Explaining 2011 extreme weather events
Worldwide, 2011 was the coolest year on record since 2008, yet temperatures remained above the 30 year average, according to the State of the Climate in 2011 report released online yesterday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The peer-reviewed report, issued in coordination with the American Meteorological Society (AMS), was compiled by 378 [...]
Read More →Hurricane Season 2012: Forecasting the Fury
Last August’s Hurricane Irene illustrated what works – and doesn’t – in storm forecasting. The predicted track for Irene was right but wind intensity projections were off, leading to a larger area being evacuated than was necessary. The inability to forecast wind speeds accurately was compounded by communication issues. “The track, yes, that’s useful because [...]
Read More →More wind and heat could hamper Colorado wildfire fight
Forecasters are expecting warmer than normal temperatures and gusty winds Tuesday in a northern Colorado area already ravaged by a wildfire, not a good combination for the legion of firefighters trying to extinguish the blaze. The High Park Fire had consumed more than 58,700 acres of woodland by Monday evening, but it was about 50% [...]
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