 |
|
|
|||||
When a hurricane or tornado starts to form, your local weather forecasters can quickly pull up maps tracking its movement and showing where its headed. But have you ever wondered where they get all that information? The forecasts can seem effortless, but behind the scenes, a vast network of satellites, airplanes, radar, computer models and weather analysts are providing access to the latest dataand warnings when necessary. This data comes from analysts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, known as NOAA, and its National Weather Service. Atmospheric scientists Christine Wiedinmyer and Kari Bowen, who is a former National Weather Service forecaster, explained NOAAs central role in most U.S. weather forecasts. When people see a weather report on TV, what went on at NOAA to make that forecast possible? A lot of the weather information Americans rely on starts with real-time data collected by NOAA satellites, airplanes, weather balloons, radar, and maritime buoys, as well as weather stations around the world. All of that information goes into the agencys computers, which process the data to begin defining whats going on in different parts of the atmosphere. NOAA forecasters use computer models that simulate physics and the behavior of the atmosphere, along with their own experience and local knowledge, to start to paint a picture of the weatherwhats coming in a few minutes or hours or days. They also use that data to project seasonal conditions out over weeks or months. NOAAs data comes from many sources to provide a more complete picture of developing climate and weather conditions. Communities and economies rely on that constantly updated information. [Chart: NOAA] When severe weather is on the way, the agency issues the official alerts youll see in the news and on your phone. All of this analysis happens before the information reaches private weather apps and TV stations. No matter who you are, you can freely access that data and the analyses. In fact, a large number of private companies use NOAA data to create fancy maps and other weather products that they sell. It would be extremely difficult to do all of that without NOAA. The agency operates a fleet of 18 satellites that are packed with instruments dedicated to observing weather phenomena essential to predicting the weather, from how hot the land surface is to the water content of the atmosphere. Some are geostationary satellites which sit high above different parts of the U.S. measuring weather conditions 24/7. Others orbit the planet. Many of these are operated as part of partnerships with NASA or the Air Force. Some private companies are starting to invest in satellites, but it would take an enormous amount of money to replicate the range of instrumentation and coverage that NOAA has in place. Satellites only last so long and take time to build, so NOAA is continually planning for the future, and using its technical expertise to develop new instruments and computer algorithms to interpret the data. NOAAs low earth orbiting satellites circle the planet from pole to pole and across the equator 14 times a day to provide a full picture of the year twice a day. The agency also has geostationary satellites that provide continuous coverage over the U.S. [Chart: NOAA] Maritime buoys are another measuring system that would be difficult to replicate. Over 1,300 buoys across oceans around the world measure water temperature, wind, and wave heightall of which are essential for coastal warnings, as well as long-term forecasts. Weather observation has been around a long time. President Ulysses S. Grant created the first national weather service in the War Department in 1870. It became civilian service in 1880 under the Department of Agriculture and is now in the Commerce Department. The information its scientists and technologists produce is essential for safety and also benefits people and industries in a lot of ways. Could a private company create forecasts on its own without NOAA data? It would be difficult for one company to provide comprehensive weather data in a reliable way that is also accessible to the entire public. Some companies might be able to launch their own satellite, but one satellite only gives you part of the picture. NOAAs weather observation network has been around for a long time and collects data from points all over the U.S. and the oceans. Without that robust data, computer models and the broad network of forecasters and developers, forecasting also becomes less reliable. Analyzing that data is also complex. Youre not going to be able to take satellite data, run a model on a standard laptop and suddenly have a forecast. And theres a question of whether a private company would want to take on the legal risk of being responsible for the nations forecasts and severe weather warnings. NOAA is taxpayer-funded, so it is a public goodits services provide safety and security for everyone, not just those who can pay for it. If weather data was only available at a price, one town might be able to afford the weather information necessary to protect its residents, while a smaller town or a rural area across the state might not. If youre in a tornado-prone area or coastal zone, that information can be the difference between life or death. Is climate data and research into the changing climate important for forecasts? The Earths systemsits land, water, and the atmosphereare changing, and we have to be able to assess how those changes will impact weather tomorrow, in two weeks and far into the future. Rising global temperatures affect weather patterns. Dryness can fuel wildfires. Forecasts have to take the changing climate into account to be accurate, no matter who is creating the forecast. Drought is an example. The dryness of the Earth controls how much water gets exchanged with the atmosphere to form clouds and rainfall. To have an accurate weather prediction, we need to know how dry things are at the surface and how that has changed over time. That requires long-term climate information. NOAA doesnt do all of this by itselfwho else is involved? NOAA partners with private sector, academia, nonprofits, and many others around the world to ensure that everyone has the best information to produce the most robust weather forecasts. Private weather companies and media also play important roles in getting those forecasts and alerts out more widely to the public. A lot of businesses rely on accuracy from NOAAs weather data and forecasts: aviation, energy companies, insurance, even modern tractors precision farming equipment. The agencys long-range forecasts are essential for managing state reservoirs to ensure enough water is saved and to avoid flooding. The government agency can be held accountable in a way private businesses are not because it answers to Congress. So, the data is trustworthy, accessible and developed with the goal to protect public safety and property for everyone. Could the same be said if only for-profit companies were producing that data? Christine Wiedinmyer is an associate director for science at CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder. Kari Bowen is an atmospheric scientist and program manager at CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Category:
E-Commerce
A passenger jet flipped onto its roof while landing in Toronto, Canada, the fourth major aviation accident in North America in the past three weeks. While at least 18 people were injured, all 80 people on board the Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis survived the crash Monday. Here are some things to know about the crash: What caused the airplane to flip? Communications between the tower at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and the pilot were normal on approach and right now its not clear what went wrong when the plane touched down. Were strong winds a factor in the crash? Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken has said the runway was dry and there was no crosswind conditions. Audio recordings indicate that the control tower warned the pilots of a possible air flow bump on the approach. Winds were gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph) during the day at the airport, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. But airplanes and pilots should be equipped to handle those kind of winds while landing, said John Cox, CEO of aviation safety consulting firm Safety Operating Systems in Florida. Were the passengers badly injured? Those hurt had relatively minor injuries, the airports chief executive said. The airport fire chief said 18 passengers were taken to the hospital. An air ambulance operator said it had transported one pediatric patient and two adults to hospitals. Delta said Tuesday that some of those injured had been released. What happened inside the plane? One passenger told told CBC News that he found himself upside down and still strapped in his seat after a forceful landing. Peter Carlson said he crashed onto the ceiling when he took off his seat belt and smelled gas. He and another man helped a mother and her young son out of the plane before getting out. Who is investigating? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will lead the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. said it was sending a team to assist. Is it safe to fly? The fourth major aviation accident in North America in less than a month has many people concerned about the safety of flying. Fatal crashes remain rare and the track record of U.S. airlines is remarkably safe. But there have been deadly crashes recently around the world and U.S. officials have been raising concerns about an overtaxed and understaffed air traffic control system for years. By JOHN SEEWER Associated Press Associated Press writers John Wawrow and Michael Casey contributed to this report.
Category:
E-Commerce
Currently, America is experiencing its worst flu season since 2009, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a matter of fact, the CDC says there are so many cases that this season is now classified as being high severity for all age groups. Thats the first time a flu season has acquired that designation since the 201718 season. Still, some states are faring better than others. Heres what you need to know about the current 202425 flu season and where outbreaks are the worst. 16,000 dead from flu so far The 202425 influenza season is having a significant impact on the health and well-being of Americans. According to the CDCs latest US Influenza Surveillance Report for the week ending February 8, 2025, the flu this season has accounted for: 29 million illnesses 370,000 hospitalizations 16,000 deaths The CDC’s report also reveals that during the most recent week, 31.6% of people tested came back positive for influenza, and 50,382 people were hospitalized for the illness in the most recent week alone. The flu has historically been particularly dangerous to the elderly, but sadly, this season, the illness is also hitting infants and children hard. The CDC says that in the past week alone, there were 11 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths for the season to 68. “Based on data available this week, this season is now classified as a high severity season overall and for all age groups (children, adults, older adults) for the first time since 20172018,” the CDC says. What states are being hit hard the worst? While respiratory illnesses seem to be running roughshod across the country, some states have it worse than others. The CDCs Outpatient Respiratory Illness Activity Map classifies respiratory illness rates into five categories: very-high, high, moderate, low, and minimal. 36 states and the District of Columbia are currently listed in the very-high category, including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Nine states are classified in the high category: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Two states are classified in the moderate category: North Dakota and Utah. One state is classified in the low category: Alaska. And two states are classified in the minimal category: Hawaii and Montana. Screenshot via CDC: Week ending February 08, 2025 How can I protect myself against the flu? Its impossible to fully protect yourself from the flu. However, the CDC says the best way you can protect yourself is by getting the flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk, the agency notes. Other steps you can take to decrease your likelihood of getting the flu are to avoid those who are sick with the illness and to wash your hands. You can check out the CDCs full list of recommendations here.
Category:
E-Commerce
All news |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||