Dr. Jason Shafer, Weather Expert Witness

10/01/2015

It took over 50 years, but NOAA has finally update its precipitation frequency data for Vermont - this is the information used to determine how frequent one can expect various precipitation amounts (i.e., what's a 100-year event).. This is important information used for engineering, hydrology, and understanding weather extremes. http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/index.html

The Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS) is a point-and-click interface developed to deliver NOAA Atlas 14 precipitation frequency estimates and associated information. Upon clicking a state on the map above or selecting a state name from the drop-down menu, an interactive map of that state wi…

08/10/2015

When you try to thread the needle through big thunderstorms and get caught in a plane, this can happen - must have been a terrifying experience - http://www.wunderground.com/blog/stuostro/comment.html?entrynum=33&utm_content=bufferf977b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Weather Underground provides local & long range Weather Forecast, weather reports, maps & tropical weather conditions for locations worldwide.

06/10/2015

Stunning video of a flash flood happening in Elqui, Chile - respect the power of water - http://www.grindtv.com/random/incredible-video-of-flash-flood-in-elqui-chile/ .97

Worst rains in 80 years result in devastating and deadly flash floods and flooding in northern Chile, said to be one of the driest regions on Earth

06/03/2015

It appears that weather played a significant role in the unfortunate capsizing of a Chinese ferry boat - http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/06/02/massive-thunderstorm-complex-tornado-capsized-chinese-ship/

The violent windstorm that tipped over a Chinese ferry boat carrying 458 people originated from a towering group of thunderstorms.

05/29/2015

Simple picture I took of fair weather cumulus clouds, more technically known as cumulus humilis - these are the most commonly portrayed cloud type in film and art, probably because of the beautiful weather they are associated with...

04/15/2015

Interesting Washington Post article about science and experts...http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/04/06/the-science-of-why-you-really-should-listen-to-experts/

All humans are biased. But some humans are less biased than others.

01/25/2015

Some places will be measuring this storm in feet, not inches, plan ahead if you live in the Northeast US...

01/12/2015

I just finished up a 4-year term as a board member of the Certified Consulting Meteorologist program - this was such a tremendous learning experience and a great way to give back to the field...http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/index.html

10/08/2014

I like to balance out the time I wear suits with some tractor time - here I am grading the driveway ahead of the wear and tear of winter...

10/01/2014

Very excited that NOAA has released a long-awaited update (50+ years) to its precipitation return climatology over the Northeast US...

This is a very important tool to determine the relative frequency of precipitation events compared to an historical context (e.g., was that heavy rain storm a 100-year event?)

http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/peer_review/

09/23/2014

This summer was warmer across most of the land areas - but the continued pattern of colder than average temperatures across much of the eastern US persisted from winter...http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2014/8