OCTOBER 20, 2015

The Ohio Department of Transportation Auditorium, 1980 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.

Register for the event here.

Extreme weather occurs in many ways including excessive heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and historic flooding. While the links between extreme weather events and climate change are continuing to be analyzed, what is certain is the number of extreme events taking place on Earth, in the U.S., and in Ohio is increasing. This has major impacts on society including the disruption of energy flow, infrastructure, security, health and respiratory wellness, all of which are likely to disproportionately impact highly populated cities.

This presentation demonstrates the basics of weather, climate, and extreme events, discussing the possible mechanisms that link the increase in weather extremes to a warming world. Information will be provided on how extreme events have changed since the middle of the 20^th century, focusing on Ohio and the Midwest. A survey of recent extreme events in Ohio as well as across the country will be presented. Finally, a timeline of the Lake Erie algal bloom forecasts and observations of summer 2015 will be presented as an example of how extreme weather can drastically change the anticipated effects of related physical phenomena in Ohio. The goal of this talk to provide important information to aid in the awareness of Ohio and U.S. extreme weather events and the ability of these events to impact businesses, public services, and government operations  in Ohio.