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Thoughts on everything from climate modeling to energy policy.

Welcome Rains Are Forecast, But So Are Severe Storms

Welcome Rains Are Forecast, But So Are Severe Storms

Although it may spark damaging thunderstorms, drought relief is the bright side to this upcoming storm system. It is expected to provide beneficial rainfall, on the order of one to two inches, in some of the hardest hit states. Computer model projections show the likelihood for particularly heavy rains in parts of Oklahoma.… Read More

Image of the Day: This Tale Reeks of Rats

Image of the Day: This Tale Reeks of Rats

As many will recall, last winter was unseasonably warm. So warm, in fact, that the December-through-February period came in as fourth-warmest winter on record for the Lower 48 states. And while many residents in Chicago were likely celebrating the mild season, they are now dealing with the unpleasant after effects — rodents. Thanks to … Read More

Oklahoma Is OK if You Like Sizzling Temperatures

Oklahoma Is OK if You Like Sizzling Temperatures

Tulsa also reached 112 deg F on Thursday, short of its all-time high temperature record of 115 deg F. During the past week, Tulsa has twice had a low temperature of 88 deg F, which is the warmest overnight low temperature on record there.… Read More

Oklahoma City Tops Out at 112, Misses Mark by 1 Degree

Oklahoma City Tops Out at 112, Misses Mark by 1 Degree

On Wednesday, temperatures at all but two observing sites in Oklahoma reached or exceeded the triple-digits, with multiple 114°F readings noted, and two 115°F high temperature observations, at the Kingfisher Mesonet site and the Enid airport. … Read More

Stubborn 2012 Heat Wave Roasts Eight States

Stubborn 2012 Heat Wave Roasts Eight States

Through the end of June, the South has had the most extreme weather during this period since the Climate Extremes Index began in 1910, with 56.86 percent of the region affected by extreme weather.… Read More

Extreme Heat Continues to Plague South Central States

Extreme Heat Continues to Plague South Central States

According to the National Weather Service, Tulsa, OK likely set a record on Monday for the warmest overnight low temperature since records began there, as the temperature failed to drop below a toasty 88°F through this Monday morning.… Read More

Stephen Colbert Warns of Drought’s “Arid Hellscape”

Stephen Colbert Warns of Drought’s “Arid Hellscape”

Colbert interviewed Bruce Babcock of Iowa State University regarding the economic ramifications of the drought. Regarding federal crop insurance, Colbert referred to the program as "Obamacare for corn."… Read More

Media Heats Up with Coverage of Extreme Weather

Media Heats Up with Coverage of Extreme Weather

CBS News and the Associated Press reported on the mass power outages that occurred across the mid-Atlantic region because of the severe thunderstorm event, known as a “derecho, that occurred on June 29. The lack of power, and consequently the lack of air conditioning, added to the public health risks from the late June and early July heat wave … Read More