The Weather Outside is Frightful

Running errands in the cold November weather is normal for a typical Atlanta go-getter.

However, when the November weather has results like freezing your car overnight, which may hinder your schedule.

Okay, now it’s mid-November and it is normal for temperatures to dropping a little. But the winter solstice is a month away. So why am I seeing icicles now?

You’ve heard of global warming and the Atlanta heat being a scorching 100 degrees. But did you know global warming could also affect the winter seasons?

It’s called Arctic Oscillation. This technical term is used to describe the interaction of the jet stream and Arctic air during the winter.

What does that mean? That means ridiculous cold air can be swept over normal temperature latitudes. This causes severe winter weather throughout most of the U.S.

Surviving these crazy temperatures is a must. I’m not talking about the short-term effects like wearing a jacket or scarf or carrying around an ice scraper. I’m talking about the long-term effects. How can we make it a little more bearable?

The thinning of the ozone layer in the earth’s atmosphere causes global warming. Tips and tricks on how you can reduce the heat and the freeze:

Recycle. Recycling can save at least 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually.

Check your thermostat. Keeping the temperature in your house 2 degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer can save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Cooler showers. Using less hot water can save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Carpooling. This usual tip can reduce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and it saves you gas money.


OnAir says: You know we’re fans of the carpooling. What about the rest of the list? Have you thought about ways you can fight back against pollution? Or do you think it’s a bunch of hooey? Let us know in the comments!



Hot Coco and a Stuffy Nose

Fall and winter just around the corner, beautiful things come: colorful leaves, perfect breezes–and of course, allergies.

Allergy season is here. Every school has their fair share of students blowing their nose or coughing. But why does this happen?

Outdoor allergies are simple to understand. In the spring, there is pollen. However, winter is not the prime growing season so pollen does not spread as much. I mean, how many flowers do you see? Not that many.

Turns out, highly developed countries are hit harder with allergies that Third World Countries. Many theories have surfaced that is might have something to do with urban life and development.

With the nice, cool breeze, what person does not want to step outside during autumn? However, like spring and summer, fall can be a peak for outdoor allergies. I’m not talking about pollen; I’m talking about pollution. Common air pollutants, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide can act like irritants and be harmful. Another factor of air pollution is diesel exhaust from cars. Studies have shown that diesel exhaust enhances the ability of the allergy antibody in response to exposure to the irritants. This makes people more prone to allergies.

Once winter comes around, we are stuck indoors and prone to more indoor irritants in the air. One indoor pollutant is tobacco smoke. Second hand smoking can cause a lot of respiratory problems and illnesses. More common, indoor pollutants are dander and dust mites.

So how can we reduce the symptoms of these allergies in a nice and easy way?

Well, carpooling reduces the amount of diesel exhaust in the air caused by multiple cars. Also, keeping dander down, such as pet dander, can reduce the risk of indoor allergies. Regularly grooming your pets and vacuuming the house is a good habit.



OnAir says: Have you got allergies? How are you coping with the season? Let us know in the comments!