating tornadoes and thunderstorms, I thought it would be useful to list the top five articles about tornadoes. Read these top articles for more information on how tornadoes form, how they are detected, how tornado watches and warnings are issued, and how they differ, how damage is survyed and more.
- When Lightning Storms Strike: Analyzing Weather Producing Severe Thunderstorm Formations
- Tracking Occurrence of Tornadoes: Meteorologists Detect Damaging Storms Producing Cyclonic Twisters
- Forecasting Extreme Spring Weather: Storm Prediction Center Issues Thunderstorm and Tornado Watches
- Tornado Facts and Records: Using Climatology Data to Understand Tornado Damage in the United States
- Severe Weather Warnings, Watches: List of National Weather Service Alerts Issued for Storms, Tornadoes
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
New climate measuring stations and updated sites will improve accuracy in measuring climate change across the U.S. The new stations will be finalized by the summer 2008.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced this week, the final installation of 114 new climate monitoring stations, due to be activated by the end of this summer. These high-tech stations, part of the U.S. Climate Reference Network (CRN), will monitor changes in temperature and precipitation trends, comparing with national averages. With a higher accuracy of data, better national trending of climate changes will result.
NOAA is also updating the Historical Climatology Network (HCN) observation sites, modernizing the aging equipment. Some stations will be relocated, in order to obtain more accurate data. These stations collect climate and weather measurements across the United States.
These new stations and improved weather monitoring sites will improve accuracy in measuring climate change. These CRN stations will relay measurements and observations to the GOES satellites, then to the National Climatic Data Center.
NOAA, partnered with over 70 countries and the European Commission, is developing a network of global monitors for climate change and observation.
NOAA is also updating the Historical Climatology Network (HCN) observation sites, modernizing the aging equipment. Some stations will be relocated, in order to obtain more accurate data. These stations collect climate and weather measurements across the United States.
These new stations and improved weather monitoring sites will improve accuracy in measuring climate change. These CRN stations will relay measurements and observations to the GOES satellites, then to the National Climatic Data Center.
NOAA, partnered with over 70 countries and the European Commission, is developing a network of global monitors for climate change and observation.
Climate Change Affects Everything
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
This week I learned how some organizations have taken real steps towards protecting wildlife from climate change, protecting the habitat of waterfowl and other animals.
This week I wrote an article titled Climate Change Effect on Waterfowl, discussing how some hunting and fishing organizations have recognized the threat of climate change on wildlife. These organizations are pushing lawmakers to pass laws limited emissions and other policies on climate change.
I realized that these groups are really getting involved! Without looking into the subject, I wouldn't have thought that hunters and anglers would take the actions that these organizations are taking. I think it's great!
Organizations like Ducks Unlimited have developed specific strategies based on scientific evidence, and partnerships with state and federal agencies like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Throughout the years, Ducks Unlimited has made such a great impact on re-establishing habitats for waterfowl, returning these animals to a healthy population, that they have become the best in the world at it.
Sometimes I see the climate change or global warming problem has a huge issue. To me, and others like me, it seems so big that I ask, what can I do to make a good impact? I guess I'm overwhelmed at the issue. I've learned that it can be approached, with strategies ready to make an impact.
We all need to approach climate change the way these organizations have, weighing scientific evidence, developing ways we can tangibly approach climate change. Check out one of these organizations, and see how they are doing it. Join their efforts, and make a change, for the good!
I realized that these groups are really getting involved! Without looking into the subject, I wouldn't have thought that hunters and anglers would take the actions that these organizations are taking. I think it's great!
Organizations like Ducks Unlimited have developed specific strategies based on scientific evidence, and partnerships with state and federal agencies like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Throughout the years, Ducks Unlimited has made such a great impact on re-establishing habitats for waterfowl, returning these animals to a healthy population, that they have become the best in the world at it.
Sometimes I see the climate change or global warming problem has a huge issue. To me, and others like me, it seems so big that I ask, what can I do to make a good impact? I guess I'm overwhelmed at the issue. I've learned that it can be approached, with strategies ready to make an impact.
We all need to approach climate change the way these organizations have, weighing scientific evidence, developing ways we can tangibly approach climate change. Check out one of these organizations, and see how they are doing it. Join their efforts, and make a change, for the good!
Top Five Winter Weather Articles
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
Although the calendar says it's spring, the cold, wintry weather persists, bringing a last dose of cold weather to parts of the U.S. Read the top winter weather articles.
It's mid-April now but the weather forecasters are predicting snow for most parts of the Northwest this weekend. Along with snow, record cold temperatures are forecasted for much of the region.
This cold weather makes me think it's still winter! In light of my confusion, here are the top 5 winter weather articles:
Perhaps by reading these winter weather articles, we will summon the warm, spring weather!
This cold weather makes me think it's still winter! In light of my confusion, here are the top 5 winter weather articles:
Perhaps by reading these winter weather articles, we will summon the warm, spring weather!
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
Weekend weather forecast for Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and Canada. Most regions will see sun or shower, associated with spring and autumn.
Seeking out the latest weather forecasts across the globe, I have included my findings below:
Australia
A fine weekend is forecasted for most areas of Australia. Sydney should expect some morning fog, with sun and a high of 24 C to follow. Perth will be fine, experiencing a high of 28 C. Canberra will see increasing clouds as a front moves in.
New Zealand
New Zealand is experiencing a dry, sunny beginning to autumn. Meteorologists are calling it an “Indian Summer” with “settled weather”. Forecasts call for clear, warm days but early frosts in South Island.
South Africa
Current forecasts call for isolated thunderstorms or thundershowers. Fog and drizzle is forecasted for the west and south coastal areas. A cold front will come onshore, bringing a few showers and more thundershowers to the region. Capetown should hit a high of 25 C this weekend.
Ireland
Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for most regions of Ireland this weekend. The region has experienced normal temperatures this spring so far. March although wet, experienced 10 percent more sunshine then normal. Storms and depressions from the Atlantic may bring more showers and rain to the area.
Canada
As with the United States, the vast regions of Canada experience drastically different weather daily. In the west, British Columbia will see cloudy skies with sun breaks. Victoria should get to 18 C on Saturday with sun. Moving east, more sun is predicted for Calgary, with a high of 21 C. Eastern Canada will see rain and snow. Quebec should see snow, with a 30 percent chance and a high of 4 C.
Australia
A fine weekend is forecasted for most areas of Australia. Sydney should expect some morning fog, with sun and a high of 24 C to follow. Perth will be fine, experiencing a high of 28 C. Canberra will see increasing clouds as a front moves in.
New Zealand
New Zealand is experiencing a dry, sunny beginning to autumn. Meteorologists are calling it an “Indian Summer” with “settled weather”. Forecasts call for clear, warm days but early frosts in South Island.
South Africa
Current forecasts call for isolated thunderstorms or thundershowers. Fog and drizzle is forecasted for the west and south coastal areas. A cold front will come onshore, bringing a few showers and more thundershowers to the region. Capetown should hit a high of 25 C this weekend.
Ireland
Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for most regions of Ireland this weekend. The region has experienced normal temperatures this spring so far. March although wet, experienced 10 percent more sunshine then normal. Storms and depressions from the Atlantic may bring more showers and rain to the area.
Canada
As with the United States, the vast regions of Canada experience drastically different weather daily. In the west, British Columbia will see cloudy skies with sun breaks. Victoria should get to 18 C on Saturday with sun. Moving east, more sun is predicted for Calgary, with a high of 21 C. Eastern Canada will see rain and snow. Quebec should see snow, with a 30 percent chance and a high of 4 C.
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
Watch for the nationwide campaign to stimulate a cultural shift in thinking about climate change, as multimillion dollar ads will be employed, to get your attention.
This week I was searching for information on climate change, specific to Al Gore. I read his book "An Inconvenient Truth" when I first began my Feature Writer position for Meteorology & Climatology. I found it elementary but interesting. I heard that Al Gore is currently producing a new climate change book so I searched for more information.
I ended up at the website for the "We Can Solve It" campaign. This campaign is a major part of the Alliance for Climate Protection. I learned that Al Gore founded this organization in 2006, in order to ignite "public action to help solve the climate crisis."
The "We" campaign is a 3-year mainstream campaign used to stimulate a cultural shift in how citizens view climate change. The We campaign urges us to think about climate change as an urgent issue. The campaign will use multimillion dollar ad campaigns in news and entertainment media and online in order to reach as many people as possible. The campaign will also partner with civic and religious organization.
The We Can Solve It campaign is based on several different solutions and themes:
I ended up at the website for the "We Can Solve It" campaign. This campaign is a major part of the Alliance for Climate Protection. I learned that Al Gore founded this organization in 2006, in order to ignite "public action to help solve the climate crisis."
The "We" campaign is a 3-year mainstream campaign used to stimulate a cultural shift in how citizens view climate change. The We campaign urges us to think about climate change as an urgent issue. The campaign will use multimillion dollar ad campaigns in news and entertainment media and online in order to reach as many people as possible. The campaign will also partner with civic and religious organization.
The We Can Solve It campaign is based on several different solutions and themes:
- Clean Energy Economy - an economy for the next generation
- Personal Choices - make a personal choice to stand up for a cleaner climate
- Adoption of Renewables - help break the addiction to fossil fuels
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency - increase energy efficiency at home, work
- Innovative Leadership - this climate crisis needs leaders
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
As I researched ball lightning, I came across the work of Nikola Tesla. Called the "Master of Lightning" I was amazed at his visions of the future and experiments.
I wrote my 100th article on the Tunguska Event of 1908 this week. I wanted to explore the theories behind this almost one hundred year old mysterious event. I decided to explore the possible meteorological explanations. Ball lightning is considered a possible cause of the Siberian event. However, ball lightning is not universally understood by the science world.
Nikola Tesla - Master of Lightning
While researching ball lightning and the Tunguska Event, I came across the work of physicist Nikola Tesla. Born in 1856, Tesla came in the United States from the Balkan Peninsula, at the time electricity was brought to New York City. After being employed by Thomas Edison, Tesla set out on his own, with an inventor's spirit. Tesla aimed to prove that to could "be possible to transmit electrical power without wires at high altitudes" (PBS, 2004) and set up a laboratory in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In this laboratory, Tesla experimented with producing lightning with his "resonate transformer". Known as the "Master of Lightning", he conceived it possible for power to be transmitted without wires. He set out to prove it to the world. Backed by J.P. Morgan, he built the Wardenclyffe tower, in order to send wirelss communication across the Atlantic. However, Marconi beat him to it in 1901.
Inventions and Mysteries
His inventions were important to both the fields of electricity and radio. Tesla developed the first "AC motor and polyphase power transmission system" (PBS, 2004). This future-thinking inventor and physicist invisioned a wirelss world, using the sun's energy and a world without war. Mysteries remain after his death, as his scientific papers remain missing. I find this a fitting match with Tunguska, as the two are veiled in mystery.
Resources:
PBS
Nikola Tesla - Master of Lightning
While researching ball lightning and the Tunguska Event, I came across the work of physicist Nikola Tesla. Born in 1856, Tesla came in the United States from the Balkan Peninsula, at the time electricity was brought to New York City. After being employed by Thomas Edison, Tesla set out on his own, with an inventor's spirit. Tesla aimed to prove that to could "be possible to transmit electrical power without wires at high altitudes" (PBS, 2004) and set up a laboratory in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In this laboratory, Tesla experimented with producing lightning with his "resonate transformer". Known as the "Master of Lightning", he conceived it possible for power to be transmitted without wires. He set out to prove it to the world. Backed by J.P. Morgan, he built the Wardenclyffe tower, in order to send wirelss communication across the Atlantic. However, Marconi beat him to it in 1901.
Inventions and Mysteries
His inventions were important to both the fields of electricity and radio. Tesla developed the first "AC motor and polyphase power transmission system" (PBS, 2004). This future-thinking inventor and physicist invisioned a wirelss world, using the sun's energy and a world without war. Mysteries remain after his death, as his scientific papers remain missing. I find this a fitting match with Tunguska, as the two are veiled in mystery.
Resources:
PBS
Be Thankful for Spring Showers
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
The rain showers in early spring seem to last forever, but there is hope in rainbows. Be thankful for the showers because without them, no rainbows would form.
Showers, Showers and More Showers
As the steady rain fell today, I couldn't help but feel unmotivated and sad. When we are socked in with rain during the early spring, it really can take away all those hopeful thoughts for spring.
Rainbows!
Yet, the spring showers do give us a sign of hope in the form of rainbows. As the showers hit us one after another forming an endless line in the sky, every so often a rainbow will form. As the sun shines from the west, and the last raindrops pour from the cloud above, a rainbow is seen in the eastern sky. Rainbows form as the sun shines on the raindrops, refracting the light like a tiny prism. The white sunlight reflects off the far side of the raindrop, like a mirror. Then, the light is reflected back, and seen by the rainbow's observers. Look for rainbows as the rain falls in one part of the sky and sun is shining in another.
When you look at a rainbow, you are actually seeing a different color reflected from a group of different raindrops because they exist at different angles to your eyes. In other words, each raindrop reflects a different color. Amazing, huh?
Even more amazing is the fact that double rainbows can form. Double rainbows form when the light is reflected twice within the raindrops. This second rainbow appears less bright and is actually in the opposite order of colors than the first. Isn't the weather fascinating?
So, as the spring showers and rain may have us locked up inside, remember they also are producers of magnificent rainbows. Remember that without these rain showers, rainbows would not exist as we know them.
As the steady rain fell today, I couldn't help but feel unmotivated and sad. When we are socked in with rain during the early spring, it really can take away all those hopeful thoughts for spring.
Rainbows!
Yet, the spring showers do give us a sign of hope in the form of rainbows. As the showers hit us one after another forming an endless line in the sky, every so often a rainbow will form. As the sun shines from the west, and the last raindrops pour from the cloud above, a rainbow is seen in the eastern sky. Rainbows form as the sun shines on the raindrops, refracting the light like a tiny prism. The white sunlight reflects off the far side of the raindrop, like a mirror. Then, the light is reflected back, and seen by the rainbow's observers. Look for rainbows as the rain falls in one part of the sky and sun is shining in another.
When you look at a rainbow, you are actually seeing a different color reflected from a group of different raindrops because they exist at different angles to your eyes. In other words, each raindrop reflects a different color. Amazing, huh?
Even more amazing is the fact that double rainbows can form. Double rainbows form when the light is reflected twice within the raindrops. This second rainbow appears less bright and is actually in the opposite order of colors than the first. Isn't the weather fascinating?
So, as the spring showers and rain may have us locked up inside, remember they also are producers of magnificent rainbows. Remember that without these rain showers, rainbows would not exist as we know them.
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
As spring brings a change in seasons, and a chance for more extreme weather, like thunderstorms and tornadoes, make sure your family is informed and prepared.
As my recent Extreme Spring Weather article outlines, spring can bring severe weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes. With severe weather possible this time of year, take the time to make sure you are prepared. Severe weather can be unpredictable, changing constantly. In no time, things can change for the worse.
NOAA's National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) researches and studies severe weather. NSSL scientists are known for taking science to the field, collecting data during severe storms. Some people refer to NSSL scientists as Storm Chasers, even though this happens on a rare occasion.
For further information, read my orginial article: Forecasting Extreme Spring Weather
NOAA's National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) researches and studies severe weather. NSSL scientists are known for taking science to the field, collecting data during severe storms. Some people refer to NSSL scientists as Storm Chasers, even though this happens on a rare occasion.
- Did you know that the movie "Twister" was based on NSSL work from the 1980s, on an experiment called TOTO, or TOtable Tornado Observatory?
- Flash Flood Safety
- Lightning Safety
- Tornado Safety
- three days worth of water and food for each family member
- blankets
- extra clothes and shoes
- first aid kit
- battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries - NOAA Weather Radio
- extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash
- special items for babies, elderly and disabled, and for pets
For further information, read my orginial article: Forecasting Extreme Spring Weather
Posted by
Aurae Beidler
Aurae Beidler
As the vernal equinox occurs this March, let's take a moment to explore why there are seasons on Earth, and be wary of increasing thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Spring is Almost Here!
As I sit basking in the warm sun today, thoughts of spring are not far from my mind. The birds chirp in the trees, buds are forming on the plants and the green grass is growing like crazy. This sunny spring-like day in early March reminds me that without the Earth's tilt, none of this seasonal change would be possible.
Why Do We Have Seasons?
Realizing how different the weather can be at different times of the year made me wonder why we have seasons. We have seasons because the Earth tilts at a 23.5 degree angle. Without this tilt there would be no seasons. Unless you live near the Tropics, where the sun is, for the most part, directly overhead all year round, seasons are a part of life.
The Vernal Equinox
This time of year, we experience the vernal equinox, as the Earth is halfway between winter and summer. This can be an exciting yet dangerous time of year for weather. Thunderstorms and tornadoes become more frequent as cold, dry air masses collide with warm, wet fronts.
I'm reminded that spring doesn't mean the same thing everywhere in the United States or the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. I am thankful that I am able to experience and enjoy the different seasons.
As I sit basking in the warm sun today, thoughts of spring are not far from my mind. The birds chirp in the trees, buds are forming on the plants and the green grass is growing like crazy. This sunny spring-like day in early March reminds me that without the Earth's tilt, none of this seasonal change would be possible.
Why Do We Have Seasons?
Realizing how different the weather can be at different times of the year made me wonder why we have seasons. We have seasons because the Earth tilts at a 23.5 degree angle. Without this tilt there would be no seasons. Unless you live near the Tropics, where the sun is, for the most part, directly overhead all year round, seasons are a part of life.
The Vernal Equinox
This time of year, we experience the vernal equinox, as the Earth is halfway between winter and summer. This can be an exciting yet dangerous time of year for weather. Thunderstorms and tornadoes become more frequent as cold, dry air masses collide with warm, wet fronts.
I'm reminded that spring doesn't mean the same thing everywhere in the United States or the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. I am thankful that I am able to experience and enjoy the different seasons.