K-State Research and Extension - Environment and Weather

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Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

K-State Research and Extension has named 13 students as 2013 summer interns. The interns will assist extension professionals in planning and implementing educational programs for Kansas residents.

Field Day to Include Tree Planting, Riparian Area Management

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Kansas landowners often have challenging decisions for managing woodlands, riparian areas and wildlife habitat on their property. The Kansas Forest Service, in conjunction with the Cottonwood River WRAPS (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy), will host a field day on Thursday, June 6 in Florence, Kan. to address several aspects of tree planting and woodland management.

HEAT AND HUMIDITY...

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Kansans often joke that “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” But there’s actually a lot of truth to that statement. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains how the temperature and relative humidity are used to calculate the heat index.

EXPECT A TORNADO!...

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Residents of a town in north central Kansas experienced a tornado on the same day for three consecutive years. State climatologist Mary Knapp says the tornadoes got stronger each year, causing more damage, injuries and eventually one fatality.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, covers this week's Kansas agricultural weather.

STRANGE WIND FIELDS...

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Kansas City experienced one of its worst natural disasters in the spring of 1957. That’s when an F4 tornado moved through the suburbs, killing 44 and injuring more than 500. Following the tornado, state climatologist Mary Knapp says there was evidence of just how strange the wind fields can be during a tornado.

Careers in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Pathology Are Focus of June 12 Program in Manhattan

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Undergraduate college and high school students are invited to attend a free program Wednesday, June 12 in Manhattan to learn about the array of career possibilities in plant pathology and agricultural sciences in general.

‘Preserving the Tallgrass Prairie’ Video Now Available Online

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A 30-minute feature on preserving Kansas’ tallgrass prairie that recently aired on public television is now being offered through Kansas State University.

COMPARING PAST EVENTS...

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Determining if a weather event from today, such as a high temperature or a snowfall, is actually a record is more difficult than it sounds. State climatologist Mary Knapp says determining the significance of a weather event depends on the time period used for comparison.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, reports on Kansas agricultural weather.

SNOW IN THE SUMMER?...

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Historical weather data may indicate it snowed in Kansas during the summer. But state climatologist Mary Knapp says it has never snowed in Kansas during June, July and August. She explains why it may appear as if it snowed during those three months.

A MASSIVE DUST STORM...

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As the years pass, the magnitude of certain events become a distant memory. For many today, the Dust Bowl era may fall into that category. State climatologist Mary Knapp provides some insight into how much dirt was moved during that time period by detailing a single storm.

Deforestation Will Impact Kansans for Many Years to Come

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

High crop prices are great for the Kansas economy, but the conversion of trees along streams and rivers into cropland will cost everyone in the long run. Removing riparian forests, forestland adjacent to streams and rivers, negatively affects water quality and quantity.

Eastern Kansas Grazing School Planned Sept. 11-12

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Rotational grazing is one way in which cattle producers can use rangeland and forages as efficiently as possible. That’s among the topics to be discussed at the third annual Eastern Kansas Grazing School planned for Sept. 11-12 in Ottawa, Kan.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, goes back over the out-of-the ordinary week in Kansas agricultural weather, and looks ahead to next week's forecast.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MAMMATUS...

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Mammatus is the hanging protuberances or pouches on the undersides of clouds. Mammatus are often considered to be a sign that severe weather would soon follow. But is that fact or just an old wives’ tale? State climatologist Mary Knapp provides the answer.

“30-30 RULE” HAS EXCEPTIONS...

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The National Weather Service devised the “30-30 rule” to help people determine when to seek shelter from a storm. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains how the “30-30 rule” works and points out some exceptions to the rule that require seeking immediate shelter.

AN ACTIVE TORNADO MONTH...

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May averages more tornadoes in Kansas than any other month. These tornadoes can result in widespread damage, injuries and deaths. State climatologist Mary Knapp recalls a massive F5 tornado that struck Kansas in 1927 and destroyed nearly 100 farmsteads.

DETERMINING TORNADO ALLEY...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tornado Alley is a term that identifies the area of the United States where tornadoes are most frequent. However, defining the boundaries of that area can get heated. State climatologist Mary Knapp says that’s because there are several ways tornado activity can be measured.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, reports on the Kansas agricultural weather scene.

LIGHTNING AND BELLS DON’T MIX...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

There are many folk remedies for protecting people and buildings from lightning. However, state climatologist Mary Knapp says to forget the folk remedies and concentrate on the modern safety rules if you want to avoid getting struck by lightning.

WHAT IS MEANT BY “TRAINING”?...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The word “training” is sometimes used to describe storms. But what does it mean? State climatologist Mary Knapp says training refers to storms that rebuild and move along the same path, often producing heavy rain.

KARL Training Ends on High Point in More Ways than One

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A month after reaching the Andean mountaintop village of Patabamba, Peru at 15,000 feet and Machu Picchu at 8,000 feet – a class of 30 agriculture leaders hit another milestone – graduation.

Webinar Set for Lesser Prairie Chicken Discussion

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

The potential listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) as a threatened or endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is on the minds of many landowners in Kansas and a cause of concern for land managers.

UNUSUAL SPRING SNOWFALL TOTALS...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Recent heavy snows in Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota made national news with snowfall totals of up to 18 inches. However, state climatologist Mary Knapp says the worst spring storm to hit the west occurred in 1958 and it was measured in feet.

PROTECTING AGAINST TOO MUCH SUN...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It’s been a spring mostly absent of days that felt like summer. However, state climatologist Mary Knapp reminds us of the damage overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet or UV radiation can cause, including sunburn, skin cancer and cataracts. She discusses the precautions we can take to protect ourselves from overexposure to the sun.

THUNDERCLOUDS OR THUNDERHEADS...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

During severe weather, most people are scanning the skies for cumulonimbus clouds. State climatologist Mary Knapp says these clouds, which form huge columns or towers that flatten at the top, are associated with thunder and lightning and closely associated with severe weather.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, reports on Kansas agricultural weather.

Kansas Forest Service to Host Event Agroforestry Field Day Set for Western Kansas

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

With the current drought in Kansas, it is important for landowners, farmers, ranchers and natural resource professionals to focus on conservation and management.

SHEET AND HEAT LIGHTNING...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Sheet lightning and heat lightning both occur when lightning is diffused by clouds. With severe weather season here, state climatologist Mary Knapp explains the difference between the two types of lightning.

WINTER WEATHER IN SPRING...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The calendar says spring has arrived, but the weather can sometimes feel more like it is still winter. State climatologist Mary Knapp looks at two weather outbreaks that occurred in April that left residents of Hawaii and Colorado wondering what happened to spring.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, reports on the Kansas agricultural weather outlook.

AVERAGE LAST FREEZE DATES...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The date for last freeze in southeast Kansas, which was April 8th, is the earliest average date for last freeze in Kansas. However, in northwest Kansas, the latest average date for last freeze isn’t until May 8th. State climatologist Mary Knapp says those are just average dates for the last freeze and that it’s possible for a freeze to occur in late May.

INNOVATION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As policymakers struggle to set federal funding priorities for the coming years and craft a new, five-year farm bill, wheat researchers, farmers, millers and bakers were on Capitol Hill together, pressing the importance of long-term and stable agriculture research funding. Nearly 30 stakeholders from every region of the country were in town for the wheat industry’s annual fly-in focusing on innovation in the public sector, which continues to produce the vast majority of new wheat varieties adapted to the challenges farmers face. Bill Spiegel reports.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather data Library at K-State, reports on Kansas agricultural weather.

VIRGA: EVAPORATING RAIN...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Burt Bacharach won an Oscar in 1969 for the song Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Did you know it’s possible for raindrops to fall, but not hit your head? State climatologist Mary Knapp says not all raindrops make it to the ground. This is called virga.

TWO TYPES OF FLOODING...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Severe weather season in Kansas has arrived. Tornadoes – because of the damage they can cause and the potential for loss of life – often get most of the attention when talking about weather-related safety measures. However, state climatologist Mary Knapp says we should also be aware of the dangers associated with flooding.

PHRASES FOR HEAVY RAIN...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Whether we say it’s a gully washer, frog strangler or raining cats and dogs, there are a number of phrases used to describe heavy rainfall. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains why those various phrases are used.

RAIN BRINGS BLOOMING PLANTS...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The combination of rain in April and the warmer weather in May tends to bring about an abundance of blooming plants. State climatologist Mary Knapp says that’s why there’s a lot of truth to the saying “April showers bring May flowers.”

APRIL FOOL’S DAY WEATHER...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The weather on April Fool’s Day can sometimes seem like a cruel trick. There have been several memorable weather events on April 1st. State climatologist Mary Knapp says one weather event was particularly cruel.

A SUPER TORNADO OUTBREAK...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

April 3rd is the anniversary of one of the worst tornado outbreaks in U.S. history. State climatologist Mary Knapp says 184 tornadoes were recorded from Michigan to Alabama.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, reports on the Kansas agricultural weather scene.

Research Finds That Elevated Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere Trims Wheat, Sorghum Moisture Needs

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Plenty has been written about concerns over elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere, but a Kansas State University researcher has found an upside to the higher CO₂ levels. And it’s been particularly relevant in light of drought that overspread the area in recent months.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, provides the weekly look at Kansas agriculture weather.

THUNDERSTORM WINDS...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tornadoes get a lot of attention, but thunderstorm winds are typically more frequent and cause more damage. State climatologist Mary Knapp says two of the most damaging winds associated with thunderstorms are straight-line winds and downbursts.

IDENTIFYING AIR MASSES...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

An air mass primarily refers to a body of air with uniform properties that developed over a specific area of the globe. State climatologist Mary Knapp says the region where an air mass forms helps identify its properties.

WINTERTIME JET STREAM...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Madden-Julian Oscillation, which has a much shorter cycle than a normal El Nino cycle, can strongly affect the wintertime jet stream and atmospheric circulation features over the North Pacific and western North America. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains how this impacts winter weather in the United States.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, provides her weekly look at Kansas agricultural weather.

THE SPRING EQUINOX...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Spring officially begins March 20th. Known as the vernal or spring equinox, the center of the sun is directly over the earth’s equator. State climatologist Mary Knapp says the length of day and night is not exactly equal during the spring equinox, but it is does mark the beginning of days gradually lengthening.

“BUBBLES” IN PUDDLES...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

There is a saying that if it rains bubbles, the rain will last three days. According to state climatologist Mary Knapp, two factors have to be in place to produce bubbles in a puddle. And, often these factors are enough to produce a lengthy rain.

END TO WINTER WEATHER?...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It is officially spring, but does that mean winter weather is safely behind us? Based on past events, state climatologist Mary Knapp says no! In fact, she says several large snowfalls have occurred in Kansas after the start of spring.

LONGER AND STRONGER...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

There is a physical connection between longer days and stronger storms. The longer days mean more hours of sunshine. State climatologist Mary Knapp says this provides more energy to the atmosphere which could fuel the strong storms.

HIGH WIND WARNINGS...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tornado watches and severe storm warnings are usually taken seriously. But not everyone reacts the same when wind advisories and high wind warnings are issued. State climatologist Mary Knapp says these advisories and warnings should be taken seriously because high winds can be hazardous.

YES, KANSAS IS WINDY...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

When Kansas is translated to mean “people of the south wind” it should come as no surprise that wind features prominently in weather discussions. But, just how windy is Kansas? According to state climatologist Mary Knapp, the National Climatic Data Center compared 275 stations and Kansas was the sixth windiest city – and three more Kansas communities ranked in the top 30.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, covers Kansas agricultural weather.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp covers the Kansas weather scene with K-State Radio Network agriculture director Eric Atkinson.

THE SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT...

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Determining the amount of moisture in snowfall has two parts. The first measurement – the liquid equivalent of snowfall – looks at how much moisture is in newly fallen snow. State climatologist Mary Knapp says the second measurement – snow water equivalent – looks at how much water is held in the current snowpack or snow on the ground.

SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS...

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Despite more than 20 inches of snowfall in parts of Kansas during February, severe weather season is just around the corner. Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas begins March 4^th and state climatologist Mary Knapp encourages everyone to be prepared for the various types of severe weather that could occur in the coming months.

THE LIQUID EQUIVALENT OF SNOW...

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Recent heavy snowfall across Kansas has many people wondering how much actual moisture we received. State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University, says the answer comes in two parts…with the first part being the liquid equivalent of snow.

CONDITIONS FOR A BLIZZARD...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

People commonly use the term “blizzard” for any heavy snowfall with strong winds. However, state climatologist Mary Knapp says the National Weather Service has conditions that must be met before a snow storm is designated as a blizzard.

EXPERIENCING A “WHITEOUT”...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A whiteout is another meteorological term with several meanings. State climatologist Mary Knapp explains the differences between a whiteout that occurs in the Plains and one that occurs in polar regions.

State climatologist Mary Knapp...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

State climatologist Mary Knapp, director of the Weather Data Library at K-State, recaps this week's heavy snowfall across the state, as she covers Kansas agricultural weather.

MARCH CAN BE CALM OR WINDY...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

“In like a lion, out like a lamb” is the catch phrase for March. State climatologist Mary Knapp says the lion and lamb refer to the wind. She explains why March is sometimes windy and other times it’s calm.

Weather Wonders: Snow Blindness, Burn Are Hazards to Recognize

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansans generally don’t see enough snow on the ground to risk two common snow-related hazards. But, knowing how to recognize the problems can be helpful during trips to ski or snow country, said Mary Knapp, state climatologist of Kansas.

Weather Wonders: Glare Ice a Wintry Road Hazard

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – “Glare ice” is a winter weather term that many don’t know about, although they may have observed it, said State of Kansas Climatologist Mary Knapp.