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
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.
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.
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)
This. All of this.
a man wearing headphones and a chicago bears shirt is standing on a field .
ALT: a man wearing headphones and a chicago bears shirt is standing on a field .
media.tenor.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:35 AM
This. All of this.
Climate is simply a longer-term average of... weather.
Climate change research is simply the study of changing weather patterns.
NCAR has been at the forefront of weather / climate research and providing essential datasets for decades. It is one of the world's best training grounds for scientists.
Climate change research is simply the study of changing weather patterns.
NCAR has been at the forefront of weather / climate research and providing essential datasets for decades. It is one of the world's best training grounds for scientists.
December 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Climate is simply a longer-term average of... weather.
Climate change research is simply the study of changing weather patterns.
NCAR has been at the forefront of weather / climate research and providing essential datasets for decades. It is one of the world's best training grounds for scientists.
Climate change research is simply the study of changing weather patterns.
NCAR has been at the forefront of weather / climate research and providing essential datasets for decades. It is one of the world's best training grounds for scientists.
One of the great success stories in American history was President Eisenhower pushing major investment in STEM education at the dawn of the Space Race.
Scientific literacy greatly improved. It was a point of national pride. NASA was the coolest.
Scientific advancement should always be championed.
Scientific literacy greatly improved. It was a point of national pride. NASA was the coolest.
Scientific advancement should always be championed.
December 17, 2025 at 1:55 AM
One of the great success stories in American history was President Eisenhower pushing major investment in STEM education at the dawn of the Space Race.
Scientific literacy greatly improved. It was a point of national pride. NASA was the coolest.
Scientific advancement should always be championed.
Scientific literacy greatly improved. It was a point of national pride. NASA was the coolest.
Scientific advancement should always be championed.
This was a really enjoyable session. @weatherwest.bsky.social and I barely scratched the surface in the hour, but we definitely hit on a number of the key issues. Hope you find it engaging!
A recording of the Reask-hosted webinar on hurricane Intensification in a warming climate is now available (click "watch on demand" at bottom of page). Steve Bowen & I discuss science involved, parallels w/wildfire risk, & insurance industry implications.
Hurricane intensification: a changing reality | Reask
Join climate expert Dr. Daniel Swain and Gallagher Re’s Steve Bowen for a deep dive into hurricane intensification, modelling approaches, and (re)insurance risk.
reask.earth
December 14, 2025 at 12:11 AM
This was a really enjoyable session. @weatherwest.bsky.social and I barely scratched the surface in the hour, but we definitely hit on a number of the key issues. Hope you find it engaging!
Updated NFIP take-up graphic as of November 30, 2025.
Note the continued decline in active NFIP policies. While private flood insurance companies are increasing their policy counts, the national trend is still going in the wrong direction.
Fewer flood policies means more uninsured flood losses.
Note the continued decline in active NFIP policies. While private flood insurance companies are increasing their policy counts, the national trend is still going in the wrong direction.
Fewer flood policies means more uninsured flood losses.
December 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Updated NFIP take-up graphic as of November 30, 2025.
Note the continued decline in active NFIP policies. While private flood insurance companies are increasing their policy counts, the national trend is still going in the wrong direction.
Fewer flood policies means more uninsured flood losses.
Note the continued decline in active NFIP policies. While private flood insurance companies are increasing their policy counts, the national trend is still going in the wrong direction.
Fewer flood policies means more uninsured flood losses.
Reposted by Steve Bowen
Join us on Wed, Dec 10 (10am Eastern/7am Pacific) for a live conversation on the science behind and implications of more rapidly intensifying hurricanes. This discussion will feature @stevebowen.bsky.social (Gallagher Re) and me, and is hosted by Reask. See you then!
Hurricane intensification: a changing reality | Reask
Join climate expert Dr. Daniel Swain and Gallagher Re’s Steve Bowen for a deep dive into hurricane intensification, modelling approaches, and (re)insurance risk.
reask.earth
December 4, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Join us on Wed, Dec 10 (10am Eastern/7am Pacific) for a live conversation on the science behind and implications of more rapidly intensifying hurricanes. This discussion will feature @stevebowen.bsky.social (Gallagher Re) and me, and is hosted by Reask. See you then!
November 30: Awful situation across parts of South & Southeast Asia as two cyclones spawned extreme flooding and landslides that have left more than 1,000 people dead.
CY Ditwah
- Sri Lanka: >334 dead
CY Senyar
- Thailand: >162 dead; >$1bn economic loss
- Indonesia: >505 dead
- Malaysia: >3 dead
CY Ditwah
- Sri Lanka: >334 dead
CY Senyar
- Thailand: >162 dead; >$1bn economic loss
- Indonesia: >505 dead
- Malaysia: >3 dead
November 30, 2025 at 7:40 PM
November 30: Awful situation across parts of South & Southeast Asia as two cyclones spawned extreme flooding and landslides that have left more than 1,000 people dead.
CY Ditwah
- Sri Lanka: >334 dead
CY Senyar
- Thailand: >162 dead; >$1bn economic loss
- Indonesia: >505 dead
- Malaysia: >3 dead
CY Ditwah
- Sri Lanka: >334 dead
CY Senyar
- Thailand: >162 dead; >$1bn economic loss
- Indonesia: >505 dead
- Malaysia: >3 dead