Articles tagged with Weather
Climate researchers at the University of East Anglia have made world temperature records available via Google Earth, allowing users to zoom in on 6,000 weather stations and view monthly, seasonal, and annual temperature data. The dataset combines records from 150 years ago, providing valuable insights into climate change.
The number of excess deaths caused by hot weather in England and Wales is projected to surge by 257% by the mid-2050s due to climate change and population growth. The elderly, particularly those aged 75+, will be most at risk, with rising temperatures expected to lead to increased mortality.
Severe bushfires swept across South Australia, driven by record-breaking heat and strong winds. Firefighters struggled to control complex fires in rural areas, aided by additional water bombers from Queensland and Victoria.
The Rim Fire is currently 35% contained, with a new containment date set for October 20, 2013. The fire has slowed down due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity, burning approximately 300 acres per hour on average.
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that depressive symptoms are not as influenced by time of year or weather conditions as previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from over 800 participants and concluded that people may be exaggerating the impact of seasonal changes on their mood.
Researchers used smartphone batteries to crowdsource weather information, estimating daily average temperatures for eight major cities with an accuracy of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This technique could lead to continuously updated weather predictions at a city block resolution, improving the accuracy and specificity of current weather forec...
Researchers found that adult survival is sensitive to cold winter weather, while juvenile survival is affected by warmer, drier winters leading to reduced food availability
The new GOES-R series of satellites will offer enhanced imaging capabilities, providing full-disk images every five minutes. This increased resolution and frequency will enable more timely and accurate weather forecasting in the Western Hemisphere.
The Env-DATA system can handle millions of data points, serving hundreds of scientists simultaneously. Researchers used the system to analyze Galapagos Albatross flight paths, revealing preferred areas foraging on the Peruvian coast.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute find that Alpine rock cress measures age based on miR156 concentration, which decreases over time. This allows the plant to synchronize growth and flowering with environmental cues like vernalisation.
The NOAA GOES infrared and visible imagery created a 17-second animation of the smoke plume from May 3 to May 5, showing it blow westward into the eastern Pacific. The fire consumed 28,000 acres of brush in the coastal area northwest of Los Angeles.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that identifying migraine triggers is challenging due to daily fluctuations of variables such as weather, diet, hormone levels, and stress. The researchers suggest that patients need more formal experiments and work with their doctors to devise a plan to test triggers.
A six-year University of Illinois study found that continuous corn systems experience a yield reduction compared to corn rotated with soybean, known as the continuous corn yield penalty. The study identified N availability, corn stover accumulation, and unfavorable weather as primary causes of the penalty.
Researchers found that adding pimples to equipment doesn't necessarily improve grip, but rather the density of pimples and texture of mitts matter. Synthetic leather mitts performed best across all conditions, suggesting a need for tailored ball designs for different climates.
Researchers found that monarch butterflies would continue to fly south if it weren't for the cold weather. The study's findings suggest that global climate change could impact the monarchs' migrations. Understanding this process can help protect the iconic migration.
A US study found that local weather trends, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly influence public opinion on global warming. The researchers suggest that headline-making weather can strongly impact climate beliefs, especially among those without strong convictions.
Peach trees require specific chilling hours to produce flowers and fruit. Clemson researchers are studying the mechanisms of chilling and heat requirements to help breeders adapt cultivars to warmer winters. The goal is to maintain high fruit-quality traits while breeding for increased heat requirement.
A recent study published in Tellus A found that none of the 23 climate models evaluated can reliably predict weather patterns for seasonal to decadal time scales. The researchers suggest that improvements in model quality require a better understanding of atmospheric processes and more comprehensive data records, particularly from the ...
A Kansas State University-led research project is developing quality control tests for freeze-thaw durable concrete railroad ties. The team adds surfactants to the concrete to create pressure release valves, protecting it from damage.
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute have developed a statistical model that can replicate chaotic flows in two dimensions, providing a better understanding of turbulent behavior. This breakthrough enables more accurate weather forecasting by accounting for motion patterns in the atmosphere, which are largely two-dimensional.
The mission targeted the rapidly-changing Thwaites Glacier, a high-priority area for researchers. Scientists recorded new measurements to build a record of change in the Antarctic, combining them with previously gathered data.
Research by Newcastle University found that uncomfortable weather leads to longer phone calls with close friends and family, while fewer calls are made to wider networks. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million mobile phone users in Portugal, revealing the influence of weather on human behavior.
A new study found that the order in which symptoms are presented online significantly affects perceived risk of illness, with unchecked boxes offering reassurance. Researchers suggest grouping common and mild symptoms at the top of lists to encourage early health screenings.
A Kessler Foundation study found that people with multiple sclerosis perform poorly in memory and processing speed tests on hotter days. The research suggests a link between outdoor temperature and cognitive performance, which could impact clinical trials and treatment decisions.
Canada's outdoor skating season has decreased significantly due to global warming, with the Prairies and Southwest regions experiencing the largest decreases. The research predicts a complete end to outdoor skating in British Columbia and Southern Alberta within a few decades.
Researchers found that individuals who trust their feelings are consistently more accurate in predicting future events, including election outcomes and box-office success. The 'emotional oracle effect' suggests that feelings provide access to a privileged window of knowledge and information, allowing for better predictions.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has launched its TechSolutions program, a rapid-response science and technology initiative that addresses pressing warfighter needs. The program develops prototype technologies to support the day-to-day lives of sailors and Marines, providing innovative solutions to complex problems.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Vigo has confirmed that hórreos with slotted floors are more efficient in regulating temperature and ventilation. This traditional Galician dry-store structure was found to better preserve corn stored inside due to its ability to ventilate and regulate temperature.
A new study at Brigham and Women's Hospital is testing two new types of light technologies to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The trial aims to determine which technology works better in reducing SAD symptoms over a six-week period.
A study published in Nature found that forests are warmer than open areas north of 45 degrees latitude due to higher nighttime temperatures and sunlight absorption, but cooler south of 35 degrees latitude. Forests also have climatic benefits for maintaining or increasing forest cover in southern latitudes.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that helicopters servicing the Gulf of Mexico experience an average of 5 deaths per year due to mechanical failures and bad weather. Pilot error was a major contributor to 83 crashes, highlighting concerns about safety in oil and gas operations.
The Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) measures a region's ability to adapt to stress, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Northeastern and Midwestern regions tend to be more resilient due to high scores for affordability, health-insured population, and metropolitan stability.
Flood warnings remain in effect along the Iowa/Nebraska border as Missouri River waters continue to rise near Omaha. NASA's Landsat 5 satellite captured an image of the affected area, showing the Interstate cut off by floodwaters just south of Missouri Valley, Iowa.
Research finds that paved surfaces in cities like Houston can lead to stagnant air and increased pollution by altering wind patterns. By adding parks and lakes, cities may be able to improve air quality by blowing away pollutants.
A new study suggests that widespread urban development can lead to reduced nighttime winds and increased air pollution in coastal cities. Researchers found that paved surfaces absorb heat, reducing the temperature contrast between land and sea, and causing stagnation. This can result in a buildup of pollutants during warm summer weather.
Researchers use noctilucent clouds as a proxy for atmospheric temperatures, revealing changes in the mesosphere that can affect global weather systems. The clouds' annual formation is influenced by wind circulation patterns between hemispheres.
Researchers have developed inexpensive instruments to test building sealants in real-world conditions, simulating movement and environmental factors. This allows for more accurate prediction of sealant failure, addressing the challenge of fatigue caused by temperature-induced expansion and contraction.
A new software system called Virtual Grower helps calculate heating costs in greenhouse operations by analyzing temperature settings, heating systems, and construction decisions. The program uses a weather database to predict heating costs and allows users to define unique design characteristics and heating schedules.
Researchers developed a new easy-to-use table to quantify vehicle temperature changes, helping public officials and parents understand the deadly consequences of leaving children unattended in hot weather. The table provides clear warnings of the risks involved, shedding light on the dangers of hyperthermia in closed cars.
A new survey found that people with diabetes in hot climates have impaired knowledge about proper self-care in extreme temperatures. Many patients surveyed had suboptimal glycemic control during summer months, increasing their risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull Volcano ash plume being pushed to the northeast due to a low pressure area. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument onboard Terra made the observation on May 18.
A visible satellite image shows Eyjafjallajokull Volcano's ash plume shifting to an east-southeasterly direction as a cold occlusion brings cold air under warmer aloft air. The interaction between the volcanic plume and occluded front has changed wind direction from southerly to west-northwest.
A new survey technique has led to a significant increase in estimated narwhal populations, now estimated to be over 60,000. The technique uses dive data and accounting for biases to improve accuracy and provides a more accurate picture of the population's size and distribution.
Research reveals that consumers' judgments of products are influenced by contextual factors, such as surrounding stores or ads. Marketers must carefully consider context to achieve desired results.
A new bio-based intelligent roof coating, developed from waste cooking oil, can automatically switch between reflecting and transmitting solar heat to reduce energy costs. The coating, tested on asphalt shingles, showed significant reductions in roof temperatures and potential savings in energy bills.
The latest weather satellite, GOES-15, reached its proper orbit after a flawless launch and will undergo checkout in mid-August 2010. The satellite is expected to capture the first visible image on April 5 and provide weather observations covering over 50% of the Earth's surface.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that atmospheric nanoparticles can grow rapidly, scattering light back into space and cooling the planet. This phenomenon can alter weather patterns and have negative effects on human health, particularly for individuals with breathing problems like asthma.
A Review of hot weather health effects highlights the need for more awareness on how certain drugs are affected by heat. The authors also question commonly given advice, such as avoiding alcohol consumption, and emphasize the importance of gradual acclimatisation for elderly individuals to build up their physiological defences.
The AIM satellite has captured unprecedented data on noctilucent clouds, also known as 'night-shining' clouds. The results show that temperature and water vapor play a crucial role in their formation and variability, with global patterns emerging due to planetary waves and coupling between hemispheres.
A study by Oregon State University economists found that countries like France and the US fare well due to competitive crop production and few trade barriers. In contrast, low-income countries suffer from higher trade restrictions and below-average productivity.
The University of Oklahoma has presented comprehensive recommendations for modernizing the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) to improve weather monitoring, forecasting, and warning systems. The goal is to strengthen public safety and support the growth of Croatia's economy during times of global environmental change.
A five-year Canadian study published in Annals of Epidemiology found that teens' physical activity declines significantly during winter months and persists throughout adolescence. Researchers suggest promoting diverse activities to offset these drops and counteract the effects of cold weather.
Kristine C. Harper's 2008 book, 'Weather by the Numbers: The Genesis of Modern Meteorology,' has received international acclaim from atmospheric science librarians. The book explores the transformation of meteorology from an art to a scientific discipline, highlighting the development of numerical weather prediction and its impact on w...
Scientists have discovered a strong correlation between cosmic-ray data and stratospheric temperature, allowing for the detection of major weather events such as Sudden Stratospheric Warming. This study has the potential to improve weather forecasting and climate modeling by providing a new tool for monitoring atmospheric conditions.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals tend to protect their memories of special experiences from being repeated. Participants preferred to acquire souvenirs that would help them remember meaningful experiences rather than mundane ones, even if they were more memorable.
A group of internationally recognized scientists urges the U.S. to adopt sustainable standards and practices for cellulosic biofuel production to minimize environmental harm. The experts emphasize the need for incentives to promote environmentally friendly growing practices among farmers.
The Prince of Wales expresses deep concern over global warming and its devastating impact on communities worldwide. He emphasizes the need to value tropical rainforests as a vital global public utility to mitigate climate change.
A new LIDAR system developed by EPFL will provide continuous data on atmospheric humidity for Western Switzerland's weather forecasting headquarters. The system offers excellent spatial and temporal resolution, outperforming traditional LIDAR systems in stability and reliability.
A new study from the University of Leicester found that bumble-bees' impaired immune response leads to reduced learning abilities and altered behavior when infected. This research has important implications for understanding bee colony survival and the decline of wild bumble-bee species.
The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance's Delta II Heavy rocket on June 11. The launch window opens at 11:45 a.m.-1:40 p.m. EDT, pending weather conditions. GLAST will survey the universe over an energy range of 20 million electron volts to over 300 billion electron volts.