Weather weenie, climate and environment dude, purveyor of smedium suits.
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Articles by Keith Carson
Maine cannot accept the ‘new normal’ when it comes to storms | Keith Carson
Keith Carson is a former meteorologist for News Center Maine who now works on science and climate communications for Maine Conservation Voters. Two years ago today, Jan. 13, 2024, while I was still in my role as a meteorologist at News Center Maine, the final in a series of three devastating storms hit Maine. That last storm resulted in the highest water level recorded in Portland since record keeping began in 1912.
How we know humans are causing climate change
MAINE, USA — The earth is warming. At this point, very few people, even in the depths of the internet, deny this fact. But what I still hear over and over is this: “How do we know it’s us?” "How do we know this is not just a natural cycle?" I get it. After all, at one point Manhattan was under a mile of ice. Climate change has happened before. But scientists have been sure since about the 1960s that THIS change in the climate is caused by humans. How do we know?
Nor’easter bringing heavy snow, strong winds to arrive Wednesday night Original
Crocuses are blooming, tulips are poking up and the birds are back from their winter vacation. Spring is here. But it wouldn’t be complete without a snow threat, and this one is real and big. Low pressure is developing over the Mid-Atlantic and will blow up into a legit, slow-moving nor’easter that will impact Maine for a few days. TIMING Precipitation will move in from southwest to northeast starting sometime between 3 and 6 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
Opinion: Protecting our neighbors’ homes will keep Bay Area diverse
The Bay Area is at an enormous risk of losing our neighbors who make it such a diverse and vibrant region. Currently, 51% of Black households and 42% of Latino households are in danger of being priced out of their communities. Additionally, 60% of Black households and 55% of Latino households face rent burdens, meaning their housing costs exceed 30% of their income.
Bay Area counties push for comprehensive homelessness plan
Counties have worked hard for years to partner with cities, the state and community organizations to fight homelessness. We’ve developed resources and innovations to expand housing and services for unsheltered residents suffering on our streets.
Just How Much Snow is Going to Bury Maine Thursday?loading...loading...
Did you put your shovel away? Go get it! News Center Maine's Keith Carson broke it down for us.Keith Carson is a self-proclaimed weather geek, so this is very exciting to him.News Center Maine's Keith Carson says not to be fooled, .The reason it's such a long storm is that it's two waves of low pressure that follow so quickly it will feel like one gut punch. it might feel like the back end of the storm .com loading.
Late-week storm will bring lots of wind, rain, possibly scattered outages
Above is the EURO model output for peak wind gusts during the storm. Although winds get as high as 45 mph, that wouldn’t be enough for widespread power outages. This seems fair considering the dynamics of the storm, and it’s also worth noting the EURO is notoriously “hot” on low level wind gusts versus reality. If the EURO is under the power outage threshold, that’s a good sign. That being said, it’s pretty close.
Success in fighting crime means helping more people, not putting more in jail
The dichotomy is often presented as “Jail or No Jail,” but the real distinction is failure or success. Failure is poverty, inequality, unemployment, high rates of displacement, foreclosure, eviction, gentrification and a lack of quality education in our communities. Failure is accepting the no-exit cycle of jail, emergency rooms and the streets. Failure is releasing people from jail into a community without access to employment, housing or resources.
Opinion: Tackling illegal dumping is a priority in Alameda County
California is a world leader in environmentalism, and no region is as committed to sustainability as Alameda County. Working with my fellow supervisors, we have set the tone for the state on many environmental issues. We adopted an ambitious climate action plan, which has successfully reduced greenhouse emissions by more than 30% from our baseline emissions in 2003.
Rain, wind, and snow return to Maine on Friday
The Maine Forecast increase font size April snow isn't that uncommon, but it certainly feels like a setback when the flowers have already begun blooming. By Keith CarsonNEWS CENTER Maine Share It’s not often I write about a snowstorm while sitting outside in the sun without a jacket on. Most of the state is in the upper 50s right now—it’s pretty mild. So in that way, it’s unusual. But in the sense of “we all expected one more sucker punch,” it’s really not.
Rain, wind and snow return to Maine on Friday
The Maine Forecast Posted Yesterday at 4:44 PM Updated at 12:33 AM increase font size April snow isn't that uncommon, but it certainly feels like a setback when the flowers have already begun blooming. By Keith CarsonNEWS CENTER Maine Share It’s not often I write about a snowstorm while sitting outside in the sun without a jacket on. Most of the state is in the upper 50s right now—it’s pretty mild. So in that way, it’s unusual.
Two Alameda County supervisors: We must come together to halt evictions and foreclosures
© Paul Sakuma / AP 2009 A foreclosed home is shown in Mountain View during the Great Recession in May 2009. Now more than ever, access to a safe and stable home environment is essential to the well-being of our residents and communities. In the past week, Alameda County has seen most of its businesses, organizations and schools close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
2 Storms, 1 Week, lots of trust issues
WEATHER-BLOG The next 7 days will be the busiest of the winter so far; but will the computer models continue their terrible performance? MAINE, USA — This week should be interesting. It is without question the most active week of our winter so far; yet it's coming on the heels of an ice event that basically wasn't a thing and an "under-forecast" in Southern Maine a few weeks ago. So we will warn you, we will put out forecast maps, and we will get a lot of comment shade.
Sunday: "Some Ice", or "Ice Storm?"
WEATHER-BLOG I've been watching this ice signal since last week. Now it's time to decide how big a deal it'll be. Hate it or love it: I like taking shots at long range forecasts. More often than not, if there's a big signature lurking in the long range (even 10 days out); it's onto something. Big heat, big snow, big cold, big ice. There will be times it doesn't work out or doesn't live up to it's potential (like me), but if you stick to the strong signals...it's safe money.
Keith Carson Blog: What's up with this thundersnow?
WEATHER-BLOG The underlying key to both summer and winter thunder events is the same: Instability. MAINE, USA — When we think of thunderstorms, it harkens us back to hot, humid afternoons in the summer. So how did we end up with several rounds of thunder tonight in late December? Well, the underlying key to both summer and winter thunder events is the same: Instability. In the summer this instability is created by heating the surface and lower levels of air, causing it to rise rapidly.
Another weirdo storm for Monday
WEATHER-BLOG Almost as if to mirror their forecaster; these storms keep getting weirder. The last major storm I wrote about, in late November, I said: "That's why this storm on Sunday is hitting me weird: I'm quite certain I haven't seen a storm just like this one. The comments poured in from people who didn't actually read the article, just the headline (there's a special place in hell for you, and it's gonna be pretty crowded it seems).
Early december Nor'easter | newscentermaine.com
WEATHER-BLOG Round 2 gets more of the state involved, but the jackpot comes down to the deformation band. MAINE, USA — As expected, Round 1 of this storm was localized to extreme southern Maine. Some spots in York County hit over 6" with the warm air advection thump last evening. Meanwhile the rest of Maine is like: Not to fear, your snow is on the way.
BrainDrops: Stopping Distance of All Wheel Drive Vehicles
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Funky Maine weather storm on its way for Monday
WEATHER-BLOG Keith Carson says he's never seen a storm quite like this during his career. He used the term career loosely. MAINE, Maine — Being an "Elder Millennial" I've seen a decent amount of snowstorm setups by this point in my career. (I use "career" loosely here.) I've seen the Alberta Clipper, the Inside Runner, the Miller Type A, the Miller Type B, the cut off spinner, the warm front thumper, the Downeast back-in. etc.
Carson Blog: 50 or 60 MPH? Million Dollar Questions
WEATHER-BLOG We know there will be a strong Nor'easter impacting Maine on Wednesday night; but the difference between 50 MPH winds and 60 MPH winds is huge. Much like forecasting snow in the winter; the broad strokes don't get you much credit: You gotta nail the details. That's the case with upcoming Nor'easter. We KNOW: It's gonna be rainy It's going to start Wednesday night It's going to simmer down Thursday night It's going to be windy But that last one, well that's the key.
Creating a Bay Area where everyone has a home
Last Saturday, Johns Hopkins University brought together leaders from health care, public health, and housing to ensure access to quality, affordable homes, the foundation for a healthy Bay Area. At the top of their agenda? Racial equity. We all feel and see the increase in homelessness. How has this come to be, and how can we eliminate it?
Opinion: Creating a Bay Area where everyone has a home, good health
Last Saturday, Johns Hopkins University brought together leaders from health care, public health, and housing to ensure access to quality, affordable homes, the foundation for a healthy Bay Area. At the top of their agenda? Racial equity. We all feel and see the increase in homelessness. How has this come to be, and how can we eliminate it?
BrainDrops: Hurricane Erin and 9/11
BRAIN-DROPS A hurricane was only 500 miles offshore of New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Author: Keith Carson Published: 9:07 PM EDT September 11, 2019 Updated: 9:07 PM EDT September 11, 2019 Weather can change history; just look at D-Day. On September 11, 2001 a hurricane was about 500 miles away from New York City. If the storm had been farther west, could that have prevented or at least hampered the terrorist attacks that occurred that day?
Brain Drops: How accurate is the Farmers' Almanac?
BRAIN-DROPS The 2019-20 winter outlook was just released; but is it worth looking at? Author: Keith Carson Published: 8:13 PM EDT August 26, 2019 Updated: 8:28 PM EDT August 26, 2019 The 2019-20 winter outlook was just released; but is it worth looking at?
It wasn't a tornado. NWS confirms 'downburst' hit York County
LOCAL-WEATHER Strong winds knocked down dozens of trees and cut power to thousands of Mainers Wednesday. YORK, Maine — The National Weather Service confirmed a "downburst" hit York County Wednesday. Residents in the greater York area described powerful winds, rain and even hail. No, it was not a tornado. According to the NWS, downbursts are much more frequent than tornadoes. For every one tornado there are approximately 10 downburst damage reports.
That AC: Should have bought it, when you saw it, at Marden's
WEATHER-BLOG Humidity storms in; followed by big heat. It's amazing how quickly a pattern can turn the corner. In late June it looked like Summer might never arrive; now we are 16 days into July and have only recorded ONE below average day: ncm If anything we have one below average day slated in the next 10 or so, and the above average days will be WAY above average. Let's start with the swamp butt though. That arrives on Wednesday.
Planes, trains, automobiles (or bus): What's the most Eco-friendly way to get to Boston?
WEATHER CapeAir recently announced a flight from Portland to Boston, but what's the carbon footprint? Author: Keith Carson Published: 6:06 PM EDT July 12, 2019 Updated: 6:06 PM EDT July 12, 2019 The recent announcement of a flight from Portland to Boston got me thinking; what's the carbon footprint of such a short flight? And, better yet, what's the most Eco-friendly way to get to Boston? Plane, train, car or bus? You might be surprised.
Prepare for record-breaking, late season snow
The Maine Forecast Posted 11:36 AM Updated 6 mins ago increase font size This upcoming nor'easter is not typical. By Keith CarsonNewscentermaine Share Mainers make a point of acting as if no type of weather can surprise them. A high of 48 F on the 4th of July? “September is beautiful, bub. Don’t rush things.” Snow on your Halloween decorations? “Shouldn’t have put them up so early, guy.” But when I started posting about some snow on Tuesday May 14th, I detected a chink in the armor.
Prepare for record-breaking, late season snow
The Maine Forecast Posted 11:36 AM Updated 5 mins ago increase font size This upcoming nor'easter is not typical. By Keith CarsonNewscentermaine Share Mainers make a point of acting as if no type of weather can surprise them. A high of 48 F on the 4th of July? “September is beautiful, bub. Don’t rush things.” Snow on your Halloween decorations? “Shouldn’t have put them up so early, guy.” But when I started posting about some snow on Tuesday May 14th, I detected a chink in the armor.
Why do newer buildings burn faster?
LOCAL Construction materials have advanced, but at what cost? Author: Keith Carson Published: 11:49 AM EDT May 2, 2019 Updated: 11:49 AM EDT May 2, 2019 The death of Berwick Fire Capt. Joel Barnes in early March cause some of his fellow firefighters to lament about the speed in which more modern homes burn. So why does a structure that is, by most other measures more advanced, perform poorly when a fire starts? And what does that mean for our safety?
Maine Forecast: Spring snow is on the way
The Maine Forecast Posted 2:57 PM Updated 5 mins ago increase font size We all knew it was coming eventually. Share In some ways, New Englanders dealing with snow in April are like dogs celebrating their owners return from work: It happens every time, yet we always seemed shocked. Dating back to the 1940s it has snowed at least a trace in Portland in April 91% of the years on record. Go up to Bangor and that number increases to 95%.
Maine Forecast: Spring snow is on the way
The Maine Forecast Posted 2:57 PM Updated 1 min ago increase font size We all knew it was coming eventually. Share In some ways, New Englanders dealing with snow in April are like dogs celebrating their owners return from work: It happens every time, yet we always seemed shocked. Dating back to the 1940s it has snowed at least a trace in Portland in April 91% of the years on record. Go up to Bangor and that number increases to 95%.
Carson Blog: April snow on the way
WEATHER-BLOG It's gonna snow in April; and we all act shocked. In some ways New Englanders dealing with snow in April are like dogs celebrating their owners return from work: It happens every time, yet we always seemed shocked. Dating back to the 1940s it has snowed at least a Trace in Portland 91% of the years on record. Go up to Bangor and that number increases to 95%. So our storm on Wednesday should come as no surprise; but that’s easy for me to say.
Carson Blog: Welcome to March, kiddos.
WEATHER-BLOG Today is the first day of Meteorological Spring; so to celebrate let's talk about two snow events in 3 days. Today is the first day of Meteorological Spring; so to celebrate let's talk about two snow events in 3 days. How it is we always act surprised when we get walloped in March? It happens almost every year.
Carson Blog: New storm, same storm....
WEATHER-BLOG Do you ever get the feeling that every storm this winter is the same? Do you ever get the feeling that every storm this winter is the same? 2018-19 WINTER CHECKLIST: Approaches from west Lacks Nor'easter sex appeal Puts down a few inches of cement along the coast Crushes Caribou Annoys Keith So, here we go again on my own. After a beautiful Saturday with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid to upper 30s, clouds start thickening up from Southwest to Northeast.
Carson Blog: Another Day Another Middling Storm
WEATHER-BLOG Don't confuse my lack of enthusiasm for this storm as a lack of enthusiasm for snow in general. On the contrary... Don't confuse my lack of enthusiasm for this storm as a lack of enthusiasm for snow in general. On the contrary; my mentality on snow is- if we're gonna do it, let's DO IT. Nor'easter, with the winds, with the goggles, with me getting blown sideways on your TV at 6 PM in a live shot that serves zero actual purpose other than to amuse you.
Carson Blog: Stop me if you've heard this one before...
WEATHER-BLOG See, there's gonna be a storm. It's going to approach from the west. It's going to be a 4/10 on the weather weenie scale... Stop me if you've heard this one before.... There's gonna be a storm. It's going to approach from the west, making it an "inside runner." It's going to have at least some sleet and rain mixed in. And, at the end of the day, it's gonna be a 4/10 on the weenie scale: Before we get to that storm, we've got a quiet night tonight and a pretty decent Wednesday as well.
Big Game BrainDrops: The trigonometry of NFL kicks
SUPERBOWL Video: NCM Anyone can be a field goal kicker, right? Author: Keith Carson Published: 7:19 PM EST February 2, 2019 Updated: 7:23 PM EST February 2, 2019 If there's one position we all imagine we could all play while watching NFL games from our couch, it's kicker. Can't be that hard. Using trigonometry I show you it might not be the walk in the park you imagined.
Big Game BrainDrops: How much heat do 80,000 fans give off during the Super Bowl
SUPERBOWL Video: NCM How much would the temperature in Mercedes Benz Stadium rise just from the fans inside? We all know a bunch of people in a room can make it warmer, but how much heat do 80,000 fans emit? So people give off heat, right? But why? The law of conservation of energy states that energy, which heat is a form of, cannot be created nor destroyed. So where does our heat come from? From food. But more specifically a word that has been unfairly demonized in popular culture: The Calorie.
A Mainer's Guide to ATL
SUPERBOWL Former Atlanta resident and local weather nerd Keith Carson takes you on a tour of the Super Bowl host city. Atlanta is no stranger to hosting big events, but the energy is high for Super Bowl 53. Still, there's a lot to see in the A, outside of just some football. The temptation in Atlanta is to just hit the tourist spots, like the World of Coke and the Aquarium.
Click on this to read about the weekend storm, so you can then complain about us talking about the weekend storm so early
WEATHER-BLOG There's still a storm scheduled for this weekend. This storm is going to be exhausting from the standpoint of how much lead time we're getting. It's one of the burdens of such drastic improvements in forecasting over the past 15-20 years. By default, seeing a storm 7-8 days out means you're gonna have storm fatigue before the thing even spits out a snowflake.
Carson Blog: Yes, There's Something Out there
WEATHER-BLOG The buzz over a possible snowstorm this weekend has reached epic proportions; but will the storm deliver? Fully recognizing how old this makes me sound I'm still gonna say it: Storms these days are being hyped up too soon. I mean it was only about 5 years ago that I was the jerk for mentioning a potential snowstorm 5 days in advance. I was the whippersnapper, the loose cannon, the maverick with ill fitting suits. Now?
Local Weather Forecast
FORECAST Latest forecast from the NEWS CENTER Maine weather team. Round one is pretty much over at this point, although freezing drizzle is an issue into the evening hours. The computer models whiffed HARD on surface temperatures along the coastline, projecting upper 30s by this afternoon when it's still in the 20s. Luckily, we kinda saw this coming. Therefore the forecast holds but look out for icy spots overnight with the patchy drizzle and refreezing.
Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving? Too bad. - Carson Blog
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye were onto something when they tap danced merrily singing about dreams of a white Thanksgiving. Truly few things are more festive than a turkey trot in 15 F with fresh snow on the ground. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it.... Yup, another fall snowstorm is on the way. This one is a modified Alberta Clipper, but it will have a little extra juice and that will mean snowfall in excess of the "typical clipper" 1-3".
One round of storms through, another on the way
We had one line of severe thunderstorms already roll through Maine, with a concentration over York County. Some of those storms had wind gusts over 50 MPH and some broad rotation. Now we wait for Round 2. The next round will be touched off by the cold front itself, whereas the first storms were out ahead of the air mass boundary.
Prescription for a healthy Bay Area? Homes for all
We all know that home is where the heart is. But it’s also where our health starts. When we stabilize the rising costs of housing for renters and homeowners in the Bay Area through protecting communities, preserving and producing more housing, we will improve the health of our region.
Today’s nor’easter brings potential for winter’s biggest snowfall
There’s a certain amount of unease that creeps into a meteorologist’s psyche when all the computer models agree on a storm. It’s like two fighting siblings suddenly going silent in a room that you can’t see. Sure, maybe they are playing chess and listening to an NPR Podcast; but it’s likely much more nefarious. I say all that to emphasize that the computer models have been locked on this nor’easter for almost a week.
Wednesday's nor'easter brings potential for winter's biggest snowfall
There’s a certain amount of unease that creeps into a meteorologist’s psyche when ALL the computer models agree on a storm. It’s like two fighting siblings suddenly going silent in a room you can’t see. Sure, maybe they are playing chess and listening to an NPR Podcast; but it’s likely much more nefarious. I say all that to say the computer models have been LOCKED on this nor’easter for almost a week. So this nor’easter is going to happen, and it’s going to be big across most of the state.
Thursday storm track a little clearer: Carson Blog
Ok it's time for an opening bid on snowfall amounts. -These numbers are counting on a close pass but, believe it or not, not a direct strike from this storm. (Would be 20" if so) -Winds continue to be a big concern along the coastline with gusts over 60 MPH likely over Downeast. -Timing: Starts Thursday morning, heaviest Thursday night, wrapping up on Friday morning with light snow lingering after that. -Since track is SO essential please stay with me on this storm. A wiggle west would be huge.
Thursday storm track a little clearer: Carson Blog
A big storm in both size and strength moves up the coast Thursday. The center of it will slam Nova Scotia, sparing us the worst, but its expansive precipitation and wind will reach back into New England. It's time for an opening bid on snowfall amounts. A widespread 6 to 12 inches of snow is expected. Higher amounts (12 to 16 inches) are expected in Eastern Maine.
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