The Weather of the Future... 2011 and Beyond

Storm developing in SE Iowa © Donovan Gruner

    2010 may have been one of the more interesting years to date regarding our planet's weather. From violent tornado outbreaks in Minnesota, record-breaking hailstones in South Dakota, to extreme flooding in the middle east, record-breaking heat waves in the United States, super-typhoons in the Pacific, and a record-breaking New Year's eve tornado outbreak, what can we expect for 2011 and years to come?

Record-breaking hailstone that fell in Vivan, South Dakota on July 23rd weighed in at 1.94 lbs, measured 8 inches in diameter and 18.5 inches in circumference.

    This year seems to be following a similar path as last year. Many signs are pointing to the possibility of a rather intense pattern over the northern and central plains, which could lead to several bouts of extreme weather producers wreaking havoc on many of the same areas hit hard during 2010.

    According to some research and statistical pattern observation, 2011 shows some parallels with the patterns leading up to 1999, one of the most infamous years of severe weather in history. If these predictions come true, it would not be unheard of for a May 3, 1999 like event to occur.

Remains of a pickup truck wrapped around a telephone pole after the devastating May 3rd, 1999 F5 tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma. Dr. Josh Wurman, then scientist at NSSL in Norman, Oklahoma measured wind speeds up to 318 m.p.h. with his Doppler on Wheels as the tornado moved in to Moore.

     Whether there is any similarity in the patterns leading up to active years such as 1999, only time will tell what mother nature has in store for 2011. In this last decade of wild weather, it is becoming more and more important to pay attention to the sky than ever. As our planet changes, we must also change to adapt to what the skies throw at us.

Donovan Gruner