Sign in

Bob Henson

@bhensonweather.bsky.social
16K followers 402 following 556 posts

Meteorologist and journalist. I cover wacky weather, changing climate, and how we live, love, work, get around, and dream.

PostsRepliesMedia
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 11h
Things will evolve slowly and then more quickly with this one (Invest 92L). Thursday and Friday will be esp. crucial. No matter how it evolves in the Gulf, there'll likely be buckets of rain this week along the connected front in SE AL, S GA, and especially northern/central FL (potentially 5-10"+).
173
Reposted by Bob Henson
Justin Mikulka @justinmikulka.bsky.social · 19h
"Gasoline-only cars fell below 50% of global new vehicle sales for the first time, as the Hormuz crisis and record fuel prices accelerated the shift toward EVs."
oilprice.com
Fuel Price Shock Pushes Global Gas Car Sales Below 50% for First Time | OilPrice.com
The share of gasoline cars in global vehicle sales fell below 50% for the first time ever as the Hormuz shock and the resulting record-high fuel prices accelerated the previously sluggish shift toward...
531229352
Reposted by Bob Henson
Eric Budd @ericmbudd.com · 05/10/2026
very big day for Boulder (and the world) at the US Supreme Court tomorrow
cpr.org
Boulder’s climate case gets its most consequential audience yet: The Supreme Court
After more than eight years in lower courts, Boulder’s case against two oil giants will kick off the Supreme Court’s new term.
2246
Reposted by Bob Henson
Nahel Belgherze @wxnb.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
France’s ongoing drought has once again pushed soil moisture further below historical levels than any previously recorded drought. Uncharted territory.
9268130
Reposted by Bob Henson
Yale Climate Connections @climateconnections.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A crisis is brewing for the U.S. electricity grid – one that could make your electric bill skyrocket and thwart efforts to address climate change. Here’s what we can do:
yaleclimateconnections.org
America is hurtling toward a power grid crisis » Yale Climate Connections
Electricity demand is skyrocketing, utility bills are spiking – but it could take years to build the new transmission lines that would address the problem.
02312
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Hurricane remnents + Gulf inflow are slamming the I-35 corridor from E Neb to SW TX. Lincoln NE had its wettest day in 139 years of recordkeeping on Wed. The soggy scoop from @irenesans.bsky.social, @drjeffmasters.bsky.social and myself: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/10/trop...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Tropical moisture, stalled front fueling flood threat across the Central Plains » Yale Climate Connections
A pipeline of tropical moisture is feeding a slow-moving storm system, unleashing repeated downpours from Texas to the Central Plains.
24317
Reposted by Bob Henson
Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Global model ensembles are in strong agreement that a prolonged &anomalous nearly West-wide autumn heatwave will develop this week & persist for 10+ days. While some daytime records may be set, this event will be more notable for its persistence & breadth. [Thread]
Map showing predicted temperature anomalies in early October from the ECMWF ensemble across the western U.S. Nearly the entire region is painted red and pink, indicating widespread very warm anomalies.
1325896
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Excellent summary from @weatherwest.bsky.social on the continuing confusion between absolute and relative measures of the ongoing 2026-27 El Niño. Key points: —Both absolute and relative scales have value, but they’re meant for different purposes. —This is now a record-strong event either way!
0133
Reposted by Bob Henson
National Weather Service @nws.noaa.gov · 30/09/2026
Dangerous flooding risks move out of the Desert Southwest and into the Plains today as tropical moisture streams in. With up to 6 inches of rain, considerable flood impacts are possible. Avoid travelling through flooded or vulnerable areas, and remember to #TurnAroundDontDrown
06320
Reposted by Bob Henson
Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I spent the full hour on NPR/@wbur.org's "On Point" in conversation with Meghna Chakrabarti on this year's very strong El Niño event--which is expected reach record intensity by Nov--and the broader context surrounding it, as well as local-to-global impacts.
wbur.org
How the 'super' El Niño will shape the global climate
El Niño has become an annual global climate phenomenon. But this year, scientists are warning of a record-setting 'super' El Niño. What that could mean for the weather everywhere on planet earth.
1018247
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Incredibly tight gradient in the Denver area with this sprawling rain event. It's possible Boulder will miss out almost completely. Ughh. Current water-year total in Boulder (Oct 1 - Sep 28) is just 10.65", about half of avg. Next closest at Boulder's 36-year COOP site is 12.42" in 2001-02. .
190
Reposted by Bob Henson
Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Hurricane #Polo has made two landfalls in Mexico today, and will spread flooding rains of 2-7" over the next few days into the Southwest and Plains in regions that need 8+ inches of rain to pull them out of long-term drought. @bhensonweather.bsky.social and I have the details:
yaleclimateconnections.org
After two landfalls in Mexico, Hurricane Polo's rainmaking journey has just begun » Yale Climate Connections
Moisture from Polo and ex-hurricane Odalys is helping spawn heavy rain and potential flooding from northwest Mexico into the southwest and central U.S.
512962
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It's been a looooong time since we've seen this much real estate in the southwest and central U.S. slathered with flash flood watches at weather.gov. Flooding = bad, but drought relief = welcome. (see attached droughtmonitor.unl.edu map)
0205
Reposted by Bob Henson
Irene Sans @irenesans.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Nolo continues to be impressive; luckily, it stayed a bit farther south of HI. Polo will be the big talk; its remnants will bring life-threatening floods to parts of the US. Here is a piece by @weatherprof.bsky.social @bhensonweather.bsky.social & 🙋‍♀️ yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/hurr...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Hurricane Nolo takes another turn, Polo to bring deep tropical moisture to Southwest desert » Yale Climate Connections
Polo aims for Baja California, Nolo flirts with Category 5 strength, and Rachel intensifies as the Pacific’s relentless late-September storm train rolls on. Meanwhile, Hanna is born in the Atlantic.
095
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Among named systems, #Polo is the big story this week. On Monday, Polo could become the strongest hurricane on record to strike Baja California. Moisture from Polo + #Odalys will fuel a swath of heavy rain from NW MX and SW US into the central states. yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/hurr...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Hurricane Polo approaches Mexico as coastal storm grips Northeast, New England » Yale Climate Connections
With the former Category 5 hurricane on track to strike Baja California on Monday, its moisture will fuel widespread, beneficial rains while also boosting the risk of dangerous flash flooding.
03213
Reposted by Bob Henson
Zack Labe @zacklabe.com · 27/09/2026
The last three months are the warmest on record globally, relative to every other June-July-August period since 1850. Data from NOAA/NCEI's NOAAGlobalTempv6.1.0.
Line graph time series of global land mean surface temperature anomalies for each June-August period from 1850 through 2026. There is a long-term increasing trend and large year-to-year variability. The mean surface temperature anomaly averaged for June-August 2026 was 1.21°C for global land areas. Anomalies are computed relative to a 1901-2000 climate baseline. Data from NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI NOAAGlobalTemp v6.1.0.
9438213
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
From #Nolo to #Polo to #Gonzalo – all to affect land areas – plus #Odalys, #Fay, and a wicked weekend nor'easter, the superheated E Pacific and N Atlantic are boiling with activity. Latest from @irenesans.bsky.social, @drjeffmasters.bsky.social and me: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/nolo...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Nolo to bring flood, surf, and wind to Hawaii; Gonzalo develops in the Atlantic » Yale Climate Connections
Atlantic storms will be short-lived, while powerful Pacific hurricanes persist and the Northeast battles a potent nor’easter.
02114
Reposted by Bob Henson
Marshall Shepherd @drshepherd2013.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If you are along I-95 in the Northeast, my analysis of an early-season Nor'easter approaching this weekend www.forbes.com/sites/marsha...
forbes.com
Powerful Nor’easter To Hit I-95 Northeast Corridor With A Twist
What you need to now about an early season Nor'easter that will impact the I-95 corridor of the Northeast.
03512
Reposted by Bob Henson
Irene Sans @irenesans.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Pacific is a factory working overtime! Polo, Nolo, Odalys, and two more areas... The Atlantic had a resurrection... Read more here: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/paci...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Pacific's cyclone factory is working overtime as multiple hurricanes roar across the basin » Yale Climate Connections
Nolo threatens Hawaii with flooding rain and dangerous surf, while powerful Hurricane Polo could make another impact to México and more tropical systems take shape.
03315
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
NoPac is cooking with tropical threats! — #Polo could strike Baja Calif by Mon. — TD 15-E (soon #Nolo) may bring Hawaii 10"-35" rain + major floods as a Cat 3 just S of Big Island. Latest from @irenesans.bsky.social, @drjeffmasters.bsky.social and me: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/powe...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Powerful Hurricane Polo threatens Mexico with torrential rain as Pacific tropics erupt » Yale Climate Connections
Polo churns off Mexico with up to eight inches of rain and 46-foot seas, while another strengthening tropical system threatens eastern Hawaii with dangerous surf and rainfall of 10 to 30-plus inches.
1205
Reposted by Bob Henson
Kim Wood @drkimwood.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The 4 ENP hurricanes that have intensified at/above Polo's remarkable rate all occurred in the eastern portion of the ENP. Polo currently isn't expected to make landfall, but follow NHC for the latest guidance! (Note that it's 42 hurricanes in the ENP+CNP, not 44; see quoted thread for context.)
Map of four tropical cyclone (TC) tracks with symbol colors and styles to match the status of the storm at every time within the NHC best-track or operational track record. The four TCs are Linda (1997), Patricia (2015), Otis (2023), and Polo (2026).
1166
Reposted by Bob Henson
Chris Vagasky @coweatherman.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Seeing the lightning in the inner core of Polo become more widespread and completely enveloping the eye of this extreme storm is a thing of beauty. What's it called when the eyewall is completely enveloped in lightning? The Enveloped Eyewall Lightning Signature: nwafiles.nwas.org/file/nwafile...
1368
Reposted by Bob Henson
Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A classic El Niño impact: below-average monsoon rains in India. We're seeing a -15% deficit this year. India's top 5 rainfall deficit years all were during El Niño: 1877: -33% 1899: -29% 1918: -25% 1972: -24% 2009: -22% During moderate El Niño conditions in summer 2015, the deficit was -14%.
indiatoday.in
10 days left: Monsoon almost over, India's rain deficit at 15%, recovery bleak
India's southwest monsoon is entering its final phase with a 15 per cent rainfall deficit still in place. With withdrawal set to begin over parts of northwest India, the window for any meaningful reco...
12311
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Tale of two oceans in a top-end El Niño: —TS #Fay fails to break Atlantic hurricane "drought." — #Polo forecast to be Cat 5 by Wed off MX Pacific coast. Future TBD after #Polo and #Odalys face off late this week. My latest w/ @drjeffmasters.bsky.social: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/a-ca...
yaleclimateconnections.org
A Category 5 hurricane could be raging off Mexico’s Pacific coast this week » Yale Climate Connections
In a rare expression of forecast confidence, NHC predicted Polo would become a Cat 5 at a time when it was still a tropical storm.
03610
Reposted by Bob Henson
Kim Wood @drkimwood.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Oh good grief, the waters near Hurricane Polo are ~ridiculously~ warm according to recent Argo float data. Combined with a conducive atmosphere, I'm not surprised that NHC calls for ongoing RI up to category 5 strength.
Plot of vertical temperature profiles measured by Argo floats for the top 120 meters of the ocean near Hurricane Polo's NHC forecast cone as of 15 UTC 21 September. Inset map shows the locations of each profile where the line color matches the dot color.[NHC forecast discussion screenshot]

Tropical Storm Polo Discussion Number   4
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       EP172026
900 AM CST Mon Sep 21 2026
 
Polo is in the midst of a significant rapid intensification
episode.  Satellite images indicate a developing central dense
overcast with very deep convection in the core.  Additionally,
microwave images indicate that a small eye has formed beneath the
overcast with hints of a banded eyewall.  The initial intensity
is set to 55 kt, consistent with the latest TAFB classification,
and a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft is enroute to provide a better
look at the intensity.
 
Conditions look ideal for explosive intensification during the next
day or two, with Polo's small inner core over very warm and
untapped waters above 30.5C, within light shear and plentiful
mid-level moisture.  Every model responds to these conditions by
showing rapid intensification, and the SHIPS rapid intensification
index is showing percentages as high as I have ever seen them.
The new forecast is raised from the previous one and is very
aggressive, but still below the latest HCCA corrected-consensus
aid, which verbatim would be at least a 99th percentile event for
intensification.  Polo is expected to be a small but very dangerous
hurricane by tomorrow and beyond.
0228
Reposted by Bob Henson
Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
100 years ago yesterday, the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane caused profound destruction, plunging the city into a deep economic downturn. Four groups say a repeat would cost over $200 billion. Such a catastrophe, like the 1926 hurricane, would cleave Florida history into a “before” and an “after.”
yaleclimateconnections.org
A repeat of Miami’s 1926 hurricane could cost over $280 billion. That's more than Hurricane Katrina. » Yale Climate Connections
A century of development, rising seas, and climate change have made South Florida far more vulnerable to a catastrophic storm.
49640
Reposted by Bob Henson
Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
TD 6 will likely become Tropical Storm Fay but remain a "fish" storm with no threat to land, @irenesans.bsky.social reports today: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/atla...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Atlantic remains hurricane-free as Tropical Depression Six forms near the Azores » Yale Climate Connections
Yale Climate Connections is a nonpartisan, multimedia service providing daily broadcast radio programming and original web-based reporting, commentary, and analysis on the issue of climate change.
1247
Reposted by Bob Henson
Ed Maibach @maibached.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
RIP @joeromm.bsky.social. Thanks for all you did to wake us up to the risks of climate change and the possibilities for climate solutions. @mason4c.bsky.social @docsforclimate.bsky.social @tccollab.bsky.social @coveringclimatenow.org @michaelemann.bsky.social
web.sas.upenn.edu
Remembering Dr. Joe Romm
It is with great sadness that the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media shares news of the passing of PCSSM Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joe Romm. Please find below an obituary prepared ...
25515
Reposted by Bob Henson
World Weather Attribution @wwattribution.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
NEW: Climate change is influencing many of the likely drivers behind the devastating rock and ice collapse on the northern Nepalese border last month. 🧵👇(1/6)
111079
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The mind reels when contemplating what a repeat of the 1926 Miami hurricane would look like today. @drjeffmasters.bsky.social's superb overview is well worth reading and pondering, especially if you're coming in cold to this behemoth.
0257
Reposted by Bob Henson
StephDickenson.bsky.social @stephdickenson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
“The canal handles 5% of global maritime trade & about 40% of US container traffic. From October, an average of 29.5 vessels will be allowed to transit daily – down 18% from 36 in August, according to a draft plan submitted to Panama’s parliament.” www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Panama canal traffic facing further cuts as drought from El Niño worsens
Planned daily reductions will further choke one of the world’s most important shipping lanes
0107
Reposted by Bob Henson
Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We’ve pushed the climate to a higher-energy state where more heat and moisture are available to power stronger storms. Thus, the future is bound to hold some unpleasant surprises for the behavior of Atlantic hurricanes. I cover the worst-case scenarios: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/10-w...
yaleclimateconnections.org
10 ways climate-change-altered hurricanes may come to bite us » Yale Climate Connections
What happens if sea level rise, hurricane wind strength, or other factors turn out worse than expected?
25031
Reposted by Bob Henson
Zeke Hausfather @zekehausfather.com · 14/09/2026
With all the September runs of dynamic ENSO models now in (with the exception of SINTEX), we are even more likely to see a record-setting (or even record-shattering) event this year. Most models revised their projection upward, a few downward, and a few unchanged:
59425
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Eeeeek 😮
092
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
So very quiet….
2130
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The kind of U.S. trifecta we don't want: hottest August, hottest summer, and hottest year to date :-/. U.S. drought situation is pretty grim too, with Lakes Powell and Mead both near all-time lows. Looking to you, El Niño. @climateconnections.bsky.social yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/we-j...
yaleclimateconnections.org
We just had the hottest August, hottest summer, and hottest year to date in U.S. history » Yale Climate Connections
NOAA data show unprecedented heat, as deepening drought, shrinking reservoirs, and a severe wildfire season underscore the growing impacts of a warming climate. Could El Niño bring some relief?
14021
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Along with the Australia threat highlighted by @climateguyw.bsky.social below, I'm also worried about the health and other impacts from the El Niño-driven, drought-spawned fires and smoke that are already plaguing Southeast Asia: www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
Devastating season in Indonesia sees 'water sources dry up'
For three exhausting months, Andri Susanto and his crew have been fighting raging fires on the island of Borneo — and blazes are taking a toll across the region.
0104
Reposted by Bob Henson
Irene Sans @irenesans.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Lowell also generated massive swells across the central Pacific. Offshore wave heights reached 30 to 50 feet, while a 1- to 4-foot storm surge, combined with pounding surf, produced coastal flooding, beach erosion, and wave overwash in low-lying areas. yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/hurr...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Hurricane Lowell slams Hawaii, triggering historic tornado watch and widespread flooding » Yale Climate Connections
Lowell never officially made landfall, but its widespread impacts made it one of Hawaii's most consequential tropical cyclones in decades.
04729
Reposted by Bob Henson
Daniel Swain @weatherwest.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Short-notice pop-up livestream TODAY (Sep 8) at 10am PT: A steamy tropical airmass associated with remnants of Hurricane Marie has allowed thunderstorms to develop near LA this AM, and will bring extreme humid heat over next 48 hours. Live discussion to follow.
youtube.com
Pop-up livestream: Steamy tropical airmass brings thunderstorms, extreme humid heat to LA & SoCal - YouTube
The latest in a recurring series of live, virtual, & interactive #weather and #climate-focused "office hours" hosted by Dr. Daniel Swain. 09/08/2026 topic: I...
25219
Reposted by Bob Henson
Pat Hyland @hylandwx.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
This is the first ever Tornado Watch issued by NWS Honolulu
48046
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Still a large Cat 3 hurricane, #Lowell is heading toward the uninhabited NW Hawaiian Islands, but its E flank will deliver a big punch to the main islands (esp. Kauai): locally torrential rains, high winds & more. Latest from @irenesans.bsky.social and me: yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/09/anot...
yaleclimateconnections.org
Another hurricane to bring torrential rains to Hawaii » Yale Climate Connections
Isolated rains of up to 14 inches from Lowell could produce flash floods.
0109
Reposted by Bob Henson
Climatologist49 @climatologist49.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Global sea surface temperature (SST) departures for August 2026. It was the warmest August, and any month, SST on record. It was also the first time that any month had a global average SST over 19.0C. 🔥🔥🔥
28348
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Meanwhile, downtown LA has a shot at one of its wettest early-September days in 149 years of recordkeeping (and it wouldn't take much rain to make that happen). More at our link below ⬇️
054
Reposted by Bob Henson
Climatologist49 @climatologist49.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Old Farmer's Almanac vs Farmer's Almanac winter "forecasts". We can now generate an ensemble Almanac probability distribution.
9396
Reposted by Bob Henson
Daniel Moser @dmoser.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Pollution levels in London after 10 years of advancing sustainable transport.
Map showing Lower Pollution levels in London after 10 years of advancing sustainable transport.
164115613174
Reposted by Bob Henson
Brian Tang @btangywx.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
There is considerable ensemble spread in Hurricane Lowell's eventual turn northward starting sometime this weekend. About half of the 12Z ECMWF ensemble members have a track near/over the Hawaiian islands that could result in concerning impacts early next week.
23013
Reposted by Bob Henson
Jeff Goodell @jeffgoodell.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Need a quick refresher course on how to talk climate? See below.
1207
Reposted by Bob Henson
Dr. Jeff Masters @drjeffmasters.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
In an average year, the U.S. sees 3 landfalling named storms (2 of them hurricanes). With the season ~1/2 over, we've already had 3 landfalls, after Edouard came ashore in Texas yesterday. Thankfully, this year has a real shot at having the latest first hurricane of the season since at least 1950.
yaleclimateconnections.org
Edouard delivers an outsized flash-flood punch to eastern Texas » Yale Climate Connections
And next week, Hurricane Lowell could swing sharply toward Hawaii.
33916
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
One of several eyebrow-raisers in here. (Happy Holidays?) "California’s highest king tides are predicted on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, with another in late January. Water levels will probably rival the highest in recorded history, even without a nearby storm."
74815
Bob Henson @bhensonweather.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Confused about why some folks are calling this the strongest El Niño on record already, while others aren't? Several crackerjack scientist-writers from the old ENSO Blog are now at climate.us. This dandy explainer from Emily Becker lays it all out. www.climate.us/news-feature...
04115