About.com Weather

Hurricane Video - The NASA 2008 Hurricane Season Video

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:07:11 +0000

The 2008 hurricane season is over, but not forgotten. The intense storms and record-breaking events of the 2008 season were unique. In contrast, the 2009 season has been fairly quiet. Why the difference? In 2008, lingering La Nina effects were in place as well as abnormally high ocean temperatures which are required for hurricane formation.

To summarize the 2008 hurricane season, NASA has produced a video in cooperation with NOAA to show satellite imagery of all the tropical storms from Arthur to Paloma. You may also want to check out the 2008 hurricane tracking chart. Or start tracking the 2009 season yourself with a blank hurricane tracking chart. All the resources are below.

NASA hurricane video

Blank hurricane tracking charts

Possible 2009 hurricane names

Online tropical cyclone tracker

2008 hurricane tracking chart

GOES Weather Satellite Launched

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:22:20 +0000

This stunning image is of the launch of the GOES weather satellite aboard a Delta IV rocket. The new satellite, temporarily called GOES-O, lifted off at 6:51 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday night from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The initial target date for the launch was on Friday, but a threat of a thunderstorm enacted the NASA thunderstorm rule for the launch. NASA contracted Boeing to build the satellite for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Each of the GOES satellites continuously provides observations of 60 percent of the Earth. The wealth of data available from the GOES satellites proves technology has come a long way since the grainy images of the world's first weather satellite, TIROS. NOAA has two operational GOES satellites hovering 22,300 miles above the equator � GOES-12, in the east, and GOES-11, in the west � each provide continuous observations of environmental conditions of North, Central and South America and surrounding oceans. While these two are operational, another GOES satellite, GOES-13, is in orbital storage and can be activated if one of the other satellites experiences trouble.

With the launch of the latest GOES satellite, NOAA will have another backup. Approximately 24 days after launch, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems will turn engineering control over to NASA. About five months later, NASA will transfer operational control of GOES-14 to NOAA. The satellite will be checked out, stored in orbit and available for activation should one of the operational GOES satellites degrade or exhaust its fuel.

Photo Credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Sunstroke - The Dangers of Heat Waves

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:43:57 +0000

A heat wave with temperatures well into the 90s is gripping the Midwest and the East coast this week. Many people have been prompted to research the signs of heat illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion as result of the high temperatures. Summer heat can kill because it reduces the ability of your body to remain at a normal temperature through evaporation. Each year, 175 people on average in the United States lose their lives to heat. According to the National Weather Service, from 1936 to 975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by heat. In the heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died.

Being aware of the signs of summer illnesses can keep you and your family safe. When the heat index soars, there are certain key symptoms you need to recognize. Remember heat stroke or sunstroke has different symptoms than heat exhaustion.

After a Flood - 20 Things You Should NEVER Do After a Flood

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:36:36 +0000

Your home may be inundated with just a few inches of water. Is it okay to return home? Yes and no. As long as you remember to keep these 20 rules in mind, you will probably be safe. Flooding can be catastrophic. Flooding can also be just a nuisance. The amount of flood water in your area is not the focus. Regardless of the level of devastation, there are several hints and tips for flood safety after a flood that you should keep in mind. Are you following all the rules?

Earth Science Literacy Initiative - Finally!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:31:11 +0000

As a former educator, I have years of experience as an earth and space science educator. One of my chief complaints about the topic is that many schools treat the earth sciences, (especially at the high school level) as a second-rate science. For instance, I was always so offended when anyone would call the earth science courses 'rocks for jocks'. Now, it seems things are slowly taking a turn. Topics such as climate change, ozone depletion, and atmospheric pollution are making the mainstream news...and people are becoming more aware of the need to understand the earth sciences.

It is with great pleasure that I announce a new resource available from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI) called Earth Science Literacy. The information in the free book was gathered to promote the understanding of Earth sciences. The book establishes the �Big Ideas� and supporting concepts that all Americans should know about Earth sciences. Future governmental legislation will be guided by the framework, and future national and state educational standards will be based upon it. For me, that is a big YAY! What do you think? Is earth science given enough attention in schools? Sound off in the comments section below and share your ideas.

Tropical Low Pressure Zone Ripped Apart

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Hurricanes are ripped apart by wind shear. Called a hurricane-breaker, wind shear can stop a tropical depression or tropical storm from forming. Such was the case this week when a tropical low pressure zone in the Eastern Pacific was being monitored for its potential to form into the first tropical depression of the season. The Honduras Low was accompanied by a series of thunderstorms about 850 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja, California. Strong and dry winds from the southwest helped to 'de-fuel' the low pressure system. Normally, low wind shear and moist air are prime ingredients in fueling a hurricane or tropical storm.

Earlier in the week, the National Hurricane Center gave the low pressure system a 30% chance of developing into a tropical depression. Although the chances were low, thate was the same statistic given to Tropical Depression 1 in the Atlantic that formed on May 28 south of Providence, Rhode Island.

At Least 38 Confirmed Tornadoes Reported This Week

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:32:43 +0000

It has been a busy week for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms across many portions of the United States.

Monday - 7 different tornadoes were reported in southern Illinois on Monday. Additionally, 2 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin.
Tuesday - 4 Tornadoes were reported in Kansas. Missouri, Colorado, and Maryland had 1 confirmed tornado each. Nebraska officials reported 2 tornado touchdowns that quickly dissipated.
Wednesday - 17 tornadoes were reported all across the Midwest. Included were 71 hail reports.
Thursday - As the frontal system that caused the previous damage moved to the East, 2 tornadoes have been confirmed in Kentucky. 1 tornado in Indiana over turned a semi trailor truck.

Types of Air Masses - Temperature and Moisture Air Mass Profiles

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:12:34 +0000

When an air mass hangs over an area for an extended period of time, the weather can remain the same for weeks. The temperature and moisture content in an air mass will determine the overall type of air mass. While an air mass changes over time, there are 4 basic types of air masses.

What's Your Hurricane RQ?

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:06:32 +0000

How prepared are you for a natural disaster such as a hurricane? The start of hurricane season means it is important to understand your hurricane preparedness level. To help you and your family get ready for severe weather, the Council for Excellence in Government has developed the Readiness Quotient (RQ) test: a quick and simple online survey to gauge your preparedness for an emergency.

This excellent 10 question survey assesses how prepared you are for a weather emergency, natural disaster, or even a terrorist attack and provides you with a personalized score (from 1 to 10). Based on your Readiness Quotient or RQ score, the site then recommends key steps you and your family need to take to improve your RQ score. Want to know if your neighbor is more prepared than you? The RQ test even allows you to take a peek at the average preparedness level in your zip code and around the nation. Questions are asked based on knowing the disaster plan for your local community, preparing a disaster supply kit, and more. Are you ready? Give your best tips for severe weather safety in the comments section below.

First Official Day of Hurricane Season

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:35:58 +0000

Today is the official start date of the 2009 hurricane season. Considering the devastation from several 2008 storms such as Gustav, many people are planning ahead for the upcoming hurricane season. In fact, the 2008 hurricane season broke several records causing three Atlantic hurricanes named to be retired.

This year is not expected to be quite as active even though a tropical depression already formed in the Atlantic last week. You can check out the retired hurricane names for 2008 and check out the lineup of new hurricane names for the 2009 season.