Central Texans love the outdoors. Each week, KCEN HD Meteorologist Nick Piesco talks about the connection between weather and the environment, and shows you ways you and your family can get involved. It's important, timely information you'll only find right here on kcentv.com.
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Friday, February 17 2012 4:36 PM EST2012-02-17 21:36:33 GMT
The 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 22. Each year, volunteers across the country tally the birds they see in backyards, parks and natural areas. Last year, GBBC participants racked up more than 11 million observations and identified 596 species!More >>
Friday, February 10 2012 4:45 PM EST2012-02-10 21:45:15 GMT
When you look up at the night sky, how many stars do you see? As cities and suburban communities grow, so does the amount of artificial light from things like street lights and billboards. Lots of nighttime lighting means that you can probably only see the brightest stars. While outdoor lighting helps humans see at night and stay safe, night lights can impact wildlife in other ways.More >>
Friday, January 27 2012 4:30 PM EST2012-01-27 21:30:13 GMT
Installing a rain water gauge on your property will help you determine how many inches of rain have fallen. Knowing the average weekly precipitation amount helps gardeners apply the correct amount of water with automatic irrigation systems.More >>
Friday, January 20 2012 9:37 AM EST2012-01-20 14:37:34 GMT
Drought is expected to hang around in Texas into 2012, according to federal experts. But gardeners can do many things to help out their outdoor greenery, including watering roots deeply, mulching to insulate the base of plants and replacing water-hogging plants with drought-tolerant options native to their region.More >>
Friday, January 13 2012 4:42 PM EST2012-01-13 21:42:30 GMT
January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is produced when uranium in soil, rock and water breaks down and gets into the air. It can be found anywhere in the United States and sneaks into homes and buildings through places like cracks in floors and gaps around pipes. You cannot see, smell or taste radon gas, but it can be dangerous to your health.More >>
Friday, December 9 2011 4:51 PM EST2011-12-09 21:51:04 GMT
Energy use in the United States typically increases during the holiday season. At this time of year, festive holiday lights that decorate homes and neighborhoods across the country can drive up energy demand and home energy bills.More >>
Friday, December 2 2011 5:08 PM EST2011-12-02 22:08:58 GMT
Forests in Central and East Texas have been hit hard by the driest year on record. The drought may also change vistas for decades to come. Some native trees and bushes are doing fine, but others such as Ashe juniper and redberry juniper appear to be dying in the Texas Hill Country.More >>
Friday, November 18 2011 5:08 PM EST2011-11-18 22:08:05 GMT
November 13-19 is the National Geographic Society's Geography Awareness Week. This year's theme is The Adventure in Your Community. Geography is all around us and varies from region to region in the United States. Did you know that geography and weather are very closely linked?More >>
Friday, November 11 2011 6:17 PM EST2011-11-11 23:17:22 GMT
Fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures mean that many people spend more time inside during the fall and winter months. While up to half of the energy used in a typical home goes towards heating and cooling, other home features like water heaters, appliances and lighting contribute to energy bills.More >>
Friday, November 4 2011 5:08 PM EDT2011-11-04 21:08:04 GMT
Did you know that toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home? They account for nearly 30 percent of your family's water use indoors! If you are searching for ways to save money on your water bill, look for the WaterSense label at your local home improvement store. More >>
Friday, October 28 2011 4:46 PM EDT2011-10-28 20:46:23 GMT
About 80 percent of the United States' pumpkin supply is available in October, but pumpkin makes an appearance year-round in pies, breads and other foods. Weather can have a big impact on the yearly pumpkin harvest.More >>
Friday, October 21 2011 4:46 PM EDT2011-10-21 20:46:17 GMT
Wild birds primarily feed their young insects, which prefer to live on native plants that they evolved with rather than exotic plants. Adult birds also rely heavily on native plants for food, shelter and nesting sites.More >>
Friday, October 14 2011 4:49 PM EDT2011-10-14 20:49:47 GMT
October 9-15 is Earth Science Week (www.earthsciweek.org). Every year, Earth Science Week encourages students and the public to explore the natural world around them and learn about the geosciences. This year's theme is Our Ever-Changing Earth.More >>
Friday, October 7 2011 6:46 PM EDT2011-10-07 22:46:42 GMT
With drought causing wildfires in the west and southwest, researchers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center certified to conduct prescribed burns suggest these safety tips for your home.More >>
Friday, September 30 2011 4:33 PM EDT2011-09-30 20:33:25 GMT
Thanks to ragweed, fall is hay fever season for many Americans. Common ragweed occurs all over the country and is in full bloom in Texas in August and September. It is often confused with tall goldenrod, a showier native plant across much of the United States.More >>
Friday, September 16 2011 5:16 PM EDT2011-09-16 21:16:21 GMT
Recent flooding, wildfires and earthquakes provide good reminders of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. According to NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, there have been 10 billion-dollar weather disasters so far in 2011.More >>
Friday, August 26 2011 10:34 PM EDT2011-08-27 02:34:34 GMT
Even on days with relatively mild temperatures of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. While the windows of a car do not warm very much from the sun's rays, the objects inside of a car absorb and radiate heat. A dark-colored seat or dashboard can reach temperatures of 180 to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.More >>
Friday, August 12 2011 5:37 PM EDT2011-08-12 21:37:06 GMT
On a hot summer day in the United States, a traditional roof can get as hot as 185 degrees! Hot roofs contribute to the urban heat island effect, where temperatures in cities are warmer that surrounding natural areas. One way to reduce the urban heat island effect in cities is to install cool roofs, using materials that reflect heat and stay cooler than traditional roofs.More >>
Friday, August 5 2011 4:55 PM EDT2011-08-05 20:55:16 GMT
Local wildlife – such as birds and small mammals – need a supply of clean water to survive periods of extreme heat and drought. Small animals often seen in our backyards typically don't have large ranges, meaning that having fresh water close-by is extremely important for survival.More >>
Monday, July 25 2011 12:21 PM EDT2011-07-25 16:21:26 GMT
When the temperature goes up outside, so does the demand for energy for cooling. Research shows that for every one degree Fahrenheit increase in outdoor air temperatures, demand for energy increases by 1.5 to two percent! Rising energy use can lead to an increase in air pollutant emissions, which impact human health and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog.More >>
Friday, July 15 2011 4:49 PM EDT2011-07-15 20:49:49 GMT
On hot, sunny days, surface temperatures of roofs and pavement can be from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the air temperature! These hot surfaces contribute to "urban heat islands" where temperatures in cities are hotter than surrounding, less developed areas. The urban heat island effect can be particularly pronounced at night, when city temperatures may be as much as 22 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas.More >>
Friday, July 1 2011 5:25 PM EDT2011-07-01 21:25:54 GMT
With much of Texas in a drought and hot days ahead, consider helping your plants through the sweltering summer season. Plants can cool off by shedding water from leaf surfaces through evapotranspiration. But even evapotranspiration might not protect them from unusually hot weather.More >>
Friday, June 24 2011 5:04 PM EDT2011-06-24 21:04:02 GMT
We're wrapping up Lightning Safety Awareness Week, but the good advice will last us all summer. According to the National Weather Service, lightning flashes about 25 million times each year in the United States. Many myths or "urban legends" exist about lightning. Here are a few common myths revealed:More >>
Friday, June 3 2011 4:48 PM EDT2011-06-03 20:48:05 GMT
Just as some plants do better in shady spots, some handle scorching weather in Texas better than others. Wilting could mean a plant is handling the heat okay - or that it needs help.More >>
Friday, May 27 2011 5:00 PM EDT2011-05-27 21:00:32 GMT
Millions of people head outside over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. As the temperature rises, so does the risk for skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable when detected early, and there are simple ways to protect your skin from sun damage.More >>
Friday, May 20 2011 4:31 PM EDT2011-05-20 20:31:43 GMT
How many gallons of water can you save in a day? Saving water at home can be as easy as turning the water off while brushing your teeth, which saves up to eight gallons of water per day – almost 3,000 gallons for the whole year. That's enough water to run an Energy Star dishwasher 750 times!More >>
Friday, May 13 2011 4:21 PM EDT2011-05-13 20:21:12 GMT
In much of the U.S., May is peak migration month. Billions of birds of every kind – songbirds, raptors and shorebirds – fly from their winter homes in the south to their summer breeding grounds in places as far north as the Arctic. Along the way they encounter many perils, including bright lights and tall buildings, cats, and yard care chemicals.More >>
Friday, May 6 2011 4:39 PM EDT2011-05-06 20:39:03 GMT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NOAA's National Weather Service are encouraging Americans to be "Air Aware" as part of Air Quality Awareness Week. Concentrations of air pollution tend to increase on the tail end of high pressure systems, after the center of the high passes by. High pressure systems affect a number of weather conditions, which can lead to poor air quality.More >>
Friday, April 15 2011 4:46 PM EDT2011-04-15 20:46:56 GMT
This week is National Environmental Education Week, the nation's largest environmental education event. It's held every year the week before Earth Day to inspire environmental learning and stewardship among students and the public. This year's theme is "Ocean Connections," highlighting that no matter how far from the coast, water in every stream or river ends up in the ocean.More >>
Friday, April 1 2011 9:13 AM EDT2011-04-01 13:13:13 GMT
Spring is the perfect time of year to give your home cooling equipment a check-up. Fixing any problems now will help you avoid air-conditioning problems when hot weather arrives. And, well-maintained air conditioning systems cool more efficiently, saving energy and money.More >>
Friday, March 25 2011 4:26 PM EDT2011-03-25 20:26:36 GMT
Why do you sniffle, sneeze and itch during allergy season? In some people, the immune system mistakes allergens – such as airborne tree, grass, and weed pollens and mold – as "invaders." As the body reacts against these invaders, it releases substances that cause common allergy symptoms.More >>
Friday, March 18 2011 4:34 PM EDT2011-03-18 20:34:21 GMT
March 14 through 20 is the third annual Fix a Leak Week, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the average home every year—enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. But stopping leaks is as easy as "check, twist, replace."More >>
Friday, March 11 2011 4:50 PM EST2011-03-11 21:50:18 GMT
Texas' highways and roads are a perfect excuse to enjoy beautiful spring weather while taking in the fabulous wildflowers native to the state. Initial signs suggest the early spring bloomers such as Indian paintbrush and Texas bluebonnets won't be as plentiful as last year's exceptional crop.More >>
Friday, March 4 2011 4:29 PM EST2011-03-04 21:29:50 GMT
Currently, about 95 percent of Texas is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in this part of the country. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks, and other natural landscapes.More >>
Friday, February 25 2011 4:46 PM EST2011-02-25 21:46:12 GMT
NASA's Glory satellite was scheduled to launch this week at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, but problems with the rocket have delayed the launch until mid-March. When it does launch, the Glory mission will collect data to help scientists better understand how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles, or aerosols, affect Earth's climate.More >>
Friday, February 18 2011 4:57 PM EST2011-02-18 21:57:34 GMT
The 2011 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from February 18-21. Each year, bird watchers across the country tally the birds they see in backyards, parks, and natural areas. Last year, GBBC participants racked up more than 10 million observations!More >>
Friday, February 11 2011 4:23 PM EST2011-02-11 21:23:37 GMT
Have you ever wondered why potholes appear on roadways during the winter months? Water from melting snow and ice seeps into pavement and the sub-material between pavement and soil below. When repeated spells of cold weather occur, the water in the pavement refreezes and expands, breaking up the pavement at and below the road surface.More >>
Friday, January 28 2011 4:35 PM EST2011-01-28 21:35:44 GMT
Although many Americans turn off unused lights and take other energy-saving approaches inside their homes, fewer use energy or water-saving approaches in their yards and gardens.More >>
Friday, January 21 2011 9:18 AM EST2011-01-21 14:18:07 GMT
Have you noticed higher energy bills recently? Fewer daylight hours, more time spent inside, and chilly temperatures outside mean energy bills are on the rise this time of year. Luckily, Energy Star has easy-to-use tools to help you figure out how much energy you use at home and how to reduce it... even in a warm climate like we have here in Central Texas!More >>
Friday, January 14 2011 4:08 PM EST2011-01-14 21:08:37 GMT
Planting trees that provide shade will not only save you money on your energy bill, but will prove to be a long-term investment that can improve the look of your home. In most parts of the country, it's a good idea to plant deciduous trees on the west and south sides of the house to provide shade in summer and allow the sun to warm the house in winter.More >>
Friday, January 7 2011 5:02 PM EST2011-01-07 22:02:17 GMT
January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is produced when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down and gets into the air. It can be found anywhere in the United States and sneaks into homes and buildings through places like cracks in floors and gaps around pipes. You can't see, smell, or taste radon gas, but it can be dangerous to your health.More >>
Friday, December 31 2010 4:23 PM EST2010-12-31 21:23:30 GMT
AAA projects that more than 92 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the year-end holidays – and nine out of ten will make that trip in a car. If you are hitting the road, make sure you aren't one of the 1.4 million stranded motorists AAA expects to service during the Christmas to New Year holiday driving period.More >>
Friday, December 24 2010 9:11 AM EST2010-12-24 14:11:37 GMT
Holiday dinner guests often mean extra food and dirty dishes, which can mean extra water used in your home. But if every household dropped their daily water use by 10 gallons this holiday season, it would save more than one billion gallons of water -- enough for one million households with dishwashers to wash their dishes for a year.More >>
Friday, December 10 2010 10:47 AM EST2010-12-10 15:47:19 GMT
December 14 marks the beginning of Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count. The Count runs through January 5, 2011. The first Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on December 25, 1900. 27 participants counted and identified about 18,500 birds, mostly in the northeastern U.S. Today, CBC volunteers brave snow and chilly temperatures to identify and count birds throughout the 50 states and in Canada.More >>
Friday, December 3 2010 4:05 PM EST2010-12-03 21:05:00 GMT
Did you know that the average Texas resident uses about 164 gallons of water per day? In single-family homes, a significant amount of water goes towards maintaining a lawn or landscaping. Indoors, the toilet is often the main source of water use – in a typical home, toilets account for about 30 percent of water use!More >>
Friday, November 19 2010 4:21 PM EST2010-11-19 21:21:59 GMT
Bulb growth in garlic depends on the warmth and the length of the day. In northern parts of the United States, most growers plant garlic in October before the ground freezes. This gives the garlic plant time to develop good roots but not enough time to encourage leaf growth before cooler weather hits.More >>
Friday, November 12 2010 4:19 PM EST2010-11-12 21:19:01 GMT
A 2009 survey of Texas residents found that four in ten Texans admitted to littering in the past month. More than half of those people littered while driving or riding in a car; others littered when they couldn't find a trash can, or when they were walking or playing outside.More >>
Friday, November 5 2010 4:40 PM EDT2010-11-05 20:40:10 GMT
Fewer daylight hours and cooler temperatures mean many Americans spend more time inside during the fall and winter months. While up to half of the energy used in a typical home goes towards heating and cooling, water heaters, appliances and lighting contribute to energy bills too. Swapping traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is one of the easiest ways to start saving energy at home.More >>
Friday, October 29 2010 6:29 PM EDT2010-10-29 22:29:03 GMT
Did you know that poor quality soil increases the amount of water needed to irrigate lawns and gardens? Soil improvements, such as adding compost or other similar soil amendments, can reduce your irrigation needs by 20 percent. That's a reduction of more than 16,000 gallons annually per household in states where irrigation is prevalent, or a nationwide savings of as much as 1.6 billion gallons annually if everyone improved the condition of their soil.More >>
Friday, October 22 2010 10:35 AM EDT2010-10-22 14:35:49 GMT
Wind plays a major role in bird migration. In the fall, wind circulation patterns around highs and lows impact the movement of migratory birds. The ideal time for flying often occurs the day after a cold front passes – north winds, dropping temperatures, rising air pressure, and clearing skies are good migration conditions.More >>
Thursday, October 21 2010 10:21 AM EDT2010-10-21 14:21:08 GMT
This week is Earth Science Week (www.earthscienceweek.org). This year's theme is "Exploring Energy." Energy can be classified as potential, or stored, energy; and kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.More >>
Wednesday, October 20 2010 10:59 AM EDT2010-10-20 14:59:35 GMT
Planting wildflowers is one of the best gifts you can give the environment, and fall is the time to put out seeds here in Central Texas. Native wildflowers are adapted to the climate and soil, so they don't need excessive watering and they don't need chemical fertilizers.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
If you're intrigued by monarch butterflies, you can turn your backyard into a fuel stop for these fall wanderers as they fly to winter havens in California and Mexico. Monarchs are the only truly migratory insect in the world. Like most types of butterflies, they depend on just a few families of plants for food.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
Have you been outside today? Whether it's a visit to a neighborhood park or Yellowstone, spending time in nature provides big health benefits – especially for kids.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
September is National Preparedness Month! A national preparedness survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that of respondents who considered themselves prepared for an emergency, 35 percent did not have a household plan, 77 percent had not conducted a home evacuation drill, and 73 percent did not know community evacuation routes.
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 128 lakes in the Southern Plains Region (the region that includes North and Central Texas) to characterize the condition of more than 3,100 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
Fixing leaks around the home doesn't have to mean hard labor, just a little elbow grease. U.S. households waste up to one trillion gallons each year on easy-to-fix water leaks. Taking a few minutes over the approaching Labor Day weekend to fix leaks around your home could save enough water each year to fill a backyard swimming pool!More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
This is the time of year when many students head back to school. Did you know that up to 20 percent of weekday morning traffic is school-related? Living in areas with lots of traffic can prompt even more parents to drive children to school to ensure safety. Increased traffic and idling vehicles create air pollutants that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
You've probably heard about carbon footprints, but have you ever thought about water footprints? Fresh water is used for many common activities like showering, watering lawns and brushing teeth. But did you know that gallons of "hidden" water also go into making many of the products we use every day?More >>
Monday, October 4 2010 3:36 PM EDT2010-10-04 19:36:18 GMT
Urban areas have more buildings, roads, parking lots and sidewalks than rural areas. These hard surfaces trap heat, raising temperatures in cities by as much as five degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures in cities – known as "heat islands" – can increase the amount of energy used for air conditioning, increase air pollution levels and raise the risk for heat-related illnesses.More >>
As soon as I knew I was moving to Central Texas, I did what any good meteorologist would do: I started brushing up on my Lone Star State geography.
I saw some familiar names on the map, so I did some more searching. It turns out that not just one, not just two, but every city I've ever lived in has a namesake in Texas. (I can't say I was too surprised to find this out, though.) I'm originally from Gainesville - the one in Florida, that is.
