In the first installment of this three-part article series we began to dive into the numbers from the USDA Farm & Ranch Irrigation Survey from (2013). In particular, we took a look at the sobering adoption numbers for what one might call “precision irrigation scheduling” techniques.
Category: Weather
What Factors Determine How Fast Snow Melts?
You may enjoy the freshly fallen snow for a while, but eventually, you’ll be ready for it to go away. After all, even your snowman has to disappear one day. Learn how weather affects the speed at which snow melts. Before we consider how snow melts, let’s talk about how this process occurs in general.
Precision Irrigation Scheduling: We Have A Problem
I am a product manager in an industry that is still trying to find its footing. Precision agriculture technologies, particularly irrigation technologies, are still trying to prove their worth to producers in a way that would make them willing to leave the old ways behind to explore these new technologies for field operations.
Have You Ever Experienced Thundersleet?
On February 5, some lucky people along the Iowa and Illinois border were treated to an unusual winter phenomenon. As an ice storm moved in, not only were they getting sleet, but they also were observing lightning. This type of weather is known as thundersleet. Our view out of the office this evening. It's not
How Does Snow Cover Impact Temperatures?
You’re observing the freshly fallen snow at your location. While the scene can be breathtaking, how does that blanket of snow affect temperatures afterward? In most cases, sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface causes temperatures to increase throughout the day. When snow covers the ground, the incoming radiation is reflected into space. The amount of solar
Have You Heard of a Frost Quake Before?
The polar plunge is continuing across portions of the country, producing dangerously low wind chills. The cold temperatures are also causing a phenomenon known as frost quakes. People in portions of the Midwest have recently been observing loud noises described as banging sounds or loud booms. If you have heard this, it may be a
Winter Roadmap: A 7-Step Checklist For Safer, Smarter Road Maintenance
With 75% of the US population suffering below-freezing temperatures this week, and no less than 3,480 domestic flights being cancelled, road maintenance teams might feel like they’re playing whack-a-mole with Mother Nature as they rush to salt or brine roads on routes that have been worst impacted by the extreme weather.
Blow Ice: Navigating The Hazards
It’s late February and the heaviest snow storm of the season has just dumped a foot of snow in your area. Road maintenance crews have cleared much of the snow from public roads and your favorite TV meteorologist is forecasting abundant sunshine, albeit amidst frigid temperatures and brisk winds, for the next few days.
Weather Leads as Aviation Disrupter – Mitigation is Key
It’s no secret that bad weather can play havoc on the aviation industry. According to a 2016 study in Physical Geography, the weather was a cause or contributing factor in 35% of fatal general aviation accidents. It seems that we’re even more aware of weather’s impact on travel at this time of year when winter
Here’s What Determines the Type of Winter Precipitation That Falls
All precipitation develops in the same way, but in winter there can be quite a variety of types. Freezing rain, sleet, snow, are all possible when it gets cold outside. Freezing Rain Freezing rain forms when the air higher in the atmosphere is above freezing while the ground temp is below 32°F. Warmer air will cause falling snow to