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Science-based policy is shrinking ozone hole
The Southern Hemispheric ozone hole usually begins to develop in mid- to late August, as the hemisphere emerges from its winter, and peaks in mid-October.
This year it first appeared closer to the end of August and by mid-September was 18.48 million square kilometers in size, smaller than in recent years, including both 2022 and 2023. Though this year’s slow start does not necessarily reflect a recovery of the ozone layer, it does support the notion that expert guidance has made a positive contribution to this vexing problem. Continue reading
Can we control the weather?
We watched in stunned horror the suffering of our fellow citizens across parts of the South in the aftermath of the nearly back-to-back disasters wrought by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Naturally the question of whether these storms were made more intense and impactful by the ongoing, slow background warming has been considered in discussions of these events. Continue reading
Is it safe to shower or bathe during a thunderstorm?
Taking a shower or bath during a thunderstorm could put you at risk from a lightning strike. When you are indoors during a thunderstorm, the National Weather Service (NWS) recommends that you seek a safe location, away from electrical systems, electronic equipment, and avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Most indoor lightning casualties are due to conduction via lightning.
The plumbing systems in many households include metal pipes, which can serve as conduits during lightning strikes. Lightning travels long distances in metal including wires and pipes. Metal does not attract lightning, rather it provides a path for the lightning to follow. Water is also excellent conductor of electricity.
The plumbing systems in many households include metal pipes, which can serve as conduits during lightning strikes. Lightning travels long distances in metal including wires and pipes. Metal does not attract lightning, rather it provides a path for the lightning to follow. Water is also excellent conductor of electricity. Continue reading
Category: Severe Weather, Weather Dangers
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Do weather radars detect more than precipitation?
Yes. Radar, an acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging, consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits radio wave pulses outward in a circular pattern. Objects scatter these radio waves, sending some energy back to the transmitting point where it is detected by the radar’s receiver. The intensity of this received signal indicates the size and density of the suspended objects, such as precipitation. The time it takes for the radio wave to leave the radar and return indicates the distance.
Radar is designed to detect precipitation intensity and type, but it can detect living things as well. Flying insects in huge numbers can reflect enough energy back to a radar site to be detected. As an example, mayflies emerge in summer in enormous numbers around the Mississippi River between Wisconsin and Minnesota and are often detected by the weather radar in La Crosse, WI. Continue reading
What is “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” forecast for winter?
“The Old Farmer’s Almanac” recently published its 2024-25 winter forecast. For the Upper Midwest region, it predicts winter will not be as cold as usual. The precipitation and snowfall forecast are for below average.
But don’t count on that forecast, as there is no proven skill. “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” does not share how it makes its forecast, so it cannot be judged scientifically. “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” also makes a weather forecast for specific time periods in a given season. Such detailed forecasts can be announced but are not trustworthy scientifically. Continue reading
