Natasha Vizcarra

Take it from the Olympics, slushy winter sports may be the new normal Ice arenas and artificial snow now dominate the winter Olympics. Athletes there — and everywhere — may need to adjust how they train and perform.

Ice arenas and artificial snow now dominate winter sports. Do athletes need to train differently?
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/olympics-winter-ice-sports-tips-snow

A screenshot showing the forecast for Tuesday in graphic form: a combination of fire weather watch and 20 percent chance of snow.

Yup, consistently Colorado. #COwx

Winter sports is feeling the heat, and athletes are changing the way they train and compete. My first story for @snexplores.bsky.social.
#wintergames #winter #wintersports #MilanCortina2026

You mean you have to dry it first?

Extreme cold weather alerts span the U.S. from the Canadian border to the Mexican border across the central and eastern US.

Forecast low temperatures across the US ending Saturday morning Jan 24, 2026. Much of the US will experience temperatures below freezing.

Forecast low temperatures across the US ending Sunday morning Jan 25, 2026. Much of the US will experience temperatures below freezing.

Forecast low temperatures across the US ending Monday morning Jan 24, 6. Much of the US will experience temperatures below freezing.

In the wake of this major winter storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills. This will cause prolonged hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts.

Staying warm when the power is out. Visuals of a home floor plan and a person on a sofa highlight safety tips: - Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat - Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat, - Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors - Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing - Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Power outages are certain for some, especially in areas where the heaviest ice will accumulate on trees and powerlines.

The cold can be deadly--but even without power, there are still ways to warm things up.

Learn more about winter safety: weather.gov/safety/winter

Winter Storm Severity Index. No more important added content to add from what is in the post text.

Take this storm seriously.

Moderate to major impacts are expected from the Central US through to the Northeast through the weekend.
- Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible.
- Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur.

T. rex took 40 years to become fully grown An analysis of growth rings in the leg bones of 17 Tyrannosaurus rex individuals reveals that the dinosaurs matured much more slowly than previously thought, and adds to the evidence that they weren't...

Ex-bf must have been a T. rex.

Series of big storms needed to make up huge snow supply gap, Colorado water experts say There’s still winter left, but Colorado experts say the state needs some mega snowstorms to reach an average snowpack and water supply.

“We’re far enough into the winter that it starts to become difficult to dig out of these deficits,” (Assistant State Climatologist Peter) Goble said. “It’d take a big year to get us back to normal”

from @coloradosun.com #cowx

Important update about Congressional efforts to prevent the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) from being dismantled. Last week the White House threatened to veto any appropriations bill that protects NCAR. Despite this attempt at intimidation ... (1/ )

First outdoor kitty sighting for 2026.

Every month, the Institute for Independent Journalists holds FREE webinars to nurture your network, sharpen your skills, and perfect your pitches. Check out our full schedule here: theiij.com/webinars

Finally, some snow.

A depleted Gitam Reservoir in 2024.

In remote #Pacific islands, #drought can abruptly turn into a humanitarian emergency, as shown in this 2024 photo of a reservoir in Micronesia. Learn how researchers and leaders are collaborating to better #forecast these events. Credit: M. Krishnapillai

My latest for Ka Pili Kai: bit.ly/3LlaVoC

It’s officially Denver’s hottest Christmas on record: 70° for a high breaks the old daily record of 69° (2005).

#COwx

Yay!

But does the observer have recent spotter training?

That black cat named Moon at Stonehenge surrounded by its adoring crowd during this year's winter solstice

Fine, whatever, this random cat is your new god of the winter solstice

Lettuce, sage and trimmed chives in a garden bed.

Record high December temps in Colorado. We haven’t had the kind of cold to kill this volunteer lettuce that sprouted in early fall. Am still harvesting from it for sandwiches. The chives (left) and sage (top) are still around too. #COwx #gardening #zone6b

Sugar snap pea seedlings surrounded by leaf mulch.

62 degrees Celsius in the Denver metro. I planted sugar snap peas two weeks ago as an experiment. And here they are. Maybe I should go ahead and sow the rest of my cold hardy seeds. #COwx #gardening #zone6b

📣 We seek to appoint a Chair (with rank of professor) within the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate will be an outstanding scholar of international standing in the field.

🗓 Closing Date: 23 March 2026

Full details: www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/I/...

Does the journal name start with F?

I sowed sugar snap peas two weeks ago. They have just sprouted. In late December.

A girl and four cats

I drew myself with my furry children but why do I look like @amypoehler.bsky.social here?

Worm cloud over the Front Range. #COwx

If you’re at #AGU25, come by our Town Hall tomorrow at 1PM in 243-244. After the National Climate Assessment was disbanded, a bunch of us got to work to advance climate assessment. We’re the editors of a new U.S. climate assessment collection, & need your help: eppro01.ativ.me/appinfo.php?... #AGU25

Trying to relax and catch up on Zzs today. High winds and a red flag warning return tomorrow. A lot of nail biting too. #cowx

I still hear gusts outside in Broomfield. Forecast says it will be calmer tomorrow, but red flag returns on Friday. #COwx

Is that Ted S in the purple shirt?

Fellowships - This American Life Our fellowship program focuses on every facet of producing this show.

Have you been thinking about applying for our fellowship? The deadline is this Wed, Oct. 1. Join us to learn to structure and mix radio stories, participate in group edits, and pitch your own pieces for the show. bit.ly/38WSNey