Meteorology Matters

A potential tropical storm, dubbed Invest 99L, is forming in the Caribbean and has a high chance of developing into Tropical Storm Sara within the next few days.

Multiple weather models are forecasting Sara to potentially become a hurricane and threaten Florida's Gulf Coast next week, although the track and intensity of the storm remain uncertain. Meteorology

Matters discusses the rarity of November hurricanes, with only three recorded landfalls in the US since 1850, but warn that warm water temperatures in the Atlantic basin are fueling an unusually active hurricane season.

Meteorology Matters addresses Tucker Carlson’s bizarre assertion that abortions cause hurricanes, dismissing scientific explanations for their increased frequency and intensity, and instead linking them to a supposed “human sacrifice.” We examine these claims through a scientific lens, presenting evidence that contradicts their religious justifications and highlights their potential harm in influencing public opinion on scientific and social issues. We look back at televangelist Pat Robertson’s claims over the years that he can control the weather and that God is punishing the U.S. for its increasing acceptance of homosexuality, specifically targeting Disney World and abortion supporters.

Meteorology Matters looks at the potential impact of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency on science and environmental policy. Currently, the Biden administration is trying to solidify its environmental policies, such as those regarding greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle electrification, before Trump takes office. We examine the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s potential return to power and how it might influence scientific research, particularly concerning climate change, vaccine skepticism, and the role of government funding in science. There’s the potential for conflict between Trump’s agenda and the goals of the scientific community.

Meteorology Matters compares and contrasts the climate change policies of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. We explore their records on climate change, examining their stances on issues such as the Paris Agreement, renewable energy investment, electric vehicles, and fossil fuel projects. We look at the broader implications of their positions for the future of U.S. climate policy, highlighting their contrasting views on the urgency of climate action and their approaches to clean energy transitions. The candidates' foreign policy platforms, including their views on the war in the Middle East, the NATO alliance, climate change, trade with China, aid for Ukraine, and immigration. Delving into the potential impact of a Harris or Trump administration on climate and energy policy, we analyze the challenges and constraints they will face in implementing their agendas.

Meteorology Matters discusses the possibility of tropical development in the Atlantic basin during the final month of hurricane season. We look at three specific areas of interest: the southwestern Caribbean Sea, the northeastern Caribbean Sea and Greater Antilles, and the North Atlantic. We also emphasize the importance of monitoring these systems as their development and movement could potentially bring heavy rainfall and flooding to various regions.

Meteorology Matters explores the devastating consequences of flooding across the globe, highlighting the increasingly frequent and intense events driven by climate change. We examine how different countries are responding to this challenge, focusing on strategies such as building barriers, adapting to flooding, and relocating communities. We look at the World Weather Attribution report that analyzes the recent flooding in Sudan, concluding that human-induced climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of such extreme rainfall events. There’s been a record-breaking number of flash flood emergencies in the US, emphasizing the role of climate change in intensifying heavy rainfall events. The damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Helene on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, showcases the destructive power of flooding on natural landscapes and infrastructure. Recently severe flooding in Italy and Spain, show the significant human and economic toll these events have taken. We address the unfolding tragedy in Valencia, Spain, highlighting the devastating impact on the country and the ongoing efforts to provide aid and rescue stranded individuals.

Meteorology Matters discusses the flooding of the Withlacoochee River in Central Florida, which has been at its highest levels since 1960 due to excess rainfall during the rainy season and Hurricane Milton. We explain the river's course, how the flooding has impacted local communities, and the efforts by authorities to help residents. We also address concerns from the public about the causes of the flooding and whether water management structures could be used to alleviate it.

Meteorology Matters explorers the rising trend of billion-dollar weather disasters in the United States. NOAA provides a comprehensive overview of the events in 2023, highlighting the record number of disasters and the significant financial and human costs. The Washington Post examines the debate surrounding the role of climate change in this trend. While acknowledging the potential influence of global warming, the article emphasizes the significant impact of population growth and development in hazard-prone areas. a complex set of natural factors and human activity is exacerbating the risks associated with extreme weather events

Urology matters uncovers the history of hurricanes in Florida, particularly focusing on the significant impact of the 1848 Tampa Bay hurricane. There have been many years with multiple major hurricane landfalls in Florida, highlighting the state's vulnerability to these natural disasters. We also look the 2024 and recent hurricane seasons, analyzing the frequency and intensity of storms in relation to climate change, while also acknowledging that hurricanes are a natural part of Florida's coastal environment. The 1848 Tampa Bay hurricane had devastating effects on the region and its lasting impact on the local geography but the population in the area was very small at the time. Additionally, discuss how Florida has always been a hurricane hot spot, but only in the last half century has the population blossomed along the coast to really affect massive numbers of people and damage the more developed infrastructure.

Meteorology Matters looks into how HAARP and Cloud Seeding did not create or drive Hurricanes Helene and Milton by providing a review of 43 studies published between 2012 and 2021 that examine conspiracy theories related to weather modification and climate change. The review provides insights into the prevalence, characteristics, and potential consequences of weather and climate change conspiracy theories, as well as exploring the science that debunks those theories. We identify knowledge gaps in existing research, emphasizing the need for greater geographic representation, improved conceptualization of the topic, and a more integrative approach that considers multiple factors and processes involved in the interplay between conspiracy theories and weather/climate change.