Rallying for science as Alfred attacks Australia and rain eyes California

As a rare tropical cyclone landfall occurs on Australia’s east coast, the United States’ most qualified nerds are preparing to gather in large groups — with undoubtedly witty signs — to tell science haters to shove it. There’s also some legitimate rain headed to parched southern California next week.

Weather Watch

Alfred surfing the Gold Coast. Cyclone Alfred is about to become the first tropical cyclone since 1974’s Zoe to make landfall along Australia’s famous Gold Coast. Its slow movement is allowing for a prolonged lashing of pristine beaches and will help the storm unleash feet of rain. I did a briefing on it Thursday.

Wet gold. The weather gods are finally smiling on southern California. After January’s historic fires, several moderate storms have quenched a little thirst, but drought conditions remain entrenched. The upcoming series of storms could be quite significant. Right now, the Los Angeles area is forecast to pick up 2 to 3 inches by late next week. It’s a similar story up the coast to Washington.

Lightning links

Spring forward this weekend!

NOAA layoffs could ground some hurricane hunter flights.

Global sea ice cover hit a record low in February, researchers find.

Border patrol blimp regrets life choices, wanders Texas on wind.

Stand up for Science

Dozens of organized “Stand up for Science” protests are planned Friday in big cities across America. When you count grassroots efforts at smaller venues, not just in the United States but Europe and elsewhere, rally tallies are much larger.

Supporters of the cause are asked to participate in a nationwide campus and workplace walkout at noon local time. (That’s part of the reason it is on Friday, in addition to Congress being in session.)

The cause is a great one — yay science! It has the bonus of adding to a growing chorus of voices making it known that the Trump administration’s attacks on the field are unacceptable.

I will be making my way to the D.C. rally this afternoon and I am eager to see and hear the power of people taking action.

Check for information about an event near you.

About

Weekday morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster that connects weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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