Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

The Guardian: "Virtually all children on Earth will face more frequent heatwaves by 2050"

"The climate crisis is also a children’s rights crisis: one in four children globally are already affected by the climate emergency and by 2050 virtually every child in every region will face more frequent heatwaves, according to a new Unicef report.

For hundreds of millions of children, heatwaves will also last longer and be more extreme, increasing the threat of death, disease, hunger and forced migration.

The findings come less than a fortnight before the Cop27 UN climate talks get underway in Egypt, and after a catastrophic year of extreme weather events – heatwaves, storms, floods, fires and droughts – have demonstrated the speed and magnitude of the climate breakdown facing the planet.

According to Unicef, 559 million children currently endure at least four to five dangerous heatwaves annually, but the number will quadruple to 2 billion by 2050 – even if global heating is curtailed to 1.7 degrees, currently the best-case scenario on the table."

Continue reading The Guardian article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/25/global-heatwaves-2050-unicef-report

   
A Palestinian mother showers her child during a heatwave in the southern Gaza Strip in August 2022. Photograph: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock
A Palestinian mother showers her child during a heatwave in the southern Gaza Strip in August 2022. Photograph: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

FHS fall sports games/matches postponed Tuesday due to weather

HockomockSports.com posted the results of Hockomock League competition on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. We share the FHS results here and provide the link to the full set below. 

Girls Soccer
King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Friday, 9/16 at 3:30

Boys Cross Country
Franklin @ Attleboro – Postponed to Wednesday, 9/14 at 3:45

Girls Cross Country
Franklin @ Attleboro – Postponed to Wednesday, 9/14 at 3:45

Golf
Franklin vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury – Postponed to Tuesday, 9/20 at 3:15

For the other results around the league

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Monday, September 5, 2022

Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7

"The different categories of drought actually increased across the Northeast this week with the exception of the extreme drought area which did shrink thanks to those heavy rain showers south of Boston. #Drought2022"

One of the presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Weds Sep 7 is an update on the Franklin water status per the drought. The presentation is not yet posted. The Town Council agenda can be found online ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_7_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

Meteorologist Dave Epstein tweet shared from Twitter ->    https://twitter.com/growingwisdom/status/1565352398339465217

Additional maps and info can be found at Drought.gov/

The Franklin specific info can be found ->   https://www.drought.gov/location/02038%2C%20Franklin%2C%20Massachusetts

historical info for Norfolk County
historical info for Norfolk County

Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7
Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Governor Baker Proclaims July 10-16 as “Hurricane Preparedness Week”

Hurricane Preparedness Week, as proclaimed by Governor Charlie Baker, runs from July 10 – 16. All week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will engage local communities across Massachusetts to highlight the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, and encourage residents to take steps to prepare. As part of MEMA’s commitment to diversity and equity in emergency planning, this year’s campaign will include information to equip those living with disabilities and specific medical needs.  

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

“Hurricane Preparedness Week is an annual reminder of the hazards that the Commonwealth faces and how residents can prepare during hurricane season,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. "While it’s been 31 years since Hurricane Bob made landfall in New England, hurricanes and tropical storms remain a threat to Massachusetts and we ask residents to learn if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone, develop an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and stay informed.”

Continue reading about how to prepare for hurricanes

You can sign up for tropical weather outlooks from the National Hurricane Center


Friday, July 1, 2022

Stay tuned for word on Fireworks for Saturday

With the forecast currently for thunderstorms on Saturday, if that holds up, it is possible the fireworks will be canceled. The decision needs to be made by 2 PM on Friday.  Stay tuned to the Celebration page for an update.

The good weather Thursday got the 4th of July Celebration off to a good start. Hopefully, that will hold for Friday and then after the storms pass on Saturday, allow for good weather on Sunday and Monday.

Stay tuned for word on Fireworks for Saturday
Stay tuned for word on Fireworks for Saturday

4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

Friday, May 27, 2022

How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
By Colleen Tressler

Threats from hurricanes don't come just from wind and rain, storm surges, flooding and rip currents, or tornadoes and landslides. Hurricane-related threats also come in the form of scammers who use those weather emergencies to cheat people. Some of the most common weather-related frauds and scams include people who promise to help you with clean-up or repairs, but disappear with your money; those who pretend to be FEMA or other government agencies; people who promise you a job – if only you pay to get it; and those who promise you a place to rent – if only you wire them the money to get the place sight unseen.

Read More ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/how-prepare-hurricane-season-2022-and-avoid-storm-related-scams



How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams
How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Senior Center CLOSED Friday, February 4 2022, due to inclement weather

Senior Center CLOSED Friday, February 4 2022, 
due to inclement weather.

Due to the inclement ice storm and weather, the Franklin Senior Center will be closed to all programming and activities tomorrow, Friday, February 4, 2022. 

Stay Safe!

Danielle Hopkins and Christina LaRose

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/news/senior-center-closed-friday-february-4th-2022-due-inclement-weather




Senior Center CLOSED Friday, February 4 2022, due to inclement weather.
Senior Center CLOSED Friday, February 4 2022, due to inclement weather.



Franklin Public Schools: Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4

February 3, 2022

Dear Franklin Community,

The weather is expected to bring icy conditions and flash freezing in the morning, with sleet and snow to fall later in the day. As a result of this forecast, the Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4.

For the safety of all staff, district and school offices will also be closed. Those who are able to work from home should do so as you are able.

There will be no after school or evening activities.  I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Stay safe.

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools


Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4
Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4

NWS Boston: webinars on the meteorology behind ocean effect snow and how weather forecast models work

"Interested in learning about the meteorology behind ocean effect snow? How weather forecast models work? Join us for our upcoming public webinars on February 3rd and 10th at 7pm! "
Register here: https://t.co/OWtW5yz19c ❄️💻

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/y8rDNAH7pH

NWS Boston: webinars on the meteorology behind ocean effect snow and how weather forecast models work
NWS Boston: webinars on the meteorology behind ocean effect snow and how weather forecast models work


Monday, January 10, 2022

Franklin Food Pantry schedule change due to weather/COVID-19

"The Pantry will be closed for night distribution, Tuesday, 1/11 from 5:30p-6:30p due to a combination of COVID-safety concerns and frigid temps. 
Please visit us from Tuesday 9a-1p or Friday 9a-1p for curbside distribution – no appointments needed. @franklinmatters"

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/2sbtXDMDTX  or   https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1480601210457571331

Franklin Food Pantry schedule change due to weather/COVID-19
Franklin Food Pantry schedule change due to weather/COVID-19


Sunday, September 26, 2021

"The region is one of many across the globe being struck by severe drought."

"Sergio Koci’s sunflower farm in the lowlands of northern Argentina has survived decades of political upheaval, runaway inflation and the coronavirus outbreak. But as a series of historic droughts deadens vast expanses of South America, he fears a worsening water crisis could do what other calamities couldn’t: Bust his third-generation agribusiness.

“When you have one bad year, you can face it,” Koci said. Some of his 20,000 acres rest near the mighty Paraná River, where water levels have reached lows not seen since 1944. On the back of two years of drought-related crop losses, he said, the continuing dryness is now set to reduce his sunflower yields this year by 65 percent.

“When you have three bad years, you don’t know if there will even be another year,” he said.

From the frigid peaks of Patagonia to the tropical wetlands of Brazil, worsening droughts this year are slamming farmers, shutting down ski slopes, upending transit and spiking prices for everything from coffee to electricity."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)
Meanwhile, on the home front:
"Breaking news in the weather department this morning... We have now moved into first place for the wettest July through September. #EnoughIsEnough"

We have now moved into first place for the wettest July through September
We have now moved into first place for the wettest July through September


Thursday, September 16, 2021

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

In Heat vs. Humidity debate, humidity wins

Good timing for this article given the heat wave baking the area. It is nicely done and interactive so spend a few minutes to review and understand. It doesn't matter whether you accept climate change or not, dealing with humidity is a requirement to remain healthy.

"When it comes to heat, the human body is remarkably resilient — it’s the humidity that makes it harder to cool down. And humidity, driven in part by climate change, is increasing.

A measurement of the combination of heat and humidity is called a “wet-bulb temperature,” which is determined by wrapping a completely wet wick around the bulb of a thermometer. Scientists are using this metric to figure out which regions of the world may become too dangerous for humans.

A term we rarely hear about, the wet-bulb temperature reflects not only heat, but also how much water is in the air. The higher that number is, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate and for bodies to cool down."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/climate-change-humidity/?itid=orw-hp-2021

For those working outside or participating in athletic activities, tips to stay healthy

In Heat vs. Humidity debate, humidity wins
In Heat vs. Humidity debate, humidity wins

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Tropical Storm Henri heads for New England, stay tuned for changes in the forecast

"Keep an eye on this one. The National Hurricane Center says the expected track of Tropical Storm Henri has shifted, meaning it’s more likely it will hit the Northeastern states at the end of the week.

“The forecast track of Henri has shifted toward the northeast coast of the U.S. this weekend and early next week, increasing the risk of direct storm surge, wind, and rain impacts in portions of the northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada during that time,” the forecasters said Wednesday , noting that Henri was on the verge of reaching hurricane strength. “Interests in these areas should closely follow the progress of Henri and check for updates to the forecast.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
Since the Globe article was posted, NWS has further updated a shift more off the coast of New England.  For additional updates from the National Weather Service visit    https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Henri

Tropical Storm Henri heads for New England
Tropical Storm Henri heads for New England

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

MA News: Somerville schedules a 'Yart Sale'; Weather service schedules webinars

What is a ‘Yart Sale,’ exactly? Somerville is hosting its first one 

"If you took up an artistic hobby like so many others while stuck indoors at the height of the pandemic, or if you’re a seasoned veteran with a lens, brush, or knitting needle, this might be the perfect chance to share — and perhaps even sell — your work with the community.

On August 14, Somerville is hosting its first “Yart Sale,” a citywide event that welcomes artists of all calibers to set up shop on their porches, or in their yards and driveways, and sell their artwork to passersby.

The event is a mix between the city’s annual pop-up musical gathering, PorchFest, and Open Studios, where artists open up their workspaces, in that attendees can hop from one neighborhood to the next throughout the day to see what’s on display."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) tweeted on Tue, Aug 03, 2021:
[New Webinars Scheduled] Calling all weather enthusiasts! We've scheduled a few Event Review webinars coming up, in addition to *Tonight's Webinar* on the Jet Stream. Come learn something with us! Sign up at https://t.co/OWtW5yQC0K  
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/BmuBiLE31m  or  https://twitter.com/NWSBoston/status/1422684671775698945?s=03

National Weather Service webinars scheduled
National Weather Service webinars scheduled


Sunday, January 31, 2021

Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)

January 31, 2021

Dear Franklin community,

The weather forecast is calling for a significant snowstorm to move into our area through the day tomorrow and developing into heavy snow in the afternoon hours, and lingering into Tuesday where mixed precipitation and big wind gusts are possible. 

Therefore, we will hold school (both in-person/hybrid and remote) tomorrow, Monday, February 1, on a half-day schedule. Schools will be dismissed as follows:
  • ECDC: 12:15 PM
  • Elementary Schools: 11:45 AM
  • Middle Schools:10:45 AM (10:50 AM at HMMS)
  • High School: 10:55 AM
Although the actual impact of the storm could change, at this time, we are anticipating that the weather event will impact Tuesday. We are planning for the possibility that Tuesday, February 2, will be a traditional snow day. 

There were many strong feelings conveyed from members of the community with the call to have a remote learning day back in December and we had communicated in November that we would monitor our approach and make adjustments, as necessary. We also know that there are strong feelings among community members who feel that a remote learning day would be better for continuity in instruction. Planning for a remote day due to snow is more involved and complicated than the typical remote Wednesday, which is something we learned from December. As school will be abbreviated tomorrow, planning for a remote day on Tuesday will be more difficult. Additionally, having a snow day will result in the school day needing to be made up at the end of the year. This could yield a day with better quality instruction should health metrics related to the virus continue to improve this spring.

Snow day decisions never please everyone, but I hope that sharing this rationale provides you with a better understanding of our approach.

I will continue to keep the community apprised of a final decision for Tuesday, as winter weather can be unpredictable and the storm may not be as bad as forecasted.  For now, we will have a half-day of school on Monday and the next update will come by Monday evening. Updates will come in the form of e-mails, text messages, phone calls, posts on our Websites, posts to news outlets (TV and radio), and our Twitter and Facebook social media pages.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools 


Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)
Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)


Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year

"As another New England winter approaches, please make note of the attached information related to Inclement Weather and School Closings. Thank you!"

UNIQUE EMERGENCY PLANS FOR 2020-2021 
"For the 2020-2021 school year, Franklin Public Schools plans to implement remote learning instead of snow days during the winter of 2020-2021. Having opened school remotely positions us well to pivot to a remote learning day in the event of inclement weather. Instruction on these days will be structured. The Department of Elementary and Secondary education is allowing districts to do so this school year only, without having to make up the days at the end of the year. In the event of inclement weather, educators and students/families should be planning for remote learning days to be held using the remote learning schedules previously communicated at the beginning of the school year. Schools will send additional information about daily schedules. Should inclement weather bring widespread power outages, the district may need to close one, multiple, or all schools for the day, and the day will need to be made up at the end of the year. Asynchronous learning will be provided in the event that sporadic power outages are experienced for individual students to be able to be “virtually present” for the day. The district will continue to use delayed starts to the school day if morning weather conditions make travel difficult but the forecast calls for improvement of conditions throughout the day."

 

For the full two page outline

Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year
Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought

Franklin is included in the updated Level 3- Critical Drought region of Massachusetts. 
"Due to five months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth. The other six regions across the state — the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions— remain at a Level 2 – Significant Drought, unchanged from last month’s declaration. Responding to increasingly severe drought conditions in some of the Commonwealth’s river basins, Secretary Theoharides also declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Charles River and Millers River watersheds."
 
Find the press release and additional information here https://t.co/ePS4ROsLcx  
 
Shared from Twitter:
 
Available on Town of Franklin page: 
Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought
Town of Franklin, MA: status moves to Level 3- Critical Drought

Monday, August 3, 2020

NOAA info on Isaias

The NOAA map shows the path of Isaias as of Monday morning (8/3/20 5:30 AM). It is likely to be a tropical depression bringing some wind and much needed rain to us on Tuesday/Wednesday. Oddly, if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will.

Get additional updates from NOAA here
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/092753.shtml?cone

Hurricane preparedness info
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness

Stay tuned to your normal weather station for updates.

NOAA info on Isaias
NOAA info on Isaias
if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will
if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will