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How has weather forecasting improved, assuming it has improved?
Weather forecasting is a science that has drastically improved over the last 50 years. Modern weather forecasting goes back to the mid-20th century, when meteorologists began using numerical weather prediction (NWP) computer models to simulate atmospheric processes. These models rely on physics and mathematical equations to represent the behavior of the atmosphere.
Studies have shown that a five-day weather forecast today is as accurate as a one-day forecast was in 1980. Today, three-day predictions of a hurricane path are more accurate than the 24-hour forecasts of the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, today’s forecast is easily accessible on your smart phone. Continue reading
Category: Uncategorized
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What are the impacts of the recent cuts to NOAA and NWS?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service (NWS), is a vital partner in the nation’s weather enterprise. They provide essential products and services that benefit the U.S. economy and the health and safety of us all. Citizens and businesses rely on accurate and timely forecasts. Due to the inexplicable decisions of the current administration, many NOAA and NWS employees have been terminated without cause.
These recent terminations will have far-reaching consequences for public safety and the nation’s economic well-being. NOAA professionals on ‘probationary status’ are not just new employees; some have recently been awarded with career advancements resulting from their outstanding work that helps safeguard our communities by helping to keep all of us informed, prepared, and safe. Continue reading
Category: History, Uncategorized
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Interview on WRN
“The Weather Guys” were recently interviewed by Bob Hague of the Wisconsin Radio Network. Check out the full interview on the WRN website: https://www.wrn.com/uw-madisons-weather-guys-concerned-about-layoffs-at-noaa-and-nws Steve Ackerman and Jonathan Martin, professors in the UW-Madison department of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, are … Continue reading
What is this upside-down icicle?
The accompanying photo was taken by Daniel Dettmers in the morning of February 4 on frozen Lake Kegonsa. The high on the previous day was 37°F. This caused puddles of water to sit on the ice of Madison’s regional lakes during the day. Tuesday morning’s low temperature was below 20°F with calm winds. These are just the right conditions to form what are called ‘ice spikes,’ as shown in the photograph.
When water freezes, it expands and becomes less dense. Ice floats on water. But if the lake ice is thick, when puddles form on a warm day, they sit on the ice surface. With the cold nighttime temperatures, the surface of the puddle freezes, trapping liquid water below. As the puddle freezes, it can leave a small hole in the surface of the ice. Continue reading
What is the National Weather Service?
The National Weather Service, or NWS, is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, which sits in the U.S. Department of Commerce. The connection to the Department of Commerce is sensible – it’s estimated that one-third of the U.S. economy is sensitive to weather and climate.
The mission of the National Weather Service is to “provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts, warnings and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.” Continue reading
