Articles tagged with Weather
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study by NCAR and CSU finds that unusually sunny weather contributed to last summer's record loss of Arctic sea ice. The research suggests that warmth from the Sun will increasingly affect Arctic sea ice loss in the summer.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found that introducing a relationship-centered learning environment improved student satisfaction with their medical education, with increased rates of out-of-state applications. The study also showed enhanced responsiveness to student problems and a more favorable impact on organiza...
A study of female red squirrels found that those born into favorable circumstances with abundant food, warmer spring weather, and lower population experienced increased reproductive success and longevity. In contrast, those born into harsher conditions struggled to reproduce and lived shorter lives.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that high temperatures increase the risk of cardiovascular death from heart disease or stroke. Ozone levels are a common link between temperature fluctuations, with higher ozone levels associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers discovered a clear preference for pink or reddish hues among women, shifting their color preference towards red and away from blue. The study suggests that this difference may be driven by biological factors, potentially related to evolution and the importance of ripe fruit in hunter-gatherer societies.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research has developed an enhanced in-flight icing product to guide aircraft around hazardous icing conditions. This new system rates areas by icing severity and probability of encounters, helping reduce flight delays and fuel costs.
Research published in Heart reveals high humidity increases heart attack deaths among the elderly in Athens. Average monthly humidity was the single most important factor influencing average monthly death rates from heart attack in those over 70.
A team of Iowa State University engineers is creating a network of wireless sensors to detect suspicious activity on the nation's power transmission system. The system could quickly locate breakdowns and severe weather damage, allowing power companies to prevent blackouts and respond more effectively.
Researchers studied polar motion over three and a half months, finding small loops up to a cell phone size due to weather patterns and oceanic influences. The study demonstrates day-to-day changes in atmospheric pressure affect Earth's rotation for the first time.
Researchers found that gray-cheeked mangabeys revisit fig trees after warm and sunny days, rather than after cold and cloudy days. This suggests monkeys use past weather conditions to inform their foraging decisions.
The year 2005 may have been the warmest year in a century, with global temperatures returning to levels seen in 1998. The Earth has warmed by 0.6° C or 1.08° F over the past 30 years and 0.8° C or 1.44° F over the past 100 years.
A recent study found that darkness more than triples the risk of fatalities in EMS helicopter crashes, while bad weather increases the risk eight-fold. The study suggests that helicopter EMS programs should prioritize patient safety and transport patients by air only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Researchers Anick Bosmans and Hans Baumgartner found that consumers rely on specific extraneous emotions when evaluating products. They discovered two types of emotions: achievement (cheerfulness/dejection) and protection (quiescence/agitation), which influence product evaluations differently.
A study by Yale University and NOAA finds that direct sunlight affects weather balloon temperature probes, leading to discrepancies in global warming estimates. This correction reveals an increase of 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade in average global temperature over the last thirty years.
NASA has postponed a scheduled satellite launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch, originally set for May 12, will now take place pending favorable weather conditions. NASA TV coverage is available online and via satellite.
Researchers use a NASA WB-57 research jet to examine icy cirrus clouds, aiming to understand their warming and cooling effects on Earth's climate. The Middle Latitude Cirrus Experiment gathers detailed information to improve computer simulations of future climate change.
An educational program tailored to individual needs improved safety behaviors among older drivers, but had no effect on collision rates. The program focused on visual deficits and strategies to avoid challenging driving situations.
The world has sped up over the last few years, with scientists noting no need for a leap second in five years. Tom O'Brian suggests changes in the Earth's core, ocean tides, and weather may be affecting its rotation. Most scientists expect the Earth to continue slowing down again in the future.
The AMPS system uses a tailored computer model, Polar MM5, to provide detailed forecasts for the extreme polar environment. Meteorologists have successfully used AMPS in emergency rescues from Antarctica since 2001, including a recent medical evacuation and ship rescue.
Researchers collected and analyzed a record-breaking ice core in the St. Elias range, providing insights into the North Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The PDO is a 20-30 year climate cycle affecting weather across North America, with cool and warm phases centered in the North Pacific.
Large planetary waves in the atmosphere led to a smaller Antarctic ozone hole in 2002. However, scientists emphasize that these weather patterns do not indicate the ozone layer is recovering and may return to previous sizes next year.
Trawler fishermen face unique occupational and weather-related hazards, while economic pressures often hinder safety measures. New technology can improve vessel buoyancy and provide access to reliable weather predictions.
Researchers analyzed daily weather and mortality data for 11 eastern US cities, finding that mortality risk increased with temperature extremes. Cities in the North were more sensitive to heat, while Southern cities were more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
A recent study by NASA researchers analyzed global weather stations and satellite observations to identify minimal local human influence. They found larger warming at urban stations on average, but used rural stations to adjust the records for a more accurate climate change measure.