The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has launched an online ash fall data collection system. Titled Is Ash Falling?, the site offers citizen scientists a chance to help in assessment of volcanic eruption plumes. Adding real time field observations can help delineate the character and size of an eruption plume. Information is also passed to the […]
High Tech Aircraft to Improve North Paci...
Accurate weather forecasting is vital to Alaskans, whether it’s planning for an outdoor activity or making a decision to travel to the next town. The National Weather Service (NWS) works hard to provide accurate forecasts and it is always good to see greater support for their efforts. Our weather service is part of a larger […]
NASA Records Rare Clear View of Alaska
There has been some unusually warm and clear weather in South Central Alaska in the past week. Valdez saw its highest temperature ever recorded of 90° Fahrenheit on Monday, June 17, 2013, beating the previous record of 87°F registered on June 25, 1953. A very strong and warm ridge of high pressure parked itself over […]
Alaska Aurora and Space Weather Forecast...
Alaska being part of the circumpolar north experiences displays of northern lights or Aurora Borealis frequently in the winter months. These natural light shows can stretch from horizon to horizon and display remarkable variations in their color and intensity. Aurora viewing is popular with Alaska residents and visitors alike. Being able to witness the northern […]
Beaufort Wind Force Scale: A Mariner’s T
The Beaufort Wind Force scale provides mariners with a useful tool for estimating both wind speed and anticipated sea state in universally understood terms. In the lyrics of Billy Joel’s Storm we hear of the Beaufort Scale, “We’ve got a low pressure system and a northeast breeze. We’ve got a falling barometer and rising seas. […]
Volunteer Effort Started to Transcribe H...
A group of three organizations, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Archives and Records Administration and citizen science association Zooniverse have joined forces to transcribe weather data from historic ship logs. The US Navy, Coast Guard and Revenue Cutter log books date from the 1850s into the 1940s. They represent an extensive record […]