Spring Break!

Well, Spring Break 2008 has now begun, for JSU and for most other students as well. Although the stereotype is that all college students go to party at an exotic beach during the Break, economics and family ties result in a lot of folks just relaxing at home for a week. Wherever you are though, it must be considered that the weather can be pretty fickle in March. Those of us that are starting to (reluctantly?) get older can think back to the Spring Break chaos of the "Storm of the Century" in 1993. In that case, different parts of the country were hit with tornadoes, storm surge, and blizzard conditions all from the same system. In all, about 270 people were killed and as much as $10 billion in property damage was sustained. It was also one of the greatest successes of modern numerical weather prediction.

Although it's probably too late to get in on it now, some "weather geeks" might like to spend their Spring Break storm chasing out on the Great Plains. Fun stuff, possibly. Or boring, if nothing happens. In any case, the excitement of a powerful storm is never an excuse for ignoring the suffering of storm victims. Most recently, let's not forget the devastation from the F4 tornado that hit Jackson, TN on Feb. 5.

Of course, even if you are on the beach in Cancun and the weather turns out gorgeous, you still need to be careful. Besides opportunities to indulge in immorality that can put your life on a fast track to disaster, you shouldn't forget that too much solar radiation can be a very bad thing. In particular, it's the ultraviolet (UV) radiation that gives sunburns, contributes to skin cancers, and can harm your eyes. Just think how bad it could be if we didn't have ozone in the stratosphere to absorb over 98% of the ultraviolet radiation before it can reach the earth's surface! Protect yourself with lots of high SPF sunscreen, and not leaving a lot of exposed skin when the sun is highest in the sky.

And don't forget to come back to class after the Break.