Into the Furnace

Heading back toward Colorado today, we left Columbia under sunny skies with a temperature in the mid 70s F.  Pleasant conditions persisted through Missouri and eastern Kansas but, west of Salina, the temperature began to climb.  Fueled by a strong south wind, it reached 104 degrees F (per a Hays, Kansas, bank) or 109 degrees F (per our car thermometer).  Once we were outside the vehicle, the steady wind produced a blast furnace effect.

Perusing the National weather map, we appear to be in the hottest bubble outside of the Desert Southwest.  Though I have no documentation, I cannot remember being immersed in such hot air at any time in my life (and that's a lot of time).

We'll set out early in the morning to complete our journey before the afternoon sun takes its toll.  Unfortunately, this is just a warmup (no pun intended) for summers to come.  Then again, perhaps our Dear Leader is correct and climate change is a cruel Liberal hoax!

 

A Gift from August

August, long renowned for its heat, arrived overnight behind a cold front, bringing cool, misty weather to central Missouri.  Ahead of that front, heavy rain fell across Columbia, a welcome dose of moisture during this long, brutal summer.

While we certainly appreciate that a dramatic change in weather has arrived with the new month, there is little doubt that the heat will return as the front heads east.  But, for now, the cool respite will facilitate some much-delayed yard work.

Since it is the last meteorological month of summer, August invites us to look ahead to the glorious season of autumn.  Unfortunately, climate change is pushing back that transition and, before long, August may represent the midpoint of a prolonged summer season. 

Growing without Water

As we left Metro Denver this morning, we observed a fleet of earth movers, clearing a swath of prairie east of the city.  Of course, this is in preparation of a new suburban development, perhaps twenty miles from the downtown area.

Having just experienced a record-low snowpack in the mountains, a nearly snowless winter in Denver and an extremely hot and dry summer to date, one wonders what the developers and city planners are thinking.  Already in a stage-one drought as the work begins, the Metro Area faces severe water shortages in the not-too-distant future.

Cities throughout the American Southwest are experiencing the same problem yet they continue to expand and place even more demand on limited water resources.  As our climate warms, a widespread crisis is bound to occur.  Perhaps a volcanic winter will rescue our species at some point. 

Night Rescue

A month past the summer solstice, our days are noticeably shorter.  As we endure a long period of severe heat, the longer nights cannot arrive soon enough.

Indeed, this astronomical rescue from sunlight will be the ultimate solution to the heat exhaustion that is affecting populations across the Northern Hemisphere.  Though we usually take this annual transition for granted, it will be especially welcome this year (and likely for many years to come).

No doubt, we will complain about the incursions of winter when they arrive but we can more easily prepare for them; besides, as our climate warms, they may disappear altogether.  For now, bring on the darkness!  

Trump's Environmental Ignorance

As almost 900 wildfires rage across the vast northern forests of Canada, Pacific storm systems direct some of the smoke into the Upper Midwest and Northeastern U.S.  Of course, this angers Our Dear Leader and it is one of the reasons that he threatens to impose a 50% tariff on our neighbor.  In his opinion, the Canadian government should be doing more to control the wildfires.

Our warming climate is primarily responsible for this widespread disaster, reducing snowfall and rain across the Great Northwoods.  Unfortunately, Trump and his Cabinet do not accept the "hoax" of climate change, choosing to cut emissions regulations, withdraw funds from green energy projects and encourage the rebirth of coal-fueled power plants.

Of all his disastrous policies imposed upon our country, Trump's disdain for environmentalism may have the greatest long-term effect.  Hopefully, the private sector will resist this folly and ignore his repeal of established environmental laws.  After all, they know by now that a Blue Wave is coming in November. 

Weather History

In the past, we were often informed of significant or record-breaking weather events that occurred on that specific date.  Some of the events were tragic while many were simply nostalgic.

In the present, severe weather seems to occur on a daily basis.  Following recent, deadly heat across most of the country, worsened by ongoing wildfires throughout the drought-plagued West, excessive rain has produced severe flooding throughout the Texas Hill Country over the past 24 hours.  No doubt, other sites of flash flooding will be reported across the South as warm, humid air flows northward from the Gulf of Mexico.  While a strong El Niño and copious African dust have reduced tropical development in the Atlantic Basin to date, we are yet early in the Hurricane Season.

As our climate continues to warm, we will be watching severe Weather History unfold on a daily basis, throughout our country and across the globe.  Lead by an Administration that denies the reality of global warming, we will be unprepared for the onslaught, leading to unnecessary deaths and potential economic catastrophe.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Mother & Destroyer

The Sea is the mother of all life on Earth, which first evolved in her realm about 3.6 billion years ago.  It would not be until 450 million years ago that some species became terrestrial but a fabulous diversity of life still inhabits Mother Sea, much of which has yet to be discovered by humans.

Nourishing and sculpting terrestrial ecosystems with her weather systems, she also destroys habitats and human developments with coastal hurricanes, severe inland storms and flooding rains.  Indeed, as our climate warms, these destructive events will intensify.

Furthermore, as her component oceans open and close, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanism alter terrestrial landscapes and destroy regional life; the recent earthquakes in Venezuela demonstrate a risk that stretches across the globe.  The Sea, an essential component of Life on Earth is both generous and destructive; we could not live without her but often succumb to her power.  

Trump kills the Endangered Species Act

In their most outrageous attack on our natural environment to date, Trump's Departments of Commerce and The Interior plan to open protected habitat to drilling and mining companies.  In their words, the Endangered Species Act, written into law more than 50 years ago, is too restrictive.

Foregoing any scientific studies to support their convictions, these pro-business, anti-conservation politicians would surely destroy our National Wildlife Refuge system if given the chance.  Climate change deniers and human-centric zealots, they have no appreciation for our reliance on the health of natural ecosystems.

Once again, Trump's enablers in Congress are too afraid to intervene.  The destruction of our planet and its long term impacts on future generations (including their own children and grandchildren) does not appear to warrant any opposition.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Thousand-Year Floods

Following episodes of severe flooding, as occurred in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois yesterday, references are made to a "thousand-year flood," indicating that such an event is expected no more often than every thousand years.  Of course, such an expectation is based on meteorological data that has accumulated over the past Century or so.

Unfortunately, we are now in a different atmospheric environment, courtesy of global warming that was triggered by the Industrial Revolution.  Earth's seas and atmosphere are steadily warming, saturating the air that moves above the Continents and archipelagos.  Storms, ignited by atmospheric clashes along an energized jet stream, often drop copious amounts of rain and, should the storms "train" across the same areas, severe flooding occurs.

Such destructive floods are becoming more common and will only increase in frequency as our climate continues to warm.  Efforts to reverse that trend are not currently sufficient, especially in the U.S., and we ignore the risk of living on floodplains and barrier islands.  "Thousand-Year Floods" have become annual events. 

Extreme Weather & Climate Change

Weather extremes have characterized most of the U.S. this year.  This week's flooding across the Southeastern States has been record-breaking as some locations have received almost three feet of rain.  Ironically, some of the deluge has occurred in areas that had been plagued by drought for many months.

Farther north, severe thunderstorms with tornadoes, high winds and large hail have repeatedly raked the Great Plains and Upper Midwest.  This weekend, another round of severe weather will develop across the High Plains, moving through the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic Region over the following days.

Extreme heat, warm oceans and a powerful, unruly jet stream combine to produce these dangerous weather conditions.  More than typical, seasonal storm systems, we are witnessing the effects of a warming climate.  Though its effects may vary over the years, these extreme weather events will surely become more common and efforts to reduce damage and deaths will be imperative. 

FEMA and Looming Disasters

While spending billions on an unjustified war, Our Dear Leader has cut back on the funding of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  This decision comes amidst the threats of climate change (a challenge that he and his Administration ridicule).

Currently, severe drought across the American West and the Southeastern States has set the stage for a destructive wildfire season.  Meanwhile, tornados and flooding have ravaged the Upper Midwest and the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins within a month.

As with most of the decisions he makes, Trump's policies boost his "strong man" image and benefit the wealthy class, those least affected by natural disasters.  After all, those loyal supporters readily donate to his personal projects (such as the planned ballroom and arch) that will define his legacy. 

Reassuring Tunes

Per the National Audubon Society, nation-wide studies over the past few years have demonstrated a significant decline in U.S. bird populations, especially those that inhabit grasslands; waterfowl species appeared to be least affected but have recently decreased in number.  Habitat loss, pollution and severe weather events (courtesy of climate change) are among the most likely factors in this disturbing trend.

Aware of these studies, I was personally alarmed by the apparent dearth of white-throated sparrows in central Missouri this winter, especially in our neighborhood.  Usually among the more common winter residents in our region, these Canadians arrive in October and generally stay until mid April.

But as we approach their usual departure week, I have been heartened by the frequency of their homesick tune, ringing through our yard.  Perhaps my seasonal observations have been misleading but the study data is hard to ignore.  Soon, in response to the lengthening days (though seemingly to the warming weather) the white-throats, fond of chilly conditions, will head north to their homeland.

 

Deception from Space

For many of us, the highlight of manned or unmanned space flights is the opportunity to observe our beautiful home planet from a distance.  Of course, the apparent tranquility on Earth is an illusion.

Since life first evolved in Earth's ancient seas, its tenacity has been tested by cataclysmic events and the ongoing process of geologic evolution.  Though we humans, relative newcomers on the planet, have benefited from large brains, our period of stewardship has been hampered by mysticism, racism, nationalism and a quest for wealth and power.  Natural ecosystems, the source of all life on our planet, have been threatened by human overpopulation, pollution, excessive consumption and relentless development.  Now, man-induced climate change challenges the welfare of all species, humans included.

So enjoy the glorious spectacle from space and try not to dwell on the realities of life on Earth.

Denver in Stage 1 Drought

Following a nearly snowless winter in Metro Denver and the lowest mountain snowpack in decades, Denver Water has declared a Stage 1 drought, encouraging residents not to start watering their lawns until mid May (at the earliest) and limiting that activity to two days per week.  Time will tell if those restrictions need to be increased.

Anyone who understands the ramifications of global warming and has witnessed the ongoing sprawl along the Colorado Front Range is not surprised that this water emergency has developed.  Though it might be a temporary drought with recovery through the spring, it is a clear warning sign that climate change will likely produce significant water shortages across the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of the American West.

Fortunately, rain and snow are forecast to arrive in the coming week but the long term risk of drought is significant.  One hopes that reduced "development" will be employed to meet the challenges of our warming climate. 

Don Quixote Trump

Donald Trump, while not nearly as noble as his literary counterpart and backed by an entire political party rather than just Sancho Panza, is tilting at windmills again.  Offering to pay 1 billion of our tax dollars to cancel a wind farm off New England, Our Dear Leader has repeatedly demonstrated his disdain for green energy, especially wind power.

Preferring to bring back the coal industry and dedicated to maximizing our use of fossil fuels, he has withdrawn federal funding that was in place to encourage the production of electric vehicles and to facilitate solar, wind and geothermal projects.  Of course, he can count on his Cabinet and most Republican members of Congress for their active or passive support.

But as with Don Quixote, Trump's enemies are imaginary.  He has no knowledge of or interest in climatology and he only hires those who share his non-scientific, pro-oil view.  Having threatened the global oil supply with his ill-advised war in Iran, his Dulcinea may remain out of reach.   

The Kona Low

Severe flooding across Oahu, Hawaii, is the product of an unusually potent and persistent Kona Low.  The latter is a center of low pressure that typically develops northwest of the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months, sweeping tropical moisture across that archipelago from the southwest.

Held in place by an atmospheric trough (a dip in the jet stream), this "cutoff low"generally persists for a few weeks, producing a typical rainy season.  This year, the Kona Low developed relatively late in the winter but its strength and persistence has led to the torrential precipitation and record flooding.

Of interest, this atmospheric trough over the Pacific is tied to the persistent atmospheric ridge over the Desert Southwest, which has fueled the severe heat that is currently spreading eastward across the U.S.  Climatologists believe that both extremes demonstrate the effects of our warming climate.

A Dome of Summer Heat

Having produced record high temperatures across the Desert Southwest over the past few days, a ridge of high pressure is expanding eastward and will set records across much of the U.S.  Within this dome, air is sinking, heating up and drying out.

Unlike our usual summer heat waves, during which high humidities moderate the temperature and keep nocturnal lows relatively warm, this dry, desert heat will cause unusually high afternoon temperatures while permitting overnight lows to fall into the 40s and 50s F.

Here in Missouri, we will experience afternoon highs in the 80s F for the next few days with overnight lows in the low 50s.  Spring is just beginning and this taste of summer will fade quickly; on the other hand, this atmospheric dome may portend warmer springs as climate change progresses. 

Dismantling Science

Among their many efforts to dismantle science, the Trump Administration now plans to shut down the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.  Their reason, according to the Budget Director, is that the Center is the leading force behind "climate change hysteria" in America.

Of course, it is also in a Blue State with a Democratic Governor who King Trump does not like.  Having dramatically reduced funding for medical research and a wide variety of environmental programs, the Administration has set its sights on all forms of science though I suspect military technology will be spared.

As several early spring storm systems have brought tornadic thunderstorms as far north as the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Region, formerly unheard of in early March, one would think that climate change deserves a great deal of monitoring and research.  Indeed, the latest storm is bearing down on the Mid-Atlantic Coast this morning and Washington DC lies within the high risk zone for tornadoes.  Perhaps a direct hit on the ballroom might change Our Dear Leader's point of view. 

Alaska Drilling Declined

As the Trump Administration demonstrates its disdain for science, specifically related to conservation and climate change, oil leases have been offered in ecologic-sensitive regions of Alaska, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Fortunately, to date, American oil companies have declined to bid for those opportunities.  This past week's sale, involving Cook's Inlet, did not elicit a single bid.

Citing the expense of drilling in those areas and an adequate supply of oil from other sources, these energy companies likely also sense the financial and political consequences of ignoring ecological responsibilities that will outlast the current Administration.

Indeed, as Trump and his cronies attempt to roll back decades of environmental progress, private companies understand that political disruptions are relatively brief and, thankfully, remain focused on long-term sustainability.  We must acknowledge the vital role that they play in our stewardship of the planet.  After all, they have grandchildren too. 

Northeast Blizzard

The storm system that raked the Midwest with tornadoes and dropped heavy snow across the Great Lakes region will move off the Atlantic Coast today, creating a classic Nor'Easter as its counterclockwise winds pull in copious moisture from the ocean.  Up to two feet of snow is expected from New Jersey to Boston and the high winds will produce blizzard conditions.

February is the peak month for Nor'Easters as gyrations in the jet stream trigger the fickle and rapidly changing weather of early spring.  The exact track of the storm determines the impact on coastal cities and the current forecast indicates that this one may be devastating, perhaps shutting down travel throughout the region.

Then again, all the snow and misery will fuel the conviction of the uninformed (and politically motivated) that global warming is a hoax, ignoring the fact that powerful storms and an energized jet stream are fueled by heat.