All articles tagged with #meteorology
Al Roker has created 'Weather Hunters,' an educational animated series for PBS Kids that explores weather phenomena and earth science through the adventures of a family of weather investigators, aiming to inspire curiosity and understanding about nature among children.
A South Florida meteorologist warned that staff shortages at the National Weather Service, caused by federal budget cuts and layoffs, could impact the accuracy of hurricane forecasts this season, raising concerns about preparedness in hurricane-prone regions.
Researchers in Catalonia have used CT scans to study the internal structure of giant hailstones from a 2022 storm, revealing new insights into their growth and formation. This non-destructive method showed that hailstones can have irregular internal structures despite appearing spherical externally, and that their cores are often off-center. These findings challenge previous assumptions and could improve future storm predictions, although the technique is costly and some anomalies remain unexplained.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended with unexpected patterns, featuring early activity and strong late storms, but a quiet peak period. Researchers are examining factors like ocean temperatures and climate patterns such as La Niña and the Madden Julian oscillation to understand these anomalies. Climate change likely intensified storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused significant damage. Despite fewer storms than predicted, the season was still extremely active, with climate change contributing to the severity of the hurricanes.
A significant lake-effect snow event is expected to impact the Great Lakes region, as a cold air mass from Siberia collides with the unusually warm waters of the lakes. This meteorological phenomenon is anticipated to produce heavy snowfall starting in the upper Great Lakes and moving to the lower Great Lakes, with effects lasting into early next week.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a tropical rainstorm named Sara in the Caribbean, which is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by next week, potentially impacting Florida. The storm is predicted to travel between Cuba and Mexico before turning north, with significant risks of flash flooding and strong winds. The National Hurricane Center reports a 90% chance of Sara developing into a low-pressure system soon, and an Air Force Hurricane Hunter is set to investigate. While multiple scenarios exist, one likely path shows Sara hitting Florida, marking the state's fourth hurricane this season.
Four tropical storms are currently active near the Philippines, posing potential threats to the region. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to assess the impact and necessary precautions.
Meteorologists are monitoring a low-pressure system in the western Caribbean that could develop into a named storm, potentially becoming 'Sara,' as the hurricane season nears its end. The system's future path and impact remain uncertain, with a possibility of moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane Rafael, a rare November storm, is expected to make landfall in the southern US this weekend. Currently a tropical storm, Rafael is projected to strengthen into a Category 1 or 2 hurricane as it moves through the Caribbean, affecting Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba with heavy rain and flooding. The storm is anticipated to weaken before reaching the US Gulf Coast, potentially impacting areas from the Florida panhandle to eastern Louisiana with rough seas and coastal flooding. Meteorologists caution that the storm's path could shift, affecting its impact on the US.
Since the release of the original Twister movie in 1996, storm chasing has evolved significantly due to advancements in technology, making it easier for enthusiasts to track storms using mobile apps and GPS. However, the fundamental unpredictability of tornadoes remains unchanged. Dave Call, a storm chaser and professor at Ball State University, highlights the dangers and excitement of storm chasing, the impact of climate change on tornado patterns, and the continued importance of human expertise in meteorology.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology reveals that "Tornado Alley" in the U.S. is shifting eastwards, with increased tornado activity now impacting the Midwest and Southeast. The study, which analyzed data from 1951 to 2020, shows a significant decrease in tornadoes in the western U.S. and a rise in the eastern regions. Additionally, tornadoes are forming in colder weather, potentially linked to climate change.
Meteorologists Jeff Masters and Bob Henson discuss the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, highlighting the potential for an early start due to unusually warm ocean temperatures and the possibility of a busy season influenced by La Niña conditions. They emphasize the importance of hurricane coverage in understanding climate change impacts and share insights into their forecasting process and personal strategies for managing the demands of storm coverage.
A severe hailstorm hit Marathon, Texas, dropping several inches of hail and causing temperatures to plummet by 40 degrees. The storm is part of an unsettled weather pattern expected to bring scattered showers, thunderstorms, and flash flooding across Texas and the Plains through the week. Major cities like Dallas are facing heavy rain and flash flooding threats, with 3-5 inches of rain forecasted.
As climate change increases the frequency and severity of aircraft turbulence, researchers are studying birds to improve turbulence prediction and aircraft design. Birds like frigate birds and Andean condors navigate turbulent skies with remarkable skill, offering insights that could enhance meteorological models and the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 is threatened by poor weather across much of North America, with normally clear regions facing bad conditions and unexpected improvements in typically poor areas. Over a dozen U.S. states and Canadian provinces lie in the path of totality, but the weather forecast for the event is not promising, with some areas likely to have limited or obstructed views due to cloud cover. Unusual weather patterns have disrupted typical viewing conditions, with the best chances for clear skies now in the northeast, while Texas remains largely unfavorable. Despite the forecasts, there is still hope for clear skies on the day of the eclipse.