Steve Bowen
@stevebowen.bsky.social
Work: Chief Science Officer @GallagherRe
Alumnus: Notre Dame (MSc: Business Analytics). Florida State (BS: Meteorology).
Healthy Obsessions: Weather & Climate Nerdery. Metallica. Notre Dame. Chicago Sports (Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears, Bulls).
Views: Mine
Alumnus: Notre Dame (MSc: Business Analytics). Florida State (BS: Meteorology).
Healthy Obsessions: Weather & Climate Nerdery. Metallica. Notre Dame. Chicago Sports (Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears, Bulls).
Views: Mine
The combined direct economic toll from the recent clustering of strong windstorms in Portugal and Spain now tops €8bn ($9.5bn). This total will increase as this primarily accounts for wind and flood damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
Storm Kristin
Storm Leonardo (Stephie)
Storm Marta
Storm Kristin
Storm Leonardo (Stephie)
Storm Marta
February 9, 2026 at 11:02 PM
The combined direct economic toll from the recent clustering of strong windstorms in Portugal and Spain now tops €8bn ($9.5bn). This total will increase as this primarily accounts for wind and flood damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
Storm Kristin
Storm Leonardo (Stephie)
Storm Marta
Storm Kristin
Storm Leonardo (Stephie)
Storm Marta
Storm Kristin, which brought hurricane-force winds to Portugal and Spain on January 28-29, left a wide trail of impacts. Economic damage costs in Portugal alone are now at least €4bn ($4.7bn).
Hardest-hit areas were affected by the system's "sting jet" that maximized wind speeds as it came ashore.
Hardest-hit areas were affected by the system's "sting jet" that maximized wind speeds as it came ashore.
February 5, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Storm Kristin, which brought hurricane-force winds to Portugal and Spain on January 28-29, left a wide trail of impacts. Economic damage costs in Portugal alone are now at least €4bn ($4.7bn).
Hardest-hit areas were affected by the system's "sting jet" that maximized wind speeds as it came ashore.
Hardest-hit areas were affected by the system's "sting jet" that maximized wind speeds as it came ashore.
Great article. Also, selfishly, excited that @bhensonweather.bsky.social references a recent paper that a few of us recently published on rapid intensification trends of tropical cyclones using ENSO based on RONI.
Paper: agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/...
Paper: agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/...
February 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Great article. Also, selfishly, excited that @bhensonweather.bsky.social references a recent paper that a few of us recently published on rapid intensification trends of tropical cyclones using ENSO based on RONI.
Paper: agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/...
Paper: agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/...
Improved climate adaptation / mitigation can reduce risk. Eliminate it? No.
The primary challenge is whether we can scale enough to meaningfully improve our readiness. There are ample examples of strong building codes working. Just not nearly enough properties are built to an appropriate standard.
The primary challenge is whether we can scale enough to meaningfully improve our readiness. There are ample examples of strong building codes working. Just not nearly enough properties are built to an appropriate standard.
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, investors are examining how much money can realistically be made from climate adaptation
Fidelity Calls Out Limits of Extreme Weather Adaptation Bets
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, investors are examining how much money can realistically be made from climate adaptation.
bloom.bg
February 4, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Improved climate adaptation / mitigation can reduce risk. Eliminate it? No.
The primary challenge is whether we can scale enough to meaningfully improve our readiness. There are ample examples of strong building codes working. Just not nearly enough properties are built to an appropriate standard.
The primary challenge is whether we can scale enough to meaningfully improve our readiness. There are ample examples of strong building codes working. Just not nearly enough properties are built to an appropriate standard.
Sitting in a Canadian catastrophe conference, and hearing an eerily familiar refrain from what many of us are saying across the border in the US:
"Earthquake insurance penetration rates for homeowners are shockingly low. When the next 'big one' hits, a huge portion of damage will be uninsured."
"Earthquake insurance penetration rates for homeowners are shockingly low. When the next 'big one' hits, a huge portion of damage will be uninsured."
February 3, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Sitting in a Canadian catastrophe conference, and hearing an eerily familiar refrain from what many of us are saying across the border in the US:
"Earthquake insurance penetration rates for homeowners are shockingly low. When the next 'big one' hits, a huge portion of damage will be uninsured."
"Earthquake insurance penetration rates for homeowners are shockingly low. When the next 'big one' hits, a huge portion of damage will be uninsured."
This is pathetic, but also a dangerous reality that legitimate scientists trying to provide rational nuance to a starved public have to contend against.
www.newyorker.com/culture/infi...
www.newyorker.com/culture/infi...
The Forecast Wars on Weather Twitter
Traditional meteorologists speak in potentialities and probabilities. A new type of social-media influencer takes a different approach, exaggerating possibilities and fomenting hype in the lead-up to ...
www.newyorker.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:31 PM
This is pathetic, but also a dangerous reality that legitimate scientists trying to provide rational nuance to a starved public have to contend against.
www.newyorker.com/culture/infi...
www.newyorker.com/culture/infi...
True: The recent US winter storm was disruptive and a big deal for many communities.
False: It did not and will not come remotely close to causing up to $115bn in direct (or indirect) economic losses.
Media: Please stop treating these estimates as anything other than a farcical fantasy.
False: It did not and will not come remotely close to causing up to $115bn in direct (or indirect) economic losses.
Media: Please stop treating these estimates as anything other than a farcical fantasy.
January 27, 2026 at 1:36 PM
True: The recent US winter storm was disruptive and a big deal for many communities.
False: It did not and will not come remotely close to causing up to $115bn in direct (or indirect) economic losses.
Media: Please stop treating these estimates as anything other than a farcical fantasy.
False: It did not and will not come remotely close to causing up to $115bn in direct (or indirect) economic losses.
Media: Please stop treating these estimates as anything other than a farcical fantasy.
This really is quite the US weather hazard alert map.
January 23, 2026 at 9:35 PM
This really is quite the US weather hazard alert map.
Did you know that NOAA has a categorical ranking system (1-5) for winter storms?
It's called the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI): www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monit...
Unlike the Saffir-Simpson or Enhanced Fujita scales, the RSI is attributed after an event and accounts for hazard AND societal impacts.
It's called the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI): www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monit...
Unlike the Saffir-Simpson or Enhanced Fujita scales, the RSI is attributed after an event and accounts for hazard AND societal impacts.
January 23, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Did you know that NOAA has a categorical ranking system (1-5) for winter storms?
It's called the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI): www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monit...
Unlike the Saffir-Simpson or Enhanced Fujita scales, the RSI is attributed after an event and accounts for hazard AND societal impacts.
It's called the Regional Snowfall Index (RSI): www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monit...
Unlike the Saffir-Simpson or Enhanced Fujita scales, the RSI is attributed after an event and accounts for hazard AND societal impacts.
January 23 7:25 AM: Current situation in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Chilly.
Chilly.
January 23, 2026 at 1:28 PM
January 23 7:25 AM: Current situation in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Chilly.
Chilly.
The biggest drivers of losses from winter storms are often:
- Burst frozen pipes / indoor flooding
- Business interruption due to prolonged power outages
- Infrastructure / utility grid damage
Weathering and modernizing utility grids are essential to withstand extreme weather / climate shifts.
- Burst frozen pipes / indoor flooding
- Business interruption due to prolonged power outages
- Infrastructure / utility grid damage
Weathering and modernizing utility grids are essential to withstand extreme weather / climate shifts.
January 22, 2026 at 1:36 PM
The biggest drivers of losses from winter storms are often:
- Burst frozen pipes / indoor flooding
- Business interruption due to prolonged power outages
- Infrastructure / utility grid damage
Weathering and modernizing utility grids are essential to withstand extreme weather / climate shifts.
- Burst frozen pipes / indoor flooding
- Business interruption due to prolonged power outages
- Infrastructure / utility grid damage
Weathering and modernizing utility grids are essential to withstand extreme weather / climate shifts.
The direct financial cost of annual natural catastrophes should merely be one metric to tell a much bigger story of how risk is growing. While the insurance industry sits at the front line, and understands climate change risk better than most industries, we cannot solve these issues alone.
(7/7)
(7/7)
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The direct financial cost of annual natural catastrophes should merely be one metric to tell a much bigger story of how risk is growing. While the insurance industry sits at the front line, and understands climate change risk better than most industries, we cannot solve these issues alone.
(7/7)
(7/7)
The rational approach is to understand that greater annual and regional volatility in individual event behavior will bring greater losses and more “downstream” societal impacts. We must see more investment into data research and mitigation, plus ensure significant emission reduction.
(6/n)
(6/n)
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The rational approach is to understand that greater annual and regional volatility in individual event behavior will bring greater losses and more “downstream” societal impacts. We must see more investment into data research and mitigation, plus ensure significant emission reduction.
(6/n)
(6/n)
We will further endure the growing influence of climate change on global weather patterns and individual events. However, it is crucial to stress that climate change will not translate to consistent linear growth in event frequency or intensity in all parts of the world for all perils.
(5/n)
(5/n)
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
We will further endure the growing influence of climate change on global weather patterns and individual events. However, it is crucial to stress that climate change will not translate to consistent linear growth in event frequency or intensity in all parts of the world for all perils.
(5/n)
(5/n)
We must recognize that the complexity of natural catastrophe events is accelerating the need to better understand how both physical and non-physical risk profiles are evolving and becoming increasingly interconnected.
(4/n)
(4/n)
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
We must recognize that the complexity of natural catastrophe events is accelerating the need to better understand how both physical and non-physical risk profiles are evolving and becoming increasingly interconnected.
(4/n)
(4/n)
The US accounted for the bulk of 2025 natural catastrophe losses; representing 78% ($100bn) of global insured losses. At least $92bn of the insured losses came from SCS activity (>$51bn) and the January California wildfires ($41bn).
The US endured 28 billion-dollar economic loss events.
(3/n)
The US endured 28 billion-dollar economic loss events.
(3/n)
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The US accounted for the bulk of 2025 natural catastrophe losses; representing 78% ($100bn) of global insured losses. At least $92bn of the insured losses came from SCS activity (>$51bn) and the January California wildfires ($41bn).
The US endured 28 billion-dollar economic loss events.
(3/n)
The US endured 28 billion-dollar economic loss events.
(3/n)
While not a record breaking year, 2025 proved consequential for many communities and offered more examples of the how increasingly interconnected and vulnerable the world remains to current and future natural hazard risk.
(2/n)
(2/n)
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
While not a record breaking year, 2025 proved consequential for many communities and offered more examples of the how increasingly interconnected and vulnerable the world remains to current and future natural hazard risk.
(2/n)
(2/n)
Today we release our Gallagher Re 2025 Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report.
Full Report: www.ajg.com/gallagherre/...
Economic Loss: $296bn (-25% vs 10 Yr Avg; $394 bn)
Insured Loss: $129bn (-5% vs 10 Yr Avg; $136 bn)
(1/n)
Full Report: www.ajg.com/gallagherre/...
Economic Loss: $296bn (-25% vs 10 Yr Avg; $394 bn)
Insured Loss: $129bn (-5% vs 10 Yr Avg; $136 bn)
(1/n)
www.ajg.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Today we release our Gallagher Re 2025 Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report.
Full Report: www.ajg.com/gallagherre/...
Economic Loss: $296bn (-25% vs 10 Yr Avg; $394 bn)
Insured Loss: $129bn (-5% vs 10 Yr Avg; $136 bn)
(1/n)
Full Report: www.ajg.com/gallagherre/...
Economic Loss: $296bn (-25% vs 10 Yr Avg; $394 bn)
Insured Loss: $129bn (-5% vs 10 Yr Avg; $136 bn)
(1/n)
Horrific wildfires in Chile. It is unfortunately becoming much too common and a near annual occurrence for the country as it deals with more extreme summer heat and favorable fire conditions.
January 20, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Horrific wildfires in Chile. It is unfortunately becoming much too common and a near annual occurrence for the country as it deals with more extreme summer heat and favorable fire conditions.
Taking into account pre-season expectations, no serious Bears fan can be disappointed given the insane ride the season ended up being.
It absolutely sucks to lose.
But the Bears played meaningful football into the second half of January.
I'll take it.
Losing still sucks though.
It absolutely sucks to lose.
But the Bears played meaningful football into the second half of January.
I'll take it.
Losing still sucks though.
a man wearing a helmet and scarf stands in front of a crowd of people
ALT: a man wearing a helmet and scarf stands in front of a crowd of people
media.tenor.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:10 AM
Taking into account pre-season expectations, no serious Bears fan can be disappointed given the insane ride the season ended up being.
It absolutely sucks to lose.
But the Bears played meaningful football into the second half of January.
I'll take it.
Losing still sucks though.
It absolutely sucks to lose.
But the Bears played meaningful football into the second half of January.
I'll take it.
Losing still sucks though.
FYI: We will be releasing the 2025 edition of the Gallagher Re Natural Catastrophe & Climate Report next week on January 21.
January 13, 2026 at 2:08 PM
FYI: We will be releasing the 2025 edition of the Gallagher Re Natural Catastrophe & Climate Report next week on January 21.
Reminder: Yes, large-scale events that cause at least $1 billion in direct economic impacts drive the bulk of annual US catastrophe losses. But the non-billion-dollar events still drive considerable aggregate costs.
Since 2010, non-billion-dollar events account for 24% of US losses ($544 billion).
Since 2010, non-billion-dollar events account for 24% of US losses ($544 billion).
January 8, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Reminder: Yes, large-scale events that cause at least $1 billion in direct economic impacts drive the bulk of annual US catastrophe losses. But the non-billion-dollar events still drive considerable aggregate costs.
Since 2010, non-billion-dollar events account for 24% of US losses ($544 billion).
Since 2010, non-billion-dollar events account for 24% of US losses ($544 billion).
2025 was a challenging year for weather / climate related issues. We saw more record breaking extremes. We sounded the alarm to support science and data availability.
Forward progress and protecting scientific integrity is key. We must celebrate the wins (big or small).
We all have a role to play.
Forward progress and protecting scientific integrity is key. We must celebrate the wins (big or small).
We all have a role to play.
December 31, 2025 at 6:41 PM
2025 was a challenging year for weather / climate related issues. We saw more record breaking extremes. We sounded the alarm to support science and data availability.
Forward progress and protecting scientific integrity is key. We must celebrate the wins (big or small).
We all have a role to play.
Forward progress and protecting scientific integrity is key. We must celebrate the wins (big or small).
We all have a role to play.
This is a remarkable forecast discussion from the WPC:
"...heavy rainfall totals for Southern CA will likely occur over an 18 hour period, with widespread 4-7 inch totals, with isolated max amounts of 9"+..."
"...anomalous 850-700 mb moisture flux; 5+ standard deviations above the mean..."
(2/2)
"...heavy rainfall totals for Southern CA will likely occur over an 18 hour period, with widespread 4-7 inch totals, with isolated max amounts of 9"+..."
"...anomalous 850-700 mb moisture flux; 5+ standard deviations above the mean..."
(2/2)
December 22, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This is a remarkable forecast discussion from the WPC:
"...heavy rainfall totals for Southern CA will likely occur over an 18 hour period, with widespread 4-7 inch totals, with isolated max amounts of 9"+..."
"...anomalous 850-700 mb moisture flux; 5+ standard deviations above the mean..."
(2/2)
"...heavy rainfall totals for Southern CA will likely occur over an 18 hour period, with widespread 4-7 inch totals, with isolated max amounts of 9"+..."
"...anomalous 850-700 mb moisture flux; 5+ standard deviations above the mean..."
(2/2)
Heads up for Southern California on December 24-25. The National Weather Service has issued a rare High Risk for excessive rainfall that may lead to serious flash flooding, mudslides, landslides, etc.
Areas affected by wildfires in recent years will have an elevated risk given burn scars.
(1/2)
Areas affected by wildfires in recent years will have an elevated risk given burn scars.
(1/2)
December 22, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Heads up for Southern California on December 24-25. The National Weather Service has issued a rare High Risk for excessive rainfall that may lead to serious flash flooding, mudslides, landslides, etc.
Areas affected by wildfires in recent years will have an elevated risk given burn scars.
(1/2)
Areas affected by wildfires in recent years will have an elevated risk given burn scars.
(1/2)