PHSC 1001C Week 5 Weather and Flooding Lab Report
Purpose
To examine local weather patterns and their impact, as well as assess the risk of major storms, landslides, and flooding in the area.
Part 1: Weather
Collect and record weather data for a minimum of three days this week from a reliable source.
Data Source:
CBS MN Weather App, WCCO Weather
Complete the following table using the collected data:
Date High-Temperature Low-Temperature Average Wind Speed Rainfall Sky Conditions
- 2/8 -1°F -12°F 7mph n/a Sunny with a few clouds (windchill advisory)
- 2/9 4°F -10°F 13mph n/a Cloudy with some sun (windchill advisory)
- 2/14 -8°F -24°F 11mph n/a Sunny with a few clouds (windchill warning)
PHSC 1001C Week 5 Weather and Flooding Lab Report
Analyze the data and identify any relationships between high temperature, low temperature, average wind speed, and rainfall. Explain these relationships or state if no relationships exist.
There is a correlation between increased wind speed and lower high and low temperatures. The dry air contributes to the crispness in the weather. Additionally, it is unlikely for snow to occur when temperatures are low.
Use a reliable weather website to research the average high and low temperatures and rainfall for this time of year in your location:
PHSC 1001C Week 5 Weather and Flooding Lab Report
Location and Time of Year: Paynesville, MN in February/Winter
- Average High Temperature: 26°F
- Average Low Temperature: 8°F
- Average Rainfall: 0.89 inches
Determine if the weather experienced during the week was typical for this time of year. Provide reasons for your answer. No, the weather experienced during the week was not typical for this time of year. A polar vortex brought extremely cold weather, accompanied by windchill advisories and warnings. This led to very dangerous wind chills, deviating from the typical weather conditions.
PHSC 1001C Week 5 Weather and Flooding Lab Report
Use a weather website or news source to find a weather map for your local region.
- Describe the observations from the weather map.
The weather map shows clear radar without any precipitation. Snow showers are visible in Iowa and Wisconsin, but there are no weather conditions in Minnesota.
- Predict the weather in your area for the next few hours based on the weather map.
The temperatures are expected to drop further due to the absence of cloud cover. The weather will remain extremely cold overnight, with no precipitation expected.
Research: Assessing the Risk for a Major Storm in Your Area
Write a one-page assessment of the risk of a major storm, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, or blizzards, in your local area. Describe the factors that make the area susceptible to these types of storms, the most common time(s) of year for these storms, and the potential damages they can cause. Remember to cite your sources.
I reside in Minnesota, which falls under the Continental Polar Air Force. This air form shares similarities with the Continental Arctic/Antarctic air form but is typically not as cold, except during winter when temperatures drop below freezing (McConnell & Steer, 2015). Minnesota experiences various types of storms, including blizzards, straight-line windstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and thunderstorms.
PHSC 1001C Week 5 Weather and Flooding Lab Report
Due to its inland location, windstorms in Minnesota are intense, unpredictable, and of short duration. They can occur at any time and cause damage to houses, forests, buildings, farms, and crops. Flooding is most common in spring when the snow melts and is combined with spring rain, particularly in river valleys. Flooding can result in damage to houses, businesses, roadways, bridges, farmland, livestock, and water.
sources (Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 2021). Tornadoes are another major storm hazard in Minnesota, typically occurring during the spring and summer months. The state experiences an average of 27 tornadoes per year, with the peak season being May through July (National Weather Service, n.d.). Tornadoes can cause significant damage to structures, vehicles, and infrastructure, as well as pose a threat to human life.
PHSC 1001C Week 5 Weather and Flooding Lab Report
Blizzards are common winter storms in Minnesota, occurring when strong winds combine with falling or blowing snow to create low visibility and hazardous travel conditions. Blizzards are most prevalent in the winter months, particularly January and February when cold arctic air masses interact with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico (Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 2021). Blizzards can result in transportation disruptions, and power outages, and can be life-threatening if individuals are not adequately prepared.
Minnesota is susceptible to a variety of storms throughout the year, including windstorms, flooding, tornadoes, and blizzards. The state’s inland location, combined with its geographical features and climate patterns, contributes to the risk of these storms. Understanding the common times of year for these storms and the potential damages they can cause is crucial for preparedness and mitigating their impact on communities.
References:
McConnell, J. R., & Steer, A. (2015). Understanding Earth’s weather and climate. John Wiley & Sons. Minnesota Department of Public Safety. (2021). Severe Weather Awareness. Retrieved from https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness/Pages/default.aspx
National Weather Service. (n.d.). Tornadoes in Minnesota. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/mpx/tornadoes-minnesota
