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How unusual was our dry and warm October weather?
Meteorologists often compare current temperature and precipitation measurements to “normal” values to interpret unusual weather. The weather data observed over the 30-year period between 1991 and 2020 are used to define “normal” or “average” weather. These normals are recalculated every 10 years. The normals are determined on annual, seasonal, monthly, daily and even hourly timescales. The maximum and minimum values also are tracked for each day of the year.
The weather that southern Wisconsin has experienced this October has been different from our normal October weather. Throughout most of October, we experienced very dry conditions. Prior to the storms that occurred on Oct. 30 and 31, the total precipitation across most of the state was less than 50% of the normal precipitation. This lack of precipitation throughout the month was alleviated during the final two days. Many areas in Dane County received over 3 inches of rain on Oct. 30 and 31. Continue reading
What is a meteorological bomb?
Storm systems that form in middle or high latitudes, in regions of large temperature contrast are called extratropical cyclones. This contrasts with tropical cyclones, such as hurricanes, which form in regions or relatively uniform temperatures.
Extratropical cyclones are surface low-pressure systems where the air at the surface flows counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere. The winds around these centers of low-pressure spiral inward at the surface, forcing rising motions. The rising air can result in clouds and precipitation. The process of extratropical cyclone development and intensification is referred to as cyclogenesis. In North America there are favorable regions for cyclogenesis, including the eastern slopes of mountain ranges, the Atlantic Ocean off the Carolina Coast, and the Gulf of Mexico. The jet stream also influences cyclogenesis. Continue reading
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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