Pittsburgh May?
Pittsburgh will…
Pittsburgh did in May
[Verse 1]
Converged on three rivers
Primate change delivers
Mister, another twister
Oh, no, tornado
[Chorus]
Extreme weather events
Prosperity prevents
Our lease on peace
Fossil fools, cease!
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]
[Verse 2]
Fourteen twisters in May
Bring multiples of dismay
And it ain’t over yet
We responsible, you bet
[Chorus]
Extreme weather events
Prosperity prevents
Our lease on peace
Fossil fools, cease!
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Bass]
[Bridge]
More moisture
Altered jet streams
And dreams
The facts,
Sifting storm tracks
Come and see
Tornado Alley
[Chorus]
Extreme weather events
Prosperity prevents
Our lease on peace
Fossil fools, cease!
[Outro]
Pittsburgh May?
Pittsburgh will…
Pittsburgh did in May
A SCIENCE NOTE
(May 2024)
“14 tornadoes become most on record in May for NWS Pittsburgh, surpassing 1985 tornado outbreak”
The recent tornadoes in or near western Pennsylvania are now the most on record by the National Weather Service Pittsburgh in May.
Climate change’s impact on tornadoes in the Pittsburgh area, and more broadly across the northeastern United States, involves complex and evolving dynamics. While the relationship between climate change and tornado activity is still an area of active research, there are some observed and projected trends that can be discussed:
1. Changes in Tornado Frequency and Intensity:
- Shifts in Tornado Alley: Traditionally, “Tornado Alley” refers to the central part of the United States, particularly in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. However, recent studies suggest that the frequency of tornadoes may be increasing in the southeastern and northeastern United States, including areas like Pittsburgh.
- Intensity: Some research indicates that while the overall number of tornadoes might not significantly increase, the intensity of tornadoes could be affected by changing atmospheric conditions. Increased atmospheric instability and moisture levels due to warming temperatures can contribute to more severe weather events.
2. Environmental Factors Influencing Tornadoes:
- Increased Moisture: Warmer temperatures lead to more moisture in the atmosphere. Increased humidity can contribute to the formation of severe thunderstorms, which are a prerequisite for tornadoes.
- Jet Stream Changes: Climate change can alter the patterns and strength of the jet stream. Changes in the jet stream can influence the frequency and paths of storm systems, potentially impacting tornado activity in the Pittsburgh area.
- Storm Tracks: There is evidence that the tracks of storms are shifting, possibly due to changes in the climate system. This can bring severe weather, including tornadoes, to areas that were previously less affected.
3. Local Observations and Trends:
- Historical Data: Analysis of historical tornado data in Pennsylvania and surrounding states shows variability in tornado occurrences. Some years have seen higher-than-average tornado activity, while others have been quieter.
- Recent Events: Pittsburgh and surrounding areas have experienced tornadoes in recent years, with some events causing significant damage. These occurrences, coupled with anecdotal reports of more severe thunderstorms, suggest a potential shift in local weather patterns.
4. Preparedness and Mitigation:
- Improved Forecasting: Advances in meteorological science and technology have improved the ability to predict and warn about tornadoes. Enhanced radar systems, better models, and more sophisticated warning systems help mitigate the impacts of tornadoes.
- Community Preparedness: Increased awareness and preparedness efforts are essential in regions experiencing changing weather patterns. Communities in and around Pittsburgh can benefit from updated building codes, better emergency response plans, and public education on tornado safety.
5. Research and Uncertainty:
- Ongoing Studies: The exact link between climate change and tornado activity remains an active area of research. Scientists continue to study how global warming influences the atmospheric conditions that lead to tornado formation.
- Uncertainty: While trends and patterns are emerging, there is still significant uncertainty regarding long-term predictions. Climate models are improving, but tornadoes are influenced by a multitude of factors, making precise forecasts challenging.
In summary, while the direct impact of climate change on tornadoes in the Pittsburgh area is still being studied, there are indications that changing atmospheric conditions could influence the frequency, intensity, and distribution of tornadoes. Increased moisture, altered jet streams, and shifting storm tracks are some of the factors that may contribute to more severe weather events, including tornadoes, in the region. Improved forecasting and community preparedness are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with these changes.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Global warming has inflicted irreversible damage on our environment, a consensus echoed by nearly all scientists. Indeed, climate change poses a profound challenge. Our planet is witnessing conditions that increasingly jeopardize human habitation. The critical question now is whether we can adapt swiftly enough. “We are not saying that the Earth’s temperature is just going to rise. In general, as energy is added to a system, the fluctuations in the system increase. So, we expect more storms, more droughts, more wildfires, more floods, more fluctuations of all kinds. What we are saying is that weather conditions will become more volatile (Extreme Weather Events) due to the impact of humans,” said Mukherjee and Brouse.
Human-induced climate change is a dynamic component of an intricate and unordered system, as per chaos theory. This implies that global warming is accelerating exponentially in a complex manner. Over the period from 1992 to 2023, we have presented compelling evidence, proposed remedies to mitigate climate change, and amassed valuable information through the engagement of millions with this climate model. Your participation has been invaluable. The incontrovertible data underscores that human-induced climate change is rapidly deteriorating our habitat.
This climate model / experiment employs chaos theory to comprehensively consider human impacts and projects a potential global average temperature increase of 9℃ above pre-industrial levels. Global warming is a consequence of elevated thermal energy in the climate system, which comprises various subsystems. Chaos theory underscores the intricate and nonlinear nature of dynamic systems. Human well-being is compromised above a 1.5-degree temperature rise, rendering much of the Earth uninhabitable. A 9-degree Celsius increase would bring the Earth close to a wet-bulb temperature incapable of sustaining human life.
What Can I Do? There are numerous actions you can take to contribute to saving the planet. Each person bears the responsibility to minimize pollution, discontinue the use of fossil fuels, reduce consumption, and foster a culture of love and care. The Butterfly Effect illustrates that a small change in one area can lead to significant alterations in conditions anywhere on the globe. Hence, the frequently heard statement that a fluttering butterfly in China can cause a hurricane in the Atlantic. Be a butterfly and affect the world.