Latest news with #PaulPastelok
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts warn of dramatic spikes in US households' energy bills this summer: 'Unprecedented'
A new AccuWeather report forecasts searing temperatures, more frequent droughts, and higher power bills across large swaths of the United States this summer. According to the news release shared by PR Newswire, hotter weather is expected to impact millions of Americans, with meteorologists predicting temperatures three degrees or higher above average for much of the U.S. Higher energy bills are expected as people crank up the air conditioning to find relief. "Make sure your air conditioners are ready for another hot summer across much of the country, especially the western and central U.S. We expect a summer with more extremes, including extreme heat waves, expanding drought and the potential for big wildfires and major hurricanes later in the summer," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said. Droughts across the western U.S. could spark wildfires, even during monsoon season when thunderstorms trigger lightning strikes that hit dry landscape and potentially cause it to burn. Overall temperatures are projected to climb above historical averages in 45 states, with 14 in the central and western U.S. expected to see the highest temperatures. Heatwaves are extremely dangerous for the elderly, young, immunocompromised, or anyone without air conditioning, as extreme heat causes more deaths than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and cold weather combined, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist and climate expert Brett Anderson. The impacts of scorching summer temperatures are usually worse in major cities, where the urban heat island effect makes the surrounding air feel hotter than it would in rural or suburban areas because of the dark-colored asphalt and concrete buildings. If someone lacks air conditioning, they're at a higher risk of experiencing heat-related illnesses and other health issues. In highly humid climates, warm weather can be even deadlier because the body struggles to maintain a safe core temperature without the ability to cool down through sweating. Recent studies show an alarming increase in heat-related deaths over the past two decades across the U.S., and the trend is likely to continue as global temperatures continue to climb because of the shifting climate. Human activities — namely the burning of dirty fuels such as oil and gas — are driving rapid changes in the climate that are contributing to more extreme weather. Scientists have been observing these long-term shifts in weather patterns since the mid-1800s, but the effects haven't been felt to an extreme degree until the past decade. How often do you worry about your energy bills? Every day A few times a week A few times a month Only when I pay it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. NASA reported that "the rate of change since the mid-20th century is unprecedented over millennia." "While Earth's climate has changed throughout its history, the current warming is happening at a rate not seen in the past 10,000 years," it added. Rising global temperatures act like "steroids for weather," as climate tech investor Molly Wood explained. Burning dirty fuels causes the atmosphere to trap excess heat and hold more moisture, which triggers more intense storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and every other kind of natural disaster. Addressing the overheating planet is costly, but ignoring the consequences is far more expensive. Luckily, governments, climate tech companies, and other organizations have come up with solutions to help us withstand the effects of the warming world. For example, the U.S. government just unlocked $7 billion in solar panel incentives that will help homeowners switch to cleaner energy that can reduce the pollution in the atmosphere, thereby contributing to a cooler planet. Companies have also made breakthroughs in battery tech that allow for longer storage, increasing grid resiliency and ensuring people have enough power at night when demand peaks. Installing solar panels with a backup battery system can make your home safer and more prepared to handle extreme weather events during power outages. Plus, your energy costs will be drastically lower or even reduced to nothing, allowing you to save that money for other home improvements that increase security as the climate shifts. If you're interested in going solar, the online marketplace EnergySage offers a free service that allows you to compare quotes from vetted installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Alberta Wildfires Approach Oil Sands, Threaten More Output
(Bloomberg) -- Wildfires in Alberta are threatening almost half a million barrels of daily crude production as heat and wind push the flames closer to massive oil sands well sites. A total of 29 out-of-control fires are burning in the province amid hot, dry weather, bringing flames within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of about 459,000 barrels of daily oil production, according to data from Alberta's energy regulator and wildfire department. The province had only four out-of-control fires on Monday. An expanding fire near Alberta's border with Saskatchewan is the biggest threat to oil output. MEG Energy Corp.'s Christina Lake oil sands facility, which pumped 93,000 barrels a day in April, is within about 4 kilometers of the blaze. MEG said in an email that it has evacuated non-essential workers from the site, but hasn't curtailed production. Part of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.'s Jackfish oil sands site, which produced almost 38,000 barrels a day in April, is within about 3 kilometers of an expanding fire near Cold Lake, in the heart of the Canadian oil sands, according to Alberta Energy Regulator and Alberta Wildfire data. Other parts of Jackfish that produced a combined 83,000 barrels a day are within about 10 kilometers. CNRL didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Canada, the world's fourth-largest crude producer, has long seen its energy output threatened by wildfires that rage through the dense forests of northern Alberta in spring and summer. In 2016, a blaze shut down the massive oil sands mines just north of Fort McMurray, taking more than 1 million barrels of daily production offline. The situation is strengthening prices for Canada's oil. Canadian heavy crude for July traded at a discount to the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate of as little as $8.70 a barrel on financial markets versus $9.30 on Thursday, according to a person familiar with prices and General Index prices compiled by Bloomberg. Fire danger across most of Alberta is still considered extreme today, according to Natural Resources Canada, though it's expected to subside somewhat over the weekend as the weather shifts, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance of rain by Sunday. Meanwhile, fire crews in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba are facing 'very, very bad conditions' as gusty winds continue to scour the region, said Paul Pastelok, a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather Inc. Those dry gusts can make it challenging to gain control over existing fires and may also spread embers, Pastelok added, sparking new blazes. Smoke from the fires is expected to drift across the US Upper Midwest Friday, causing hazy skies and somewhat reduced air quality in Chicago and Minneapolis. 'You can get a whiff of that smoke coming down to the ground,' Pastelok said, 'but it won't be as strong as what they've gone through in past years.' --With assistance from Mia Gindis. (Updates with map, heavy Canadian crude price in sixth paragraph) More stories like this are available on
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Over 3 million in Maryland still facing drought despite recent rain
Despite a recent stretch of rain, large swaths of Maryland remain parched, with over 3 million residents living in areas affected by drought, according to the latest federal Drought Monitor. Parts of Baltimore, Carroll and Harford counties continue to experience unseasonably dry conditions. Liberty Reservoir — a major source of drinking water for the region — has dropped to its lowest level in nearly 20 years, prompting the Baltimore Department of Public Works earlier this month to issue voluntary water restrictions for the city and surrounding counties. Statewide, 43% of Maryland is experiencing moderate drought, while 24.6% is considered abnormally dry, according to drought data released Thursday. Weather experts say several factors are contributing to the drought, including persistent wind patterns and a lackluster winter snowfall. 'This past spring has been windy with prevailing winds from the west and northwest. Any cold fronts tend to lose moisture heading through,' AccuWeather lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok said in an email. 'In addition, it has been a very windy spring and any rain that falls runs off or dries out before it's absorbed. Also, it was not a very snowy winter. Snow in the winter helps the deeper layers of soil stay moist in the spring, and helps with deeper root systems. 12.7 inches of snow fell this winter, compared to the historical average of 19.3 inches.' The impacts of drought conditions are being felt in Baltimore's surrounding areas. In Harford County, 244,826 people are affected by drought conditions. From January through April, the area experienced its fifth driest start to the year in 131 years of monitoring precipitation. Baltimore County is also struggling: From January through April, rainfall totals were 4.39 inches below normal, with last month being the 60th driest April on record over the past 131 years, drought data shows. Over 78% of Carroll County residents are experiencing drought, with January through April ranking the third driest year to date over the past 131 years. In Anne Arundel County, 38% of residents, or 204,365 people, are affected by drought. Relief might be on the horizon, according to Pastelok. 'Late May and June still look active, with more cold fronts and rainfall that could ease drought conditions,' Pastelok said. 'We expect near to slightly above average rainfall this summer. If tropical systems from the Gulf track north, that could quickly boost rainfall totals — though pockets of drought may linger into early summer. Drier weather could return later in the season if those storms miss the region.' Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@ or on X as @ToddKarpovich
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
May ranks among the wettest ever in much of eastern, southern US
If it felt like the rain just wouldn't quit this May across the eastern and south-central United States, you're not imagining things. A number of towns and cities have recorded their top-five wettest Mays on record with some places already notching the top spot. And more rain can fall before the month comes to a close. Some of the locations that have experienced the wettest May on record include Jackson, Mississippi; Huntsville, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Montgomery, Alabama; Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Worcester, Massachusetts; and Lebanon, New Hampshire. The list may continue to grow through the end of the month with more steady rain in store for locations in the Northeast and the ever-drenching thunderstorms in the Southern states into the weekend. "The frequency and amount of rain is having a negative effect on agriculture and the construction industry," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. "Farmers cannot cut and store wet hay, and workers cannot replace roofs during rainy weather." "The wet conditions of May are making up for areas of dryness and drought in the Northeast during March and April," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "Some places have received double or more than their historical average for May in New England, as well as portions of the South." Mongtomery, Alabama, receives 3.88 inches of rain during May on average. But, this May, the city has filled up with 8.61 inches or 222% of the historical average for the entire month. •Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ The list of issues goes beyond farmers not being able to get into their fields to plow. Mildew and fungus can become a problem. Meanwhile, construction, painting, paving and pool projects continue to face lengthy delays, and work is becoming backlogged. Hourly employees dependent on work may be furloughed. Grass-cutting operations are busy with lawns growing fast in the wet conditions, but problems arise in this industry as well, with persistent rains putting crews behind. Downpours by way of thunderstorms will persist in the Southern states through Friday before some areas start to dry out. In the Northeast, the risk of showers will extend right through the weekend, which marks the end of May and the start of June. The rain is hampering outdoor activities such as ball games and exercising. Those spending money and time on travel are finding that Mother Nature has other plans for their golf games or a vacation at the beach or lake. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
First tropical storm of the year could come weeks earlier than normal
The first tropical storm of the season is expected to form later this week. Forecasters said that a tropical depression was projected to form in the eastern Pacific, around several hundred miles south of the southern coast of Mexico. 'Showers and thunderstorms are gradually becoming better organized near a broad area of low pressure located several hundred miles south of the coast of southern Mexico,' the National Hurricane Center said in a Tuesday update. 'While the system currently lacks a well-defined circulation, environmental conditions are favorable for further development, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is expected to form during the next day or two as the low moves generally west-northwestward at around 10 mph.' They gave the disturbance a high chance of formation over the next 48 hours to a week. If it forms, the storm may move clouds and rain toward the Gulf Coast states as early as this weekend, according to AccuWeather. It would be called Alvin. The formation would mark an early start to the eastern Pacific hurricane season. The average date for the first storm of that season is on June 10, according to NASA. Last year's first storm, known as Tropical Storm Aletta, didn't form until the Fourth of July. That marked the latest start to an eastern Pacific hurricane season in the satellite era. Hurricane Hone brought flood damage to Hawaii, knocking out the power for tens of thousands of people. The eastern pacific hurricane season began May 15 and runs through November 30. However, the average first hurricane typically only forms by June 26. Right now, the Atlantic basin is quiet, with its season starting on June 1. However, this year's Atlantic hurricane season is anticipated to be above-average, once again, with climate change fueling warm ocean waters that supercharge the cyclones. Between 14 and 18 tropical storms and seven to 10 hurricanes are projected for the eastern Pacific this year, according to AccuWeather. That's a higher number of hurricanes than the historical average. "With waters starting off cooler than historical average and likely to continue through the summer off of California, the circulation of any non-tropical storm offshore that forms could help pump moisture and generate heavy rainfall in not only New Mexico and Arizona, but perhaps Southern California and Nevada as well late in the summer season," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. "It is a lot of ifs, but that is something we are looking at closely."
