Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

Background

The Cold Weather Advisory for Newborn Livestock (CANL) system was created by the National Weather Service Forecast Office at Glasgow, Montana, Dr. Larry Kalkstein at the University of Miami and Dr. Katrina Frank at the University of Delaware. Dr. Kalkstein is one of the leading researchers on weather effects on humans (biometeorology), and Dr. Frank has a background in animal sciences and climatology (bioclimatologist). The system is designed to indicate weather conditions dangerous to newborn livestock. The criteria for this system were derived from interviews with Montana ranchers and from published scientific research on animal health.

We are targeting those livestock that are less than 24-hours old because these animals are least able to regulate their body temperature and therefore most susceptible to the cold. Also, after several hours, producers may have had a chance to get to the animals, dry them off, and provide shelter as needed.