Tag: Worcester

How some of Santa’s little reindeer relate to the weather
[ad_1]
We all know that Santa travels the world on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by eight… no, nine, reindeer! But are you aware of the weather tie-ins with Santa and his reindeer?
What You Need To Know

Two reindeer are named after weather phenomena

Rudolph saved the day one Christmas Eve when fog covered most of the Earth

Santa uses forecasts from local meteorologists to plan his Christmas Eve flight
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

We’ve all heard the tale of Rudolph, and we’ll cover that part of the story in a moment, but first, let’s start with two of Santa’s original reindeer.

The original eight

You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen, but did you know that two of the reindeer are named after weather phenomena?

But which ones?

If you guessed Donner and Blitzen, you are correct!

Donner, also sometimes called Donder or Dunder, is named after thunder. The name comes from the Dutch word for thunder.

Blitzen, also spelled Blixen and Blixem, is named after lightning. The name also comes from a Dutch word meaning lightning.

Santa’s reindeer were never officially named until the 1823 release of the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore.

(AP Photo/Malin Moberg)

Here’s an interesting reindeer fact.

In the story “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, the author listed ten reindeer. Flossie and Glossie are Santa’s lead reindeer, while Racer and Pacer, Fearless and Peerless, Ready and Steady, and Feckless and Speckless are the rest of the team.

None of these names are weather-related terms.

No offense to L. Frank Baum, but I’m glad we stuck with Clement C. Moore’s names for Santa’s reindeer.

Rudolph leads the way

I think we all know the story of Rudolph.

This iconic reindeer showed up in 1939. Looked upon as a misfit (aren’t we all in some way), the other reindeer rejected Rudolph and made fun of him because of his red, glowing nose. Though that “little” abnormality came in handy “one foggy Christmas Eve.”

In an unprecedented weather event, one never seen before or seen since, an “outbreak” of fog blanketed most of the planet, and it became impossible for Santa to make his flight on Christmas Eve around the world.

All was lost until Santa realized that Rudolph and his incredible nose could lead the way.

This was Rudolph’s time to shine. (Pun intended.)

(File Photo)

And the rest is history. From that time on, Rudolph has been Santa’s lead reindeer.

Santa’s Christmas Eve forecast

Something you may not know is Santa Claus has a weather forecasting team at the North Pole.

Some elves specialize in forecasting the weather around the world. These meteorologists give Santa an overview of the weather around the globe on Christmas Eve, but Santa depends on local National Weather Service and TV meteorologists to provide him forecasts for cities along his flight path.

My daughter found out about this during a visit with Santa when she was about six years old.

I had taken her and her younger brother to see Santa a few days before Christmas. As we were next in line, Santa saw us, stood up, walked over to me and asked, “Gary, what kind of weather am I looking at on Christmas Eve?”

I gave him a quick forecast, he thanked me, walked back over to his chair and sat down as the next child climbed on his lap.

The expression on my daughter’s face was priceless.

“Santa knows you?” she asked as she looked up at me with a look of shock, confusion and pride. “Well, of course he does. Who do you think he gets his forecast from for this area? I’m a pilot, and he’s a pilot. I’m the perfect person to give him a ‘flight weather briefing.’”

Talk about a priceless memory that I will always remember.

(Gary Stephenson)

In the Christmas Eve sky

So on Christmas Eve night, if your skies are clear, look to the sky. You might see a red light moving across the sky. More than likely, it’s the beacon on an airplane, but it might, just might, be the glow of Rudolph’s red nose.

And if the weather is not so clear, rest well knowing that Santa’s got a well-trained team of reindeer pulling the sleigh and an accurate forecast so he can safely complete his Christmas Eve journey around the Earth.

I’ll finish my story with these final words.

My wish for all of you is to have a safe and Merry Christmas. And to Santa and the reindeer, have a good flight!

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

Source link
December 23, 2024
Christmas trees need good weather to ‘stand in splendid beauty’
[ad_1]
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches… as long as the weather stays off the naughty list.
What You Need To Know

Christmas trees do well in moderate weather

Trees are more susceptible to drought early on

Harmful fungi grow in very wet conditions

Tree farmers may have to adjust their practices as climate changes
Farmers grow Christmas trees in all 50 states. Unlike most crops, they’re not planted and harvested all in one season. It takes years for a tree to become ready, which can help fend off the problems of damaging weather.

Growing trees

Christmas trees are often spruces, pines or firs. Not surprisingly, farmers grow them in places where the climate allows them to have their best chance at becoming mature.

The details vary from place to place, but trees generally do best with moderate temperatures, plentiful (but not excessive) rainfall and no extreme cold or heat.

Damaging weather

Like most crops, Christmas trees don’t like drought. Farmers who grow seedlings typically have to do quite a bit of irrigation, according to Doug Hundley from the National Christmas Tree Association.

Irrigation isn’t as necessary once they’re about 12 inches tall and transplanted into fields, he adds, although they’re still vulnerable for the first year or two and will need some help during dry spells.

In this photo taken Nov. 8, 2011, David Barfield checks one of his saplings at his Christmas tree farm in New Caney, Texas. Only a handful of the 500 saplings planted survived the drought. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Because these trees are a crop that can take ten years or longer to become ready for harvest, losses from drought usually don’t take as much of a toll as they would for single-season crops like corn or soybeans. Instead of losing 20% of an entire crop, farmers could confine their losses to just 20% of the younger trees, while the established trees survive.

Excessive rainfall can harm any tree, though. “We always think that drought is the great enemy. But in all agriculture, rain and flooding and oversaturation of the soil does just as much damage as droughts do,” says Hundley.

Wet conditions are good for fungi–which are bad for trees. They can kill the roots of a tree or cause needle cast, which is a disease that makes the older inner needles turn brown and fall off.

Needle cast on a spruce tree. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

These trees can face damage from out-of-season frosts and freezes. Those can damage or kill new growth, sometimes putting those trees back a year, even when farmers can prune the problem spots.

Extreme heat can ruin new growth, too. Hundley says the Pacific Northwest lost 5% to 10% of marketable trees after its heat wave in June 2021.

Climate change

Farming practices are adapting as conditions change over the years. To deal with the increase in precipitation in the eastern U.S., Hundley says some farmers are planting trees farther apart or pruning them differently to allow better airflow.

He also gives a specific example. “We grow a fir that’s native to only about a dozen mountain tops in the southern Appalachians. They grow naturally at about 6,000 feet. We can grow them on production farms, but only down to about 3,000 feet elevation. If you go lower than that, it becomes too warm, and the soil does not drain as well in flat land and they’re very susceptible to root rot.

“So, as the planet warms, we’re going to have to move up the hill, possibly, or we’re going to have to use alternative conifers that are used to warmer climates.”

Be green

Hundley says that farmers replace the trees as they come out and make an effort to disturb the soil as little as possible. Integrated pest management also lets them avoid using pesticides.

He also encourages people who buy real Christmas trees to recycle them if their community offers such a service. Often, the trees are chipped into mulch.

This Jan. 14, 2013 photo shows free mulch strewn in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, N.Y., available for residents to take home and use in urban backyards. The mulch comes from Christmas trees that are collected and recycled in a program run by the New York City Department of Sanitation and the New York City Parks Department. The city collects about 150,000 trees each year and uses the mulch in parks, playing fields and community gardens in addition to making some of it available for personal use. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Justin Gehrts

Source link
December 17, 2024
Final full moon of the year to be December’s ‘Cold Moon’
[ad_1]
The final full moon of the year will appear in the night sky this week. The December full moon, commonly known as the “Cold Moon”, appears during the longest periods of darkness just before the Winter Solstice. It is also known as the “Moon Before Yule” and the “Long Night Moon”.

The Moon will appear fullest at 4:02 a.m. ET on Dec. 15, but it will be visible on both the night of the 14th and 15th.
What You Need To Know

The final full moon of the year rises Saturday night

Will appear with the Geminid Meteor Shower

Next full moon will be the Wolf Moon on Jan. 13, 2025
The “Cold Moon” will notably be the highest full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun will be at its lowest point of the sky, which means that the moon will be the opposite. That means that you will be able to see the bright “Cold Moon” for a longer period of time in the night sky.

Other events in the night sky

The Geminids, one of the more reliable meteor showers of the year, will be peaking around December 12th and 13th this year. While the shower is best viewed during the night and pre-dawn hours, activity typically begins around 9 or 10 p.m., according to NASA. It is important to note that the timing of the “Cold Moon” will make visibility of the meteor shower lower due to the brightness of the full moon.

Moon phases

There are eight different phases of the moon. What phase follows a full moon?
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Ian Cassette

Source link
December 9, 2024
Cold weather alerts are changing
[ad_1]
The National Weather Service is simplifying cold weather messaging and alerts this winter to make watches and warnings easier to understand.
What You Need To Know

NWS is consolidating cold weather alerts

Cold is cold and can be dangerous with or without wind

The changes are already in effect
Hard Freeze and Wind Chill alerts will no longer be used and instead merged into existing alerts.

Hard Freeze Watches and Warnings will now be combined with Freeze Watches and Warnings.

Wind Chill Advisories, Watches and Warnings will be combined with Extreme Cold Advisories, Watches and Warnings.

According to the National Weather Service, “cold is cold.” It can be dangerous with or without wind.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s the wind chill or temperature that makes the cold particularly dangerous, so they don’t want to overshadow that messaging. This change will simplify and improve communication.

Combining these products will also make maps easier to understand with fewer types of alerts in effect at the same time. These changes have already taken effect.

It’s part of the National Weather Service’s hazard simplification initiative.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

Source link
December 2, 2024
Hurricane Season 2024: a look at how well the models performed
[ad_1]
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season was expected to be one for the record books. Early forecasts had a record number of storms developing in the Atlantic basin because of favorable environmental conditions.
What You Need To Know

The GFS model did well with several tropical systems this season from formation to dissipation

Hurricane Hunters happen to be at the right place to survey Hurricane Oscar

Models don’t do well with precursor small-scale tropical systems
But no one could have predicted how the actual season would pan out, with five storms making landfall in the United States, three of them in Florida, with these storms causing fatalities and massive destruction.

The forecast in May predicted “the highest number of named storms NOAA had ever issued” in its pre-season outlook.” Thanks to a waning El Niño transitioning to a La Niña during peak season, environmental conditions were expected to become conducive for development, and that it did.

First half of the season

The season officially began on June 19 with Tropical Storm Alberto. It was followed by Beryl, Chris, Debby and Ernesto.

Beryl and Debby became the most notable storms during the first half of the season, as both made landfall in the U.S. Beryl made the history books, reaching Category 5 status earlier in the season than any other storm.

Late summer lull

After Ernesto dissipated on Aug. 20, there seemed to be a quiet period. With hurricane activity in the Atlantic subsiding near the peak of hurricane season, the validity of seasonal forecasts was in doubt.

It’s important to note that it’s not that there wasn’t any activity. Hurricane Francine developed in the Caribbean Sea and moved into the Gulf of Mexico before landfall in Louisiana on Sept. 11.

“As is often the case with seasonal hurricane activity, there isn’t usually just one cause for it being active or quiet,” says Meteorologist Craig Setzer, a Certified Consulting Meteorologist and Hurricane Preparedness Specialist.

He adds, “This year, it appeared to be a combination of very dry air and an increase in Saharan dust outbreaks along with warmer than normal air temperatures in the middle-and-upper parts of the atmosphere that created the mid-seasonal lull.” Less unstable conditions existed and tropical cyclones need instability for development.

“The long range forecast tended to be right for all of the wrong reasons,” says Spectrum Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay. “A very active Cape Verde season was expected, which didn’t happen. Instead, the Central American Gyre was very active late in the season giving us several significant hurricanes.”

Mid-September activity increases

As soon as the climatological peak of hurricane season was reached (Sept. 10), tropical activity seemed to awaken. Tropical Storm Gordon formed on Sept. 13 in the central-eastern Atlantic, but remained over the open Atlantic and never surpassed tropical strom strength.

Mid-Sept. also brought the formation of Helene, one of the costliest and deadliest storms this season. Helene would make landfall near Perry, Florida on Sept. 26.

Models and forecast track cones

From tropical storm to landfall was only a matter of days for Hurricane Helene, and knowing the track of the storm was vital to protect lives and property. Various data models assist meteorologists in forecasting, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) uses these models to create a forecast track cone.

“The National Hurricane Center relies heavily on global and regional (hurricane) models, which they call ‘guidance’ or ‘aides’ to help create a forecast track,” says Setzer.

National Hurricane Center

One specific model did relatively well with several storms this season, from development to landfall. “The Global Forecast System or GFS is a global model which has shown improved skill in predicting tropical cyclone development well ahead of other models.”

However, just because it does well with one storm, doesn’t mean it will accurately predict all storms. Setzer says, “It has a high false alarm bias, so it also tends to overpredict development that ends up not happening.”

In this age of social media, where folks might be heightened aware of tropical development, this bias could create a panic with the model showing a land-falling hurricane ten days out only for the storm to not develop or dissipate well before land.

Regional forecasting models

Another type of model the NHC uses to refine its forecast tracks is the regional hurricane model. Referred to as regional because, as Setzer says, “They don’t cover the whole globe, just the region of a hurricane.” This model became vital during Hurricane Milton.

Adding, “The Hurricane Analysis Forecast System (HAFS) version B did a good job not only predicting Milton’s intensity but also predicting when it would strengthen and weaken based on internal storm dynamics.”

However, that was after Milton had already formed. Before development, the models struggle. This was the case with both Hurricanes Milton and Oscar.

Models aren’t exact

The NHC releases outlooks every six hours during the season for the tropical basins, including the Atlantic. Those include both a two-day graphical tropical weather outlook and a seven-day graphical tropical weather outlook. This year, both Hurricanes Milton and Oscar precursor storms were given low odds of development, only to then form within 12 to 24 hours.

An area of disturbed weather that would eventually become Milton was given low odds to develop two days before Milton formed. (NHC)

“Milton was fairly well predicted after the area of convection started to consolidate in the western Gulf of Mexico. Prior to that, there were several areas the models seemed to focus on for development, but it didn’t occur,” explains Setzer.

Adding, “Oscar was such a small system, it likely was underrepresented in the data going into the model, and then the model has difficulty in the handling of a very small atmospheric feature.”

Oscar ended up being the smallest hurricane on record, with a hurricane wind field of five or six miles. The Hurricane Hunters, scientists and pilots who fly into tropical systems to investigate conditions happened to be at the right place at the right time. Due to its Oscar’s proximity to land, they flew into the storm.

Would the same designation have been given if the storm was in the far eastern Atlantic?

“It’s a good question.”

He explains. “While our satellites are very good, they currently cannot resolve small-scale storm intensity. It is likely Oscar would have been only designated a tropical storm had it remained in the open ocean away from aircraft reconnaissance. “

Overall, the models did well with all 18 named storms this season. “I’m hopeful this trend in model improvement will bring us better predictions, resulting in more specific warnings and storm preparation areas in the near future,” says Setzer.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

Source link
November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving weather we were not thankful for
[ad_1]
Thanksgiving is a time for the gathering of family and friends, for great food, football, and for some, shopping. Most of the time, the weather around the Thanksgiving holiday centers on travel impacts.

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and a little bit of “not so nice weather” can cause a lot of travel headaches.

Many times, the weather is just an inconvenience, but sometimes around Thanksgiving, the weather has been dangerous and even deadly.
What You Need To Know

Thanksgiving storms are not all about wintry weather

The transition in seasons can allow for active weather in late November

Thanksgiving storms can affect even more people due to holiday travel
Though Thanksgiving is celebrated in the later part of fall, we’re still in a time of year with the clash of air masses, we can see some pretty big storm systems. And we’re not just taking snow and wintry precipitation.

November can see some late season severe weather outbreaks. Not to mention, the hurricane season is still underway in November, not ending until the end of the month.

Here are a few of the major Thanksgiving storms that have impacted the United States in the last 100 years.

Nov. 25, 1926: Thanksgiving Day tornado outbreak

The Thanksgiving Day Tornado Outbreak of 1926 is a perfect example of a late season severe weather outbreak for the Deep South. On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1926, there were 14 reported tornadoes across central and eastern Arkansas.

Four of the tornadoes were rated at F3 and F4 on the old Fujita Scale of tornado intensity.

This was the deadliest tornado outbreak in the state of Arkansas until a severe weather outbreak in Jan. 1949.

Arkansas was not the only state hit by this Thanksgiving Day weather system. Louisiana had 11 fatalities, as several tornadoes made their way through that area, as well.

Nov. 24-25, 1950: The Great Appalachian Storm

On the day after Thanksgiving in 1950, an area of low pressure developed along a cold front in southeastern North Carolina. That low would become the storm that would be called The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950.

As the system moved northward, it rapidly strengthened near Washington, D.C. on the morning of Nov. 25. Over time, the storm moved more northwest, more inland, into the Ohio Valley.

The strong low pressure system pulled frigid air down across the eastern U.S. With moisture wrapping into this cold air, snow was reported as far south as Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. The bulk of the snow occurred across the Ohio Valley, with many locations seeing over two feet of snow in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Coburn Creek, West Virginia reported 62 inches of snow from the storm. Farther north, the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast also saw some snowfall from the storm.

Units of the 112th Engineers of the Ohio National Guard use shovels to help free snow bound streets of Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1950. Weekend storm caused one of the worst traffic jams in Cleveland’s history. (AP Photo)

And speaking of the cold air, many reporting stations saw all time record low temperatures for November during this weather event.

As far south as Florida, Pensacola had a low of 22 degrees. It was 16 degrees in Wilmington, North Carolina; 5 degrees in Birmingham, Alabama; 3 degrees in Atlanta and 1 degree in Asheville, North Carolina. The temperature in Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee dropped below zero to -1 degrees.

Looking toward downtown Pittsburgh, Webster Avenue is buried in snow, Nov. 26, 1950, after a record snowfall. The Mellon skyscraper is under construction at left in background. (AP Photo/Walter Stein)

Strong wind was another factor in the storm. Winds at Mount Washington reached 160 mph. A wind gust of 110 mph was reported at Concord, New Hampshire. A gust to 94 mph was recorded in New York City.

These strong winds cause wide spread tree damage and power outages. Along the coast, the strong winds produced coastal flooding. Runways at LaGuardia Airport in New York were flooded when coastal flooding overwashed dikes in the area.

Overall, 22 states were affected by the Storm of 1950. 383 people lost their lives in the storm and it caused over 65 million dollars in damages (almost $1 billion today).

Nov. 24-25, 1971: Thanksgiving snowstorm

21 years later, another early season winter storm would affect some of the same areas as The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950.

On the Thanksgiving Eve, snow started falling across parts of the Northeast U.S. As the snow continued to fall through the night, the precipitation increased and by Thanksgiving afternoon, snowfall totals of 20 to 30 inches of snow were reported across parts of the Catskills and Upper Hudson River Valley.

Pennsylvania saw the most snow from the storm. Albany, New York recorded just under two feet of snow. The storm stranded travelers in the region as they tried to make their way to their Thanksgiving destinations.

Because the air temperature was near the freezing mark during the storm, the system produced a heavy, wet snow. This caused roofs to collapse, tree damage and widespread power outages across the region.

Nov. 25, 1982: Hawaii hurricane

From severe weather and winter storms, we switch to a tropical system. November is still tropical season in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and in Nov. 1982, Hurricane Iwa found its way to Hawaii. It was the first significant hurricane to hit the Hawaiian Islands since the island was made a U.S. state in 1959.

Hurricane Iwa at peak intensity just north of Kauaʻi, Hawaii on Nov. 24, 1982. (NOAA)

The strong Category 1 hurricane with winds of 90 mph struck the islands of Ni’ihau, Kaua’i and O’ahu on Thanksgiving Day 1982. Those areas reported wind gusts of over 100 mph during the storm.

A few gusts up to 120 mph were reported. Coastal locations saw about eight feet of storm surge. In those areas, the ocean waters pushed over 900 feet inland during the surge. One reporting station received over 20 inches of rain during the hurricane.

A clean-up crew picks up tree branches knocked down by Hurricane Iwa. (U.S. National Archives)

Almost 2,000 homes were destroyed. Hundreds were left homeless and four people were killed, either directly or indirectly because of the storm.

Nov. 26-27, 1983: The Great Thanksgiving Weekend Blizzard

In 1983, it was the central and western parts of the country that dealt with a winter storm at Thanksgiving.

The blizzard hit on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving and affected Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Wyoming and Nebraska.

One of the hardest hit locations was Denver. The city received almost two feet of snow in 36 hours. The storm shut down Stapleton Airport for 24 hours. Several thousand passengers were forced to spend the night at the airport.

It was not much better on the roads around Denver. Thousands of people were stranded on local interstate highways.

Eight to nine-foot snow drifts were reported in Nebraska and Kansas. Major highways were closed in all states affected by the storm.

An interesting fact about the Great Thanksgiving Weekend Blizzard of 1983. Snow from the storm stayed on the ground in Denver for over two months, not melting until late January the following year.

Nov. 26, 1987: Thanksgiving Day Storm

On Thanksgiving Day 1987, a significant winter system hit the northeastern United States.

A winter storm dumped anywhere from 1 to almost two feet of snow from Upstate New York through the New England states. In New Hampshire, parts of the state received 18 inches of snow. In Maine, there were stations that saw just under two feet of snow accumulation.

Along the coast of New Hampshire and Maine, strong winds and waves battered the coastline.

Nov. 23, 1989: Thanksgiving Day Storm

Two years later, another Thanksgiving Day storm battered parts of the East Coast and northeastern U.S.

An unidentified street person huddles with his belongings on the Ellipse morning of Thursday, Nov. 23, 1989 in Washington Monument after a light snow hit the area late Wednesday night. Some 4 inches of snow hit the Washington area on this Thanksgiving Day. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Developing low pressure brought significant rain to the Carolinas and as it moved northward, the system turned more wintry. Parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast saw snowfall totals that ranged from a few inches to over a foot.

New York City saw almost 5 inches of snow. Parts of Long Island picked up nine inches of snow. Cape Cod reported over a foot of snow.

An interesting fact about the snow in New York City. Before the snow accumulation on Thanksgiving Day 1989, the last time snow had accumulated there, on Thanksgiving Day, was over 50 years earlier in 1938.

Ryan Tuman, 9, of Erdenheim, N.Y. takes a running belly flop onto the snow-covered bleachers during the Penn-Cornell football game in Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1989. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

And as bad as the weather was in New York that day, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade went off on schedule. A few of the parade’s big balloons paid the price, however, as they were damaged in the gusty winds caused by the storm.

So overall, thankfully, we’ve been blessed with “not so bad” weather for most Thanksgivings across the United States in the past decades.

So here’s to high pressure and a quiet weather pattern to always be with us around Thanksgiving time. Because we all know, even a little bad weather can go a long way in making a big mess of Thanksgiving plans.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

Source link
November 28, 2024
Discover the carbon footprint of your Thanksgiving feast
[ad_1]
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. While the cost of your holiday meal may impact your wallet, what you’ll eat at your dining room table could affect the climate too.
What You Need To Know

The highest producer of carbon dioxide of your meal is macaroni and cheese

Potatoes are the most climate friendly option

Vegetables also have a low climate impact
This blog is going to make you hungry.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for food. My favorite dishes are sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, dressing and macaroni cheese.

Plus, my favorite holiday desserts are sweet potato pie and mom’s 7UP! pound cake.

So, I was curious about the impact some of my favorite dishes had on our environment. I looked over data from Our World in Data, a nonprofit that focus on global issues from the environment to agriculture.

So let’s discuss the environmental impact of your holiday feast.

Turkey

The data classifies turkey as poultry meat. The main course of your meal will contribute about 21 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere.

Raising and the transport of turkeys from farms to processing is factored into the environmental impact of the main dish.

Mashed Potatoes

Now to some of your favorite sides during this festive feast.

Potatoes are climate friendly. I really enjoy mashed potatoes with gravy.

They produce about 1 lb of greenhouse emissions. Potatoes are the most climate friendly option because they are sustainably grown.

The starchy vegetable uses less water and land to grow.

Macaroni and Cheese

It’s a different story for macaroni and cheese, which is a popular side dish during this time of year. The cheesy side contributes about 37 lbs of CO2 to the atmosphere.

Macaroni and cheese has a high climate compact because the milk needed to make the cheese comes from cows, goats and sheep.

Livestock from these animal groups creates and emits greenhouse gases.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also important for the Thanksgiving meal. Whether it’s asparagus, broccoli or peas, all of them have a lower climate impact.

All three vegetables contribute less than 2 lbs of greenhouse gases.

Just like potatoes, it takes less natural resources to grow these vegetables.

Biscuits

We cannot forget about those Thanksgiving biscuits. The buttery bread has a climate impact of 4 lbs of CO2.

The ingredients are key in determining the impact of this item. Flour, butter, salt, sugar and milk make up biscuits.

So, the study is taking in account the ingredients used to determine the impact of this flaky bread.

Desserts

Let’s discuss some deserts. Unfortunately, the study does not include pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie, but they list apple pie and carrot cake.

Apple pie contributes about 3 lbs of CO2 to the atmosphere, while carrot cake contributes 4 lbs of greenhouse emissions.

Like biscuits, the study took into account the ingredients to make the desserts.

No matter what you eat this Thanksgiving, enjoy it and be happy with your friends and family.

I know I am going to grab 2 to 3 plates myself.

There’s a lot to be thankful for this year, so enjoy and have a festive and safe holiday.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Keith Bryant

Source link
November 27, 2024
How weather controls what’s on your Thanksgiving table
[ad_1]
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I’m already looking forward to the moist turkey, the apple pie, the wine and even the cranberry sauce!

When you think about it, everything that we eat and drink on the holiday is affected by the weather.
What You Need To Know

Weather affects many Thanksgiving Day favorites

Turkeys have a higher survival rate in warmer climates

Light winds and plenty of sunshine help grow the perfect grapes for wine

Farmers must watch apples throughout the entire season to get the best apple
The centerpiece of your table, the turkey, heavily depends on the weather in which it is raised. The survival rate of turkeys is not as great in colder weather as it is in warmer weather.

According to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), 55-60% of turkeys survive bitter cold and snow. Although that is much less than the 70-100% survival rate in warmer climates, it remains enough to feed us all on Thanksgiving while maintaining a healthy and safe population.

Leading up to fall, the weather affects apples immensely. In the spring, it is important that the apple farmers monitor temperature, humidity and any precipitation, as the bugs and parasites that can ruin crops depend on those conditions.

In the summer, if the temperature gets too hot and not enough rain falls, apple crops could be ruined. In the fall, cooler overnight temperatures help apples get their red color and help them ripen up. This, of course, allows for the perfect apple pie.

A lot of sunshine helps create an better grape and, hence, wine flavor. Light winds help to keep fungus off of grapes and help them dry out. Frost and freeze is generally bad for grapes and wine production. However, ice wine can be created from the frozen fruit.

Last, cranberries rely on temperature. In fact, they are typically grown in the southern part of our country as the temperature there stays warmer. Lots of sunshine helps keep the fruit sweet, and that means the best-tasting cranberry sauce.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Kaylee Wendt

Source link
November 26, 2024
Colder air can leave your tires feeling deflated
[ad_1]
As we move more into the colder months, it may be time to check the air pressure of your tires.
What You Need To Know

Cold air will cause your tires to lose air pressure

Check your tires every winter and again in the spring

Not everyone has a warning light to monitor
Imagine it is a cold morning; you rush outside to start your car. Shortly after getting it warmed up, you back out of the driveway, and you hear a noise: ding.

A funny light has appeared on your dashboard, something like this:

(Getty Images)

What is that?

It is your TMPS warning light, also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. In short, it means your tires need air.

With the drop in temperatures, the air pressure of your tires will also begin to drop. In general, for every 10 degrees colder it gets, you will lose about one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) from your tires.

Why does this happen?

As the air cools, it contracts. Colder air also means fewer molecules move around. The air molecules will produce less pressure on the walls of the tires. Thus, you end up with tires that look flat.

For example, say you last had your tires aired up when it was 75 degrees outside. Now, today, it is 25 degrees. That is a 50-degree change, and it means your tires may have lost upwards of 10 PSI.

Now is the time to have your tire’s air pressure checked and, if needed, refilled. How much air do your tires need? Check on the tires themselves or the inside of the driver door.

A tire pressure label inside the driver door. (Spectrum News/Justin Gehrts)

Keeping your tires properly inflated can keep you safe on the road. Low tire pressure causes more of the rubber to hit the road. This leads to extra wear on your tires and can also lead to some loss of steering control.

What if the light turns off after driving for a while? You should still check your tires. Heat generates on the tire as you drive. That heat is then transferred to the air molecules inside of the tires, increasing the pressure (temporarily).

Some older model vehicles do not have TMPS sensors. If you notice your tires look a little flat, it is beyond time to have your air pressure checked.

It’s not just air pressure to keep an eye on–your tires need other care in the winter, too.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Chief Meteorologist JD Rudd

Source link
November 21, 2024
Sara dissipates after bringing significant flooding to Central America
[ad_1]
Sara was the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed into a tropical storm on Thursday, Nov. 14 in the western Caribbean Sea and brought heavy rainfall and significant flooding to Central America, specifically parts of Honduras and Belize.
What You Need To Know

Sara was the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

It made landfall in Belize as a tropical storm

It brought significant rainfall and flooding to Central America
After forming in the Caribbean Sea, Sara slowly drifted westward toward Central America. As it approached Honduras, it stalled near the northern coast on Nov. 15.

As it sat stationary for a day just offshore, it brought extreme rainfall to parts of Honduras with rainfall totals almost up to 40 inches, causing significant flooding.

Sara moved through the Bay Islands of Honduras, and eventually landfall in Belize on Sunday, Nov. 17 as a tropical storm with max winds of 40 mph.

Portions of Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua and southern Mexico also saw some locally heavy rainfall and flooding from Sara. It weakened into a tropical depression after landfall, and dissipated as it moved through the Yucatan into the Bay of Campeche.

Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

More Storm Season Resources

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Spectrum News Weather Staff

Source link
November 18, 2024
Weathering the front: How nature’s fury defined World War I
[ad_1]
The First World War, occurring from 1914 to 1918, remains a testament to the endurance and ultimate sacrifice made by millions.

Occurring over a century ago, the weather was far less predictable than it is now but was just as brutal as it can be today and made life for soldiers incredibly difficult, whether that was from extreme heat, freezing cold or flooding rainfall.
What You Need To Know

Soldiers endured scorching heat, freezing cold and relentless rainfall during WWI

Adverse weather affected warfare strategy, soldier mortality rate and the influenza pandemic

There were periods of unchanging weather patterns leading to prolonged moments of heat waves or floods
Remembrance Day is a memorial holiday that coincides with Veterans Day each year. We honor our American veterans today from all conflicts past and present, but the end of World War 1 is also remembered on this holiday.

Major hostilities from the Great War were formally ended on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when armistice began. Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, was officially renamed to Veterans Day in 1954.

The weather had a significant impact on the war and was an enemy for soldiers in the trenches.

Extreme heat

As the summer of 1914 unfolded, invasions were occurring and soldiers were traveling in the dog days of summer. Temperatures soared to unprecedented highs in northern Europe. At one point, a heat wave broke out, bringing temperatures above 86 degrees for several days straight early in the month.

Soldiers wearing wool uniforms and burdened with heavy equipment confronted the scorching heat as they navigated challenging terrains to reach the front lines.

The extreme heat was then followed by unexpectedly early extreme cold, which made managing resources difficult.

Freezing cold

The bitter cold that gripped the Western Front during the winter months was a sharp contrast to the preceding summer of 1914. Temperatures in November of that year became much colder than average, leaving soldiers without winter coats in the harsh conditions.

Help would come in December when gloves and winter coats would be handed out, but fur-lined boots wouldn’t arrive until January.

In 1917, a severe winter struck between Jan. 20 and Feb. 9, with temperatures never rising above freezing. In the middle of that arctic blast, one February night saw the overnight low plummet to a bone-chilling nine degrees below zero, rendering limbs and fingers numb.

The soldiers would try their best to keep warm by building fires in the trenches, but that quickly proved fruitless because the smoke would become trapped and suffocate the men.

It wasn’t only smoke that became trapped in the trenches, but these long, zig-zag rows, often 12 feet deep, would become small rivers during heavy rain.

Flooding rainfall

One of the most pervasive effects of weather on World War I was the relentless onslaught of rain. For 648 days – almost half of the war’s duration – rain and snow battered the Western Front, transforming trenches into mud and misery.

For over two weeks in Jan. 1915, over four and a half inches of rain fell in northeastern France, which was double what they would normally get during that time of the year.

Torrential rainfall in 1915, 1916 and 1918 had a decisive role in major battles such as Verdun and the Somme, contributing to the death of over a million soldiers.

Many times, large ridges of high pressure over Russia would produce extreme cold in the eastern part of Europe and result in a repetitive pattern of low pressure systems for western Europe, bringing little to no sunshine or heavy rainfall for the area.

It’s worth mentioning that the war and the influenza pandemic teamed up with the hazardous weather to make for especially deadly conditions for those fighting.

Experts have uncovered data showing that the mallard ducks migration, influenced by adverse weather, likely played a role in the flu’s transmission to humans, especially during the fall of 1917 and 1918.

Nearly 10 million soldiers were killed during World War I, with over 116,000 from the United states. The relationship between extreme weather and the severity of both the war and the influenza pandemic emphasizes the vulnerability of humanity to the forces of nature.

As we reflect on those who have fought to keep America free and those who continue to serve our country that way today, let us remember the bravery of those who endured such hostile conditions during one of the most deadly conflicts in history.

Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Thomas Meiners

Source link
November 11, 2024
Hurricane Rafael drifts westward in the Gulf of Mexico
[ad_1]
Category 2 Hurricane Rafael is drifting westward in the Gulf after making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. Rafael made landfall in the Cuban province of Artemisa as a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph.

Rafael became a tropical storm on Monday, Nov. 4 and strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
What You Need To Know

Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, Nov. 6

It made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane

Rafael will drift across the Gulf of Mexico into the weekend
Rafael continues to drift westward in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a Category 2 hurricane with max winds of 105 mph. It’s becoming slightly better organized and stronger as it moves over the southeastern Gulf.

As it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, it should gradually begin to weaken because of high wind shear and cooler waters. We expect further weakening over the Gulf, well west of Florida, through the weekend.

The track has shifted and will pose no threat to Florida or most of the U.S. Gulf coast. At this time, a Mexico landfall is possible, but it could also dissipate over water.

Winds and seas will be hazardous in the Gulf of Mexico. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Eastern Gulf waters through Friday morning with a high risk of rip currents along the Gulf Coast beaches. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect over the open Gulf of Mexico waters.

Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

More Storm Season Resources

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Spectrum News Weather Staff

Source link
November 6, 2024
Subtropical Storm Patty forms in the deep Atlantic

[ad_1]

Patty formed in the deep Atlantic and will be no threat to the U.S.

[ad_2]

Spectrum News Weather Staff

Source link

November 2, 2024
The time change debate continues as we ‘fall back’ to standard time this weekend
[ad_1]
It’s that time of the year when we set the clocks back one hour, returning us to standard time, reducing the amount of daylight in the evenings, but we gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend.
What You Need To Know

Sunshine Act passed in the U.S. Senate in 2022

Current time change rules have been in place since 2007

Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time year round
This brings up the conversation of why we need to do the switching of the clocks twice a year. Why not just stay on daylight saving time year round or standard time for the entire year?

However, it’s not that easy. The path to accomplish this includes federal approval.

Why we change the clocks twice a year

The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. By advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

This established the time frame that daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

This current time shift began in 2007.

Not everyone participates

Hawaii doesn’t participate because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks.

Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968.

They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

Old metal alarm clock among grass and flowers.

Current legislation

The Department of Transportation oversees daylight saving time and all the country’s time zones.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Federal law refers to the Uniform Time Act, which was passed in 1966. This law allows a state to exempt itself from observing daylight saving time or staying on standard time year round. However, it does not allow a state to be on permanent daylight saving time.

As of 2024, at least 30 states have considered or are considering legislation or resolutions about Daylight Saving Time.

22 States that have introduced legislation exempting from daylight saving time and staying on standard time year-round. No federal approval will be needed if passed.

On the other hand, 20 states have enacted legislation or passed resolutions to provide for year-round daylight saving time, but there are a few caveats. If Congress allows the change and if the surrounding states enact the same legislation.

Sunshine Protection Act

On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change.

While the Senate passed the bill, two and a half years later, it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Biden.

The future

For now, legislation to observe daylight saving time year-round remains pending.

Other states will continue to perform case studies and collect data to see if this shift is beneficial in saving energy, helping improve health and reducing crime.

And so we will change our clocks back one hour this Saturday night, returning to standard time and then on March 9, 2025, we will move the clocks forward one hour, switching to daylight saving time.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

Source link
November 1, 2024
The time change debate continues as we ‘fall back’ to standard time this weekend
[ad_1]
It’s that time of the year when we set the clocks back one hour, returning us to standard time, reducing the amount of daylight in the evenings, but we gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend.
What You Need To Know

Sunshine Act passed in the U.S. Senate in 2022

Current time change rules have been in place since 2007

Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time year round
This brings up the conversation of why we need to do the switching of the clocks twice a year. Why not just stay on daylight saving time year round or standard time for the entire year?

However, it’s not that easy. The path to accomplish this includes federal approval.

Why we change the clocks twice a year

The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. By advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

This established the time frame that daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

This current time shift began in 2007.

Not everyone participates

Hawaii doesn’t participate because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks.

Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968.

They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

Old metal alarm clock among grass and flowers.

Current legislation

The Department of Transportation oversees daylight saving time and all the country’s time zones.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Federal law refers to the Uniform Time Act, which was passed in 1966. This law allows a state to exempt itself from observing daylight saving time or staying on standard time year round. However, it does not allow a state to be on permanent daylight saving time.

As of 2024, at least 30 states have considered or are considering legislation or resolutions about Daylight Saving Time.

22 States that have introduced legislation exempting from daylight saving time and staying on standard time year-round. No federal approval will be needed if passed.

On the other hand, 20 states have enacted legislation or passed resolutions to provide for year-round daylight saving time, but there are a few caveats. If Congress allows the change and if the surrounding states enact the same legislation.

Sunshine Protection Act

On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change.

While the Senate passed the bill, two and a half years later, it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Biden.

The future

For now, legislation to observe daylight saving time year-round remains pending.

Other states will continue to perform case studies and collect data to see if this shift is beneficial in saving energy, helping improve health and reducing crime.

And so we will change our clocks back one hour this Saturday night, returning to standard time and then on March 9, 2025, we will move the clocks forward one hour, switching to daylight saving time.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

Source link
November 1, 2024
How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween
[ad_1]
Halloween may have ended, but you can find a lot of ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done.
What You Need To Know

There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.
Turn pumpkins into food

You can use the leftover pumpkins to make food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

The puree could the be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

(Pexels)

You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them.

Pumpkin for animals

Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals.

Composting pumpkins

Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

Source link
November 1, 2024
Afraid of the weather? These are the most common weather phobias
[ad_1]
A lot of us hate different types of weather. Someone from the south may hate the cold, while someone from up north might hate the heat and humidity. Those feelings are valid, but there is a difference between disliking the weather and having a genuine fear of it.
What You Need To Know

A phobia is an anxiety disorder defined by an excessive fear of an object or situation

The best way to treat a phobia is by exposure therapy, counseling or medication

There are countless weather phobias, many of which stem from a prior trauma
Weather phobias may not be common, but they’re real. People who experience these phobias can have debilitating anxiety and stress depending on what Mother Nature is throwing their way. And like other phobias, symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and more.

Ombrophobia (Fear of rain)

Most can probably agree that rain can be a nuisance if you’ve got outdoor plans or you’re trying to go out and run some errands and want to stay dry. For an ombrophobe, rain can cause significant stress or anxiety.

(Getty Images)

Whether that fear stems from germs in the rain, acid rain, flooding or even more significant dangers, even a light drizzle can trigger symptoms. Ombrophobes may totally avoid going outside if there is even the slightest chance of rain, whether it be a drizzle or a downpour.

Astraphobia (Fear of thunder and lightning)

The fear of thunder and lightning is more likely for children and pets, although adults can be astraphobes, as well. It’s one of the most common phobias, including non-weather related ones.

(Susan Coppock Photography)

People with sensory processing disorders or weather-related trauma are likely to have a fear of storms. Storms can happen year round, but are most common during the summer.

The best way to deal with the fear of thunder and lightning is being in a safe place during a thunderstorm and finding distractions when the weather gets bad.

Lilapsophobia (Fear of tornadoes or hurricanes)

Adjacent to astraphobia, the fear of severe weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes, is known as lilapsophobia. It’s another phobia that can be brought on by previous traumatic experiences related to a hurricane or tornado, and is more common for children.

(NOAA/Amanda Hill)

Lilapsophobes can spend a lot of time tracking the forecast if a hurricane is coming or storms have some severe tornado potential, and assume the worst of any normal rain shower or thunderstorm.

In popular culture, the main character in the 1996 film “Twister,” Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt), suffers from lilapsophobia after witnessing her father die from a tornado as a child. To fight her phobia, she follows her father’s footsteps and becomes a storm chaser (spoiler alert).

Chionophobia (Fear of snow)

The fear of snow isn’t exclusive to southern drivers, but for chionophobes as well. These are people who could have had a traumatic experience with snow, whether it be a snowboarding or skiing accident, or maybe a traffic accident driving in wintry weather.

(FreeImages)

Someone who fears the snow and lives up north or in the mountains would likely try to stay indoors throughout the winter when it’s cold out or if there is a chance of snow, and keep the curtains closed during a snow shower.

A common fear of someone who suffers from chionophobia is getting buried in the snow or getting trapped in an avalanche.

Ancraophobia (Fear of wind)

Ancraphobia is the fear of wind, whether it is a light breeze or a gust front. This is a phobia that would keep somebody inside on days there is any type of wind outside.

(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Even something as simple as a wave crashing on a beach could remind someone of wind, making it a place to avoid. Traveling in mountains or higher elevations where winds are typically stronger is also a something an ancraophobe would steer clear of.

Nephophobia (Fear of clouds)

Have you ever laid outside in the grass, staring at the sky, trying to guess what the clouds look like? If so, you’re not a nephophobe. That is someone who has a fear of clouds.

(Spectrum News/Justin Gehrts)

Clouds can take on many forms, whether it’s a thin and wispy cirrus cloud on a pleasant day, or a bubbling cumulus cloud with the top shooting up as high as you can see before a thunderstorm.

Nephophobia can cause someone to flee from the outside when they see clouds form in the sky, fearing something much worse is on the way. Being afraid of fair-weather clouds is much less common than storm clouds, which could be a harbinger of severe weather or a tornado.

Heliophobia (Fear of sunlight)

If you’ve ever seen someone covered from head to toe in clothes on a sunny summer day, or carrying an umbrella around for shade, it’s likely for protection from the sun.

(FreeImages)

A heliophobe likely wouldn’t take the risk of any sun exposure, even with those protections. Not only sunlight, but a heliophobe is probably afraid of bright, indoor light as well.

Heliophobia can stem from the fear of getting skin cancer or aging quickly, since sunlight can lead to wrinkles.

Thermophobia (Fear of heat)

Thermophobia is another phobia not well suited for someone who lives in the desert or the South. It’s the fear of heat. A thermophobe could have an extreme fear of getting a heat illness, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, or could excessively sweat.

(Getty Images)

Nobody enjoys getting into their car on a hot day when it feels like the inside of an oven that can make you break a sweat in less than a minute. Not only does a thermophobe avoid hot air temperatures, but hot objects as well.

The best way to avoid the heat? Living in cooler climates or staying inside in a cooler environment with air conditioning.

There are even more weather-related phobias out there, including the fear of air, humidity, fog and more. You can see the complete list here.

If you’re a weather lover, then you probably have your own “phile.” Whether you love the snow or a thunderstorm, you can find that list here.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

Source link
October 31, 2024
Why Election Day is on a Tuesday in November
[ad_1]
Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, this year. Like every year, it’s the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

There’s solid reasoning behind why Election Day follows an unusual calendar process. That’s partly related to the weather.
What You Need To Know

Election Day always falls on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November

Early November was after the harvest, but still ahead of winter

Tuesday was the most convenient day for farmers to get to the polls
While the date itself may not align conveniently to most modern-day schedules, the date wasn’t just picked at random.

When Congress agreed to make one national election day in 1845, they selected the date centering it around the lifestyles of farmers at the time. That included considering when the growing season ended.

Why November?

Like daylight saving time, much of the decision to select a date for Election Day was geared toward the farmers, since they made up the bulk of the labor population back in the day.

Farmers spent much of the spring, summer and early fall months dedicated to their cultivating crops, leaving them little to no time to head to the polls. However, their schedules opened up again once the harvest was complete.

(AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Choosing an early November date seemed to be the wisest option. Not only was it after the harvest, but it also occurred before winter. This allowed many citizens to get to the polls without worrying about the bitter cold or winter storms.

Why a Tuesday?

Carving out time to head to the polls on Tuesday may come as a modern-day inconvenience. But that wasn’t the case back in 1845, when Congress set that day of the week as a nationwide date to vote.

Many 19th century farmers usually spent Sundays as a day of rest and worship. After the harvesting season, they would spend Wednesday through Saturday working in the marketplace.

With that, Mondays and Tuesdays were the only two days farmers were available to vote. Unlike today, polling centers were few and far between, leaving only one or a select few within a day’s travel by foot or animal.

As a result, farmers used Monday for travel, leaving Tuesday the designated Election Day.

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

Election Day sometimes falls on the first Tuesday of November, but not always is the first Tuesday of the month.

Rather, it falls on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November.

This was to avoid Nov. 1, which many Christians honor as All Saints’ Day. As a result, Election Day typically falls between Nov. 2 and Nov. 8.

A change in date is up for debate

Even though many polling facilities stay opened for long hours on Election Day, many people nowadays argue that making it to the polls is a struggle during the workweek.

Unlike the 1800s, though, there are now options to cast early votes. Absentee and early voting are offered by nearly all states.

During the 2020 presidential election, implementation of the mail-in ballot was credited for the uptick in voter turnout. According to census data, approximately 66.8% of eligible Americans voted, making it the highest percentage in the century.

In attempts to increase voter turnout, some political leaders fought for making Election Day a national holiday to accommodate more citizens’ schedules. However, Election Day itself remains unchanged.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Shawnie Caslin

Source link
October 30, 2024
Fall brings out spooky things, including spiders
[ad_1]
They’re creepy and they’re crawly and altogether spooky. That’s why spiders are associated with Halloween. Have you ever noticed this time of the year spider webs become more prevalent?
What You Need To Know

Females are the larger spiders

Warmer fall weather means larger spiders

Wolf spiders are common across the United States
In fact, check any doorway outside and you’ll likely run into a web. I opened the door to let Boomer, the dog, out and inadvertently destroyed a web created by a spider. Several hours later, the web was repaired and intact.

Spider facts

The lifecycle of the arachnid begins in the spring with hatching. Spiders that survive into adulthood are big enough to spin webs by the fall.

Webs are not only created to catch food but also for females to lay eggs. The spiders we typically see spinning those geometric webs in the fall are females.

Some spider species are solo creatures and often travel alone, unless during mating. If you see two spiders grouped together, the larger of the two is the female.

Male spiders provide the genetic material and once mating is complete, female spiders typically consume them.

Warmer temperatures means larger spiders

Some species of spiders die when the temperatures drop below freezing. However, if it’s a warm fall, these spiders have more time to eat and grow, leading to bigger spiders.

Other spiders have evolved to survive the colder temperatures, either by seeking shelter indoors or in a pile of leaves or rocks. Once they find this spot, they will go into a state of diapause, slowing down or suspending their body processes into dormancy.

Brown recluse

A venomous spider commonly found in the Midwest and South-Central U.S. is called the Brown Recluse spider. The name “recluse” is fitting, as these spiders are often found hiding in unused drawers, basements, closets, garages or attics.

Before wearing garments found in these locations, including shoes and boots, be sure to inspect them and shake them out to rid of the arachnids. This spider species is quite social, meaning there could be more hiding nearby.

The females lay their eggs in their untidy webs, but spend little of their time in them.

These spiders are identified by the violin shape of their heads and are usually observed running or walking around.

If you think you have a Brown Recluse spider problem in your home, it is best to call in the professionals with a licensed exterminator.

Wolf spiders

This type of spider does not behave like a typical spider. In fact, it got its name because of its ability to run down its prey like a wolf and its large appearance. They don’t spin webs to catch their food.

The female wolf spider attaches her egg sac to herself and carries it around on the bottom of her abdomen. After the eggs hatch, she will then carry her babies on her back.

Wolf spiders will only bite if provoked, but their bites are harmless to humans. They are common all over the United States, including Hawaii, and are found in all different habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, as well as coastal forests and even alpine meadows. They like to find warm places to hibernate so don’t be surprised to find them hiding under furniture or in the basement.

A Wolf spider was found in the basement. Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn

Tips to keep spiders away

Like any insect, these arachnids will find their way into your home by any means necessary, but this will offer you the best way to keep the majority at bay.
- Seal any cracks or small holes
- Seal all entryways
- Remove webs as soon as they appear
- Keep a clean kitchen free of food and crumbs
- Turn off exterior lights as much as possible because lights attract bugs and bugs will attract spiders
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

Source link
October 30, 2024
How weather can influence voters on Election Day
[ad_1]
There’s a reason Election Day is on the first Tuesday of November. And it has (just about) everything to do with the weather.

Election Day falls on the first Tuesday of November because it comes after the fall harvest and before winter’s harshest conditions typically move in.

And weather traditionally plays at least a marginal role in determining an election’s winner and loser.
What You Need To Know

Lower Election Day turnout has traditionally favored Republicans

Some studies even show an increase in raw votes for Republicans in lousy weather

Impactful rain appears likely for some parts of the U.S. in this year’s election
Dating back to America’s first elections in the 1700s, weather has played a big role in election turnout. Day-long journeys to polling places are the reason that Election Day falls on a Tuesday, and you can probably imagine the challenges that befuddled voters trudging through horseback on mud-laden roads.

But even with modern conveniences of electricity and cars, lousy weather still plays an outsized part in determining the winners of an election.

And in the modern political era, lousier weather and lower voter turnout typically translates to sunnier results for Republicans.

A rainy sky is (traditionally) a Republican’s delight

Several studies in the modern political era point to the GOP’s advantage when bad weather goes up and turnout goes down.

Those studies also show that Republicans are typically higher turnout voters, meaning suppressed turnout because of bad weather tends to specifically reduce the number of Democratic or Democratic-leaning voter groups.

Why is that the case? So-called “peripheral voters,” who are less inclined to vote for a variety of reasons, tend to vote Democrat. If rain is a significant inconvenience, such as having to walk in it to a polling place because they don’t have transportation, they’ll skip voting.

The 2007 study “The Republicans Should Pray for Rain: Weather, Turnout, and Voting in U.S. Presidential Elections” indicated that rain and snow slightly reduced turnout—and benefitted Republicans.

“We find that, when compared to normal conditions, rain significantly reduces voter participation by a rate of just less than 1% per inch, while an inch of snowfall decreases turnout by almost 0.5%,” said the 2007 study. “Poor weather is also shown to benefit the Republican Party’s vote share.”

That study also argued that different weather could have altered the outcomes of the 1960 and 2000 presidential elections.

Precipitation isn’t everything

Rain and snow get most of the attention, but another study that looked at the 2004 election explored other factors. It found that sunshine and mild temperatures lowered turnout overall. In fact, for every 10-degree rise in temperature, voting probability dropped by 0.6%.

The study’s author speculates some people chose to enjoy the weather while they could, rather than use that time to go vote.

That’s not always the case, though. Election Day 2020 was a beautiful day weather-wise with very little precipitation, with the exception of the Northeast and parts of the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

(NOAA)

According the to U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 presidential election had the highest voter turnout of the 21st Century. Although, most of the surge was due to an increase in mail-in voting.

The U.S. Census Bureau states that “in 2020, 43% of voters cast ballots by mail and another 26% voted in person before Election Day. In 2016, 21% mailed in their ballots and 19% voted in person prior to Election Day.”

What’s the outlook for 2024?

This year’s Election Day forecast could be more eventful than that of 2020. A sweeping cold front looks likely to bring rain, wind, and snow to some throughout the day. Let’s have a closer look.

In the Southeast, more mild weather is in the cards for Election Day. Highs will be warm and reach into the 80s for places like Florida, the Carolinas and Tennessee. There could be some rain across the Tennessee Valley.

As we go north, a system could pass through the Northeast Tuesday, bringing with it potential for rain, wind and even higher elevation snow.

Election Day forecast across the country.

In the Midwest and Plains is likely where our front will be located on Election Day. Showers and storms will be possible from Minnesota, Kansas and as far south as Texas. Temperatures will also range wildly depending on which side of the front you’ll be located.

Out in the West, mountain snow is possible in the Rockies. Toward the coast, more favorable weather is expected with cool, but dry conditions.

As we get closer to the date, we will have an even better idea of the forecast so be sure to keep checking in.

Check your local forecast here.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
[ad_2]

Spectrum News Weather Staff

Source link
October 28, 2024