Latest news with #AmericanMeteorologicalSociety
Forbes
5 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
The Rise Of Meteorologists
COLLEGE PARK, MD - JANUARY 21: Former National Weather Service Director Louis Uccellini speaks ... More during a news conference on a winter storm forecast January 21, 2016 at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, Maryland. A winter snowstorm is forecasted for the East Coast this weekend with prediction of up to 30 inches of snow for the DC area. (Photo by) This week my colleague John Morales went viral for going on the air to caution that cuts to the National Weather Service have made him less confident in his ability to warn the public about hurricanes. Miami-based Morales, who was trained at Cornell and Johns Hopkins University, is a colleague whom I have interacted with many times as a member and during my tenure as President of the American Meteorological Society. He is simply one of the most respected broadcast meteorologists within our field. His forward stance is not surprising, but meteorologists have been a hot topic in recent weeks. Let's talk about the rise of meteorologists. I don't mean to make that sound like some zombie apocalypse. Meteorologists have been around for decades. They work in the broadcast industry, National Weather Service and other government agencies, private companies, state organizations, and many other institutions. My sixth-grade science project shaped my life. After building weather instruments and taking observations in my hometown of Canton, Georgia, I knew that becoming a meteorologist was my destiny. For me, I was more interested in the 'hows and whys' of the field rather than forecasting or being on television. Most of my career has been spent at NASA and academia. Though my profession is far broader than broadcasters, that's what most people associate with the word 'meteorologist." In fact, I often receive the question, 'What channel are you on?' STERLING, VA-OCTOBER 1:Computer Tracking the Weather Balloon in Flight at National Weather Service ... More Headquarters on October 1, 2012 in Sterling Virginia(Photo by Benjamin C. Tankersley/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) A broadcast meteorologist is likely the only scientist the general public encounters on a daily basis. I will say more about that later. Morales is passionate about the field of meteorology and people. Last year while Hurricane Milton approached the Tampa Bay region, he broke into tears during coverage for WTVJ. He later explained in Mother Jones why he got so emotional. He said, 'With climate-driven extremes putting us in a place that we haven't been before, it's very difficult to stay cool, calm, and collected.' Over his 40 years, Morales has risen to the occasion to warn the public, particularly South Florida, about major weather threats and is particularly known for his masterful risk communication related to hurricanes. Just this week, it was announced that he is a recipient of the National Center for Science Education Friend of the Planet Award. A recent slate of early retirements and cuts to NOAA and NWS cuts have created challenges at one of the most dangerous weather times of the year. Numerous media outlets have reported that NWS offices are understaffed and that critical services like weather balloon launches, which provide input for the weather prediction models, have been reduced. In some cases, the NWS has moved employees from one part of the country to places with critical needs. We are in the midst of peak severe weather season, and tornado activity has been deadly. At least 19 people lost their lives in London, Kentucky in a storm earlier this Spring. Additionally, the Atlantic hurricane season started on June 1st and is projected to feature above-normal activity. LONDON, KENTUCKY - MAY 17: Tony McFall wears his father's cowboy hat, while looking over the debris ... More of his father's and step-mother's house, who lost their lives during the tornado in the neighborhood of Sunshine Hills on May 17, 2025 in London, Kentucky. A tornado struck communities in Somerset and London, Kentucky, leaving over 10 dead and more injured. (Photo by) Last week, meteorologist participated in a 100-hour, non-partisan marathon to share the value of weather research and federal resources. Like police or fire services, many colleagues on the livestream articulated that weather information, warnings, and life-saving guidance should be an accessible public good. The Forecast Watch blog noted earlier this year, 'For starters, the NWS costs the average tax-paying American $3-4 per year. That's about the cost of one cup of coffee. As of now, the NWS has a budget of around $1.38 billion, with around $102.1 billion returned in estimated public value. That's a whopping 73:1 return on investment.' All living former directors of the National Weather Service recently penned an open letter about the impact of cuts and the value of the agency. These colleagues, all of whom I know well, served Presidents from both sides of the aisle. They made the obvious points about staff reductions and the value of forecasts. However, they also pointed out the importance of radar technicians and other staff that keep our forecasts and warnings coming. Elbert 'Joe' Friday also touched on the importance of NOAA and other parts of the federal system that enable the work of NWS with data, research, and advanced technology. The two leading U.S. weather organizations, the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association have offered services, resources and support during these dynamic times. The American Geophysical Union has also been actively engaged on behalf of the weather, water, and climate enterprise. Earlier this week CNN reported that the NWS had been authorized to hire over 120 personnel to 'stabilize' operations. That certainly helps, but it is far below NWS numbers prior to January, which means reduced hours, staff shortages, and limited services are still likely. Morales went on to say, "Did you know that Central and South Florida National Weather Service offices are currently basically 20 to 40 percent understaffed? From Tampa to Key West, including the Miami office, 20 to 40 percent understaffed.' Florida is one region most likely to be hit by a strong hurricane. Major hurricane return periods. Morales is a scientist and a scholar, so I cringe when people in the broadcast profession are called 'weatherman.' For my female colleagues, the term 'weather girl' is even more offensive. These days most people delivering your forecasts are scientists with rigorous training in calculus, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, atmospheric physics, and the other meteorological coursework. I emphasize this point because as meteorologists find their voices on all of our behalf, it is important to understand that they are well-trained professionals who understand the science, engage in risk communication, and care about the protection of life and property. As a tornadic storm or Category 5 hurricane approaches, I want to hear from trusted meteorologists not an app or AI. TODAY — Pictured: Angie Lassman on Thursday July 13, 2023 — (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via ... More Getty Images)
The Independent
26-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Dangerous heat bursts have been spiking temperatures across the US as people sleep. So what are they?
An intense burst of heat hit southwestern Oklahoma on Sunday, sending temperatures spiking into the high 90s. In the city of Chickasha, which is located approximately 40 minutes from Oklahoma City, the weather event occurred in the early morning hours. 'Several hit southwest Oklahoma this morning. An intense burst of extreme heat hit Chickasha, Oklahoma at 5:15 a.m. Sunday morning, bringing the temperature to 95.6 degrees!' meteorologist and atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci wrote on the social media platform X. But, what are heat bursts and how do they form? Here's what you should know. What are heat bursts? Heat bursts are localized and sudden increases of temperature that are associated with a thunderstorm. The relatively rare atmospheric nighttime events are often accompanied by 'extreme drying,' according to the American Meteorological Society Glossary of Meteorology. They're also characterized by gusty winds. 'Chickasaw went from 77 degrees and 80 percent relative humidity to 95.6 degrees and just 17 PERCENT humidity!' Cappucci noted. 'Chickasaw also gusted to 59 mph! Medicine Park, Oklahoma warmed to 81.2 degrees and gusted to 69 mph. Altus got to 89 degrees shortly after 2 a.m.' How do they form? Heat bursts need a dissipating thunderstorm or shower and a hot and dry midlevel atmospheric environment to form, according to National Weather Service forecasters. The midlevel atmosphere is around 20,000 feet above the Earth's surface. Thunderstorms develop when moist and unstable air is pushed upward, and rain then falls from the storm. When the storm loses that upward moving current of air, it is dominated by a downward moving current of air. Along with the combination of a hot and dry midlevel atmospheric environment, the downward current's moisture evaporates and cools the midlevel atmospheric layer, increasing its rate of descent toward the ground. The descending air will stop cooling when all the moisture has evaporated, warming the midlevel layer. The heat burst occurs when the warm and dry air descends to the surface. 'As air sinks, it warms up (and dries out). And if you have an air pocket coming from high enough, it warms up a LOT by the time it reaches the surface. It also brings strong dry winds – like a desert hurricane,' Cappucci noted. When and where do they happen? Heat bursts typically occur in the spring and summer, when thunderstorm activity is associated with daytime heating. While thunderstorms dissipate during the evening as they lose their main source of energy, heat bursts occur in the evening or overnight hours. They can occur in many regions, but are most common in the Midwest and Plains states. However, they have previously occurred outside of that range. A significant weather event in 2012 brought one to Georgetown County, South Carolina. They've also struck the Southwest. What are the associated dangers? Climate change is making heat events more frequent and severe. The rapid increase in surface temperatures - sometimes occurring in less than an hour and leading to a triple-digit high - can take residents by surprise. So can the associated winds, have been known to exceed 70 or 80 mph. They can rip the roofs off buildings and damage trees. In Chickasha, they knocked out the power for more than 2,000 residents in Grady and Caddo counties, according KOCO 5.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
FOX 16 News hires Joel Young as new Chief Meteorologist
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – FOX 16 News officially announced the promotion of Arkansas Storm Team meteorologist Joel Young as the station's new Chief Meteorologist. Joel brings more than a decade of experience to the Arkansas Storm Team. His work has earned him certification through the American Meteorological Society, an Emmy nomination and AP awards. Since graduating from Mississippi State University in 2012, he has served in Sioux Falls, SD; Biloxi, MS; Tupelo, MS and Memphis, TN. Joel joined the Arkansas Storm Team in March of 2022 and has worked to keep Arkansans weather aware ever since. 'I'm so grateful for the trust that's been placed in me, and even more grateful to work alongside a team as talented and dedicated as this one,' Joel said when asked how he feels in this new role. 'I'm proud to represent FOX 16 and to continue building on the strength of the Arkansas Storm Team.' To catch him when he's off air, you can follow him on Twitter at @joel_off_air, on Instagram at @joel_off_air or on Facebook at @JoelOffAir. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's Gutting of US Climate Report Prompts Science Groups to Step Up
(Bloomberg) -- Two US science organizations are launching a new climate research initiative in the wake of the Trump administration dismissing expert authors of the National Climate Assessment. The Battle Over the Fate of Detroit's Renaissance Center NYC Real Estate Industry Asks Judge to Block New Broker Fee Law NJ Transit Strike Would Be 'Disaster' for Region, Sherrill Says Iceland Plans for a More Volcanic Future NJ Transit Urges Commuters to Work Remotely If Union Strikes Described in a May 2 statement by the groups as a 'first-of-its-kind special collection' of research on climate change in the US, the effort won't be able to replace the sweeping, congressionally mandated assessment, which was a year into its sixth iteration when its authors and staff were let go, said the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society. But they hope that it will help keep the work going. The groups will publish peer-reviewed manuscripts over their suite of publications rather than trying to replicate the report in a single volume, said Brandon Jones, president of the American Geophysical Union, the world's largest association of Earth and space scientists. The aim is to create a library of information that can be consulted by people in government, academia, philanthropy and business. 'The goal is to provide another platform for the important climate research to continue,' Jones said. The invitation is open to any scientists and researchers who want to contribute, he added. Recent editions of the landmark US report have outlined how the risks of wildfires, floods, heat waves and intense storms have been rising as greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels cause the world to warm. Because it is comprehensive, the assessment has enabled the public and private sectors to prepare for the impacts of climate change, said David Stensrud, president of the 12,000-member American Meteorological Society. The latest edition, released in 2023, was almost 2,000 pages long with about 750 scientists and researchers contributing to it. There have been five completed assessments since Congress passed the Global Change Research Act of 1990. A sixth assessment would have been released in 2027 or 2028 and was being authored by hundreds of scientists working on a volunteer basis, coordinated by staff at the cross-agency US Global Change Research Program. The contract for those staff was terminated last month, according to multiple reports. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy said the scope of the project is being reevaluated and all participants are released from their roles. 'Without this information our country risks flying blind into a world made more dangerous by human-caused climate change,' Rachel Cleetus, a report author and senior policy director for climate and energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in a statement. The author dismissals come after months of financial and staff cuts at a variety of science-focused government entities including the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its child agency the National Weather Service, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is tasked with helping the public recover and rebuild from extreme weather and climate events. In January, President Donald Trump canceled the first National Nature Assessment, another report the Global Change Research Program coordinated, by revoking the Biden-era executive order that had authorized it. Made-in-USA Wheelbarrows Promoted by Trump Are Now Made in China 100 Moments You Might Have Missed From Trump's First 100 Days How an Israeli Hostage Negotiator Outsmarts Ransomware Hackers Can the Labubu Doll Craze Survive Trump's Tariffs? US Border Towns Are Being Ravaged by Canada's Furious Boycott ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Bloomberg
05-05-2025
- Science
- Bloomberg
Trump's Gutting of US Climate Report Prompts Science Groups to Step Up
Two US science organizations are launching a new climate research initiative in the wake of the Trump administration dismissing expert authors of the National Climate Assessment. Described in a May 2 statement by the groups as a 'first-of-its-kind special collection' of research on climate change in the US, the effort won't be able to replace the sweeping, congressionally mandated assessment, which was a year into its sixth iteration when its authors and staff were let go, said the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society. But they hope that it will help keep the work going.
