Weather in Texas


Book Description

Only in Texas could a snowstorm pelt the Panhandle at the very moment abrasive dust is scouring the Permian Basin while searing heat is wilting the Winter Garden region in the south. The state’s large size and central location within North America subject it to a great variety of weather occurrences. Texas state meteorologist George W. Bomar has been observing Texas weather for nearly half a century, and in Weather in Texas, he provides the essential guide to all of the state’s weather phenomena. Writing in lively layman’s language, Bomar fully explains both how the weather works and how Texans can prepare for and stay safe during extreme weather events. He describes the forces that shape Texas weather from season to season, including the influence of tropical cyclones, frontal boundaries, El Niño, and the polar jet stream. Bomar puts specific weather events in historical context, using a ranking system to illustrate how recent droughts, snowstorms, hurricanes, flash floods, and tornadoes compare with those of previous generations. He also includes comprehensive tabulations of weather data for every area of Texas, quantifying what constitutes “normal” weather, as well as the extreme limits of variables such as low and high temperatures, rain days, snow accumulations, and earliest and latest freezes. With everything from the latest science on climate change and weather modification to dramatic stories about landmark weather events, Weather in Texas is a must-have reference for all Texans..




Menacing Skies: Texas Weather and Stories of Survival


Book Description

Imagine: you're blindsided on a dark highway by a half-mile-wide tornado. Or worse: you're aboard a commercial jetliner brought to the ground by a powerful thunderstorm-the deadliest plane crash in Texas history. In Menacing Skies: Texas Weather and Stories of Survival, Dan Henry shares incredible stories of survival from people who have come face-to-face with nature's most violent storms. Dan has covered every type of weather event during his three-decade career as a meteorologist. In this book, he collaborates with other top experts in the field to unravel the mysteries of science that drive our weather. Why do some thunderstorms spawn destructive tornadoes, and others don't? What is "supercharging" hurricanes like Harvey, enabling them to unleash historic flooding? How will climate change affect our weather-and our lives-in the next 100 years? Whether you're an aspiring storm chaser or someone who runs for shelter at the first clap of thunder, Menacing Skies will leave you awed by the power of the human spirit and better prepared for whatever severe weather you encounter.




Texas Aquatic Science


Book Description

This classroom resource provides clear, concise scientific information in an understandable and enjoyable way about water and aquatic life. Spanning the hydrologic cycle from rain to watersheds, aquifers to springs, rivers to estuaries, ample illustrations promote understanding of important concepts and clarify major ideas. Aquatic science is covered comprehensively, with relevant principles of chemistry, physics, geology, geography, ecology, and biology included throughout the text. Emphasizing water sustainability and conservation, the book tells us what we can do personally to conserve for the future and presents job and volunteer opportunities in the hope that some students will pursue careers in aquatic science. Texas Aquatic Science, originally developed as part of a multi-faceted education project for middle and high school students, can also be used at the college level for non-science majors, in the home-school environment, and by anyone who educates kids about nature and water. To learn more about The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, sponsors of this book's series, please click here.




Texas Almanac 2022-2023


Book Description

The Texas Almanac 2022–2023 includes these new feature articles: Texas Wildlife A greatly expanded article on the wildlife found throughout the state, with an updated and revised list of mammals and all new lists of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Written by Dr. Travis LaDuc, Curator of Herpetology at the University of Texas at Austin and Dr. Drew Davis, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. COVID–19 in Texas Dr. Ana Martinez-Catsam, professor of history at the University of Texas Permian Basin, brings us a look at of how COVID–19 hit the state and impacted just about every aspect of our lives. You’ll also learn what the pandemic did to our economy and how it compares to the last major pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918. African Americans in Texas The long, and often brutal, history of African Americans in our state began in 1582 when the first African slave, Esteban, arrived as one of the four survivors of the Cabeza de Vaca expedition. Read the rest of the history up to today, and learn how African Americans have contributed to the culture of Texas, in this feature written by Dr. Merline Pitre, professor at Texas Southern University. Chapters include: Environment: Learn about the geology of Texas, as well as in-depth information about plants, wildlife, rivers, and lakes. Weather: Highs and lows of the previous two years, plus a list of destructive weather dating from 1766. Astronomical Calendar: Find the moon phases, sunrise and sunset times, moonrise and moonset times, and any eclipses and meteor showers expected for 2022 and 2023. Recreation: The places to go visit in Texas, with details on state and national parks, landmarks, and wildlife refuges. Sports: The results of championship games for sports in Texas, from high school through professional, and a list of all Texas Olympic medalists and the past ten years of Texas Sports Hall of Fame inductees. Counties: An expansive section featuring detailed county maps, locator maps, and profiles of Texas’ 254 counties. Population: Figures and the latest estimates from the State Data Center, plus an analysis of what has changed in the past 5–10 years and a comprehensive list of the population of Texas cities and towns. Elections: Results and maps from the 2020 General Election and information on voter turnout. Government: Historical documents and lists of governmental officials dating from our time as under Spanish rule to today, as well as a recap of the 87th Legislative Session, information about state boards commissions, and lists of state, county, and local officials. Culture and the Arts: Find museums, competitions and award winners, and cultural and artistic highlights from the past few years, along with maps and data about the variety of religious groups in Texas. Business, Agriculture, and Transportation: Information about all aspects of our rich economy, and how we’ve faired as a state in the past few years, packed with tables about employment, prices, taxes, and more in a wide variety of industries. And much more . . .




Climate Change and Extreme Events


Book Description

Climate Change and Extreme Events uses a multidisciplinary approach to discuss the relationship between climate change-related weather extremes and their impact on human lives. Topics discussed are grouped into four major sections: weather parameters, hydrological responses, mitigation and adaptation, and governance and policies, with each addressed with regard to past, present and future perspectives. Sections give an overview of weather parameters and hydrological responses, presenting current knowledge and a future outlook on air and stream temperatures, precipitation, storms and hurricanes, flooding, and ecosystem responses to these extremes. Other sections cover extreme weather events and discuss the role of the state in policymaking. This book provides a valuable interdisciplinary resource to climate scientists and meteorologists, environmental researchers, and social scientists interested in extreme weather. - Provides an integrated interdisciplinary approach to how climate change impacts the hydrological system - Addresses significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of climate change and extreme events - Discusses the societal impacts of climate change-related weather extremes, including multilevel governance and adaptation policy







Texas Sunset


Book Description

Harper-Joy Miller hopes that the past is the past, but somehow the past catches up to her. She is falling madly in love with Jay Wilson, who was there that night that her whole world came crashing to the ground. He waited years to tell her his true feelings for her, but will life get in the way? Meanwhile, Dr. Fizzer and his soda pack gang are coming after her in hopes to finish her off. She was supposed to be his first kill, but Jay got to her before she bled out. Now Joy and Jay are on the run and hiding in plain sight, but will Dr. Fizzer and his gang of misfits find her first? Or will Jay save the day like always? Is Joy going to have to live in fear for the rest of her life? So many questions and not enough time before the sunset fades into the background.




The Texanist


Book Description

A collection of Courtney's columns from the Texas Monthly, curing the curious, exorcizing bedevilment, and orienting the disoriented, advising "on such things as: Is it wrong to wear your football team's jersey to church? When out at a dancehall, do you need to stick with the one that brung ya? Is it real Tex-Mex if it's served with a side of black beans? Can one have too many Texas-themed tattoos?"--Amazon.com.







Farmers' Almanac 2008


Book Description

The Farmers Almanac is an annual publication published every year since 1818. It is the only publication of its kind which generations of American families have come to trust. Its longevity speaks volumes about its content which informs, delights, and educates. Best known for its long-range weather predictions, the Farmers Almanac provides valuable information on gardening, cooking, fishing, and more.