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
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
Today marks the end of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. A great example where the perception in the United States is that it was a "quiet" season, but the reality isn't so simple.
The US got lucky; other places (Jamaica), did not.
Where storms track and how intense they are matters most.
(1/2)
The US got lucky; other places (Jamaica), did not.
Where storms track and how intense they are matters most.
(1/2)
November 30, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Today marks the end of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. A great example where the perception in the United States is that it was a "quiet" season, but the reality isn't so simple.
The US got lucky; other places (Jamaica), did not.
Where storms track and how intense they are matters most.
(1/2)
The US got lucky; other places (Jamaica), did not.
Where storms track and how intense they are matters most.
(1/2)
People deserve to understand the current / future risk where they live.
This type of modeling is hard.
Future state modeling groups producing asset-level output have long faced skepticism from scientists, insurers, banks, and homeowners.
How modelers capture uncertainty is a true test of quality.
This type of modeling is hard.
Future state modeling groups producing asset-level output have long faced skepticism from scientists, insurers, banks, and homeowners.
How modelers capture uncertainty is a true test of quality.
Zillow Removes Climate Risk Scores From Home Listings
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 3:06 PM
People deserve to understand the current / future risk where they live.
This type of modeling is hard.
Future state modeling groups producing asset-level output have long faced skepticism from scientists, insurers, banks, and homeowners.
How modelers capture uncertainty is a true test of quality.
This type of modeling is hard.
Future state modeling groups producing asset-level output have long faced skepticism from scientists, insurers, banks, and homeowners.
How modelers capture uncertainty is a true test of quality.
Nov 29 4pm CT: Already approaching 7 inches of snow in the northern Chicago suburbs. Excellent early season event for snow lovers after the duds of the past few years.
November 29, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Nov 29 4pm CT: Already approaching 7 inches of snow in the northern Chicago suburbs. Excellent early season event for snow lovers after the duds of the past few years.
The Chicago Bears head into December in sole possession of first place in the division.
I... don't know how to process this feeling.
Excitement?
Confusion?
Preparing for inevitable disappointment or Bearsing?
I... don't know how to process this feeling.
Excitement?
Confusion?
Preparing for inevitable disappointment or Bearsing?
a bear with the number 00 on his shirt
ALT: a bear with the number 00 on his shirt
media.tenor.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The Chicago Bears head into December in sole possession of first place in the division.
I... don't know how to process this feeling.
Excitement?
Confusion?
Preparing for inevitable disappointment or Bearsing?
I... don't know how to process this feeling.
Excitement?
Confusion?
Preparing for inevitable disappointment or Bearsing?
A "1-in-300 year" rainfall (0.3% annual chance of occurrence) in parts of southern #Thailand has resulted in some of the country's most extensive flooding since 2011. Nearly 1 million homes have been affected.
The same weather pattern has prompted major flooding in parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
The same weather pattern has prompted major flooding in parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
November 26, 2025 at 11:19 PM
A "1-in-300 year" rainfall (0.3% annual chance of occurrence) in parts of southern #Thailand has resulted in some of the country's most extensive flooding since 2011. Nearly 1 million homes have been affected.
The same weather pattern has prompted major flooding in parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
The same weather pattern has prompted major flooding in parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Year-to-date economic losses from a very active year of tropical cyclones and floods in #Vietnam are approaching USD3.5 billion. Per the Vietnamese government, this puts 2025 just behind 2024 as the costliest on a nominal basis in the last two decades.
November 25, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Year-to-date economic losses from a very active year of tropical cyclones and floods in #Vietnam are approaching USD3.5 billion. Per the Vietnamese government, this puts 2025 just behind 2024 as the costliest on a nominal basis in the last two decades.
ICYMI: Significant hailstorms have impacted southeast Queensland in #Australia; notably around the greater Brisbane metro region. Hailstones up to 14 cm (5.5 in) were recorded.
Insured losses minimally expected into the hundreds of millions (USD).
insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/ins...
Insured losses minimally expected into the hundreds of millions (USD).
insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/ins...
Insurance Catastrophe declared for SEQ hailstorms
The Insurance Council of Australia has declared an Insurance Catastrophe for the strong winds and damaging hail that impacted South East Queensland between Sunday 23 November to Monday 24 November.
insurancecouncil.com.au
November 25, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ICYMI: Significant hailstorms have impacted southeast Queensland in #Australia; notably around the greater Brisbane metro region. Hailstones up to 14 cm (5.5 in) were recorded.
Insured losses minimally expected into the hundreds of millions (USD).
insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/ins...
Insured losses minimally expected into the hundreds of millions (USD).
insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/ins...
Catastrophic flooding continues in central #Vietnam following a stretch of relentless rain. Some areas have seen 1.9 meters (74.8 inches) of rain in the past week.
- 102+ people dead / missing
- 200,000+ homes damaged
- 492,000+ acres of crops damaged
Initial damage cost listed at ~USD500 million.
- 102+ people dead / missing
- 200,000+ homes damaged
- 492,000+ acres of crops damaged
Initial damage cost listed at ~USD500 million.
November 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Catastrophic flooding continues in central #Vietnam following a stretch of relentless rain. Some areas have seen 1.9 meters (74.8 inches) of rain in the past week.
- 102+ people dead / missing
- 200,000+ homes damaged
- 492,000+ acres of crops damaged
Initial damage cost listed at ~USD500 million.
- 102+ people dead / missing
- 200,000+ homes damaged
- 492,000+ acres of crops damaged
Initial damage cost listed at ~USD500 million.
I've probably seen 100 games here in Notre Dame Stadium. This was a new level of first half domination: 49-0.
FYI: Jeremiyah Love is the most explosive offensive player I've seen for ND since Rocket Ismail. Electric every time the ball is in his hands.
FYI: Jeremiyah Love is the most explosive offensive player I've seen for ND since Rocket Ismail. Electric every time the ball is in his hands.
November 22, 2025 at 10:10 PM
I've probably seen 100 games here in Notre Dame Stadium. This was a new level of first half domination: 49-0.
FYI: Jeremiyah Love is the most explosive offensive player I've seen for ND since Rocket Ismail. Electric every time the ball is in his hands.
FYI: Jeremiyah Love is the most explosive offensive player I've seen for ND since Rocket Ismail. Electric every time the ball is in his hands.
While we need to see more urgent progress on climate / sustainability issues (especially GHG emissions), we have to learn to celebrate the wins -- even the minor ones. We've made healthy progress in the last decade.
Much more work to be done. No time for complacency.
Much more work to be done. No time for complacency.
November 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
While we need to see more urgent progress on climate / sustainability issues (especially GHG emissions), we have to learn to celebrate the wins -- even the minor ones. We've made healthy progress in the last decade.
Much more work to be done. No time for complacency.
Much more work to be done. No time for complacency.
One of the best parts of having young kids is that they tell EVERYONE that it's your birthday. Then they yell out your age and end with "that's so crazy that he's so old."
Glad the school bus driver and I could share that awkward moment at 7:18AM this morning.
Glad the school bus driver and I could share that awkward moment at 7:18AM this morning.
November 13, 2025 at 1:44 PM
One of the best parts of having young kids is that they tell EVERYONE that it's your birthday. Then they yell out your age and end with "that's so crazy that he's so old."
Glad the school bus driver and I could share that awkward moment at 7:18AM this morning.
Glad the school bus driver and I could share that awkward moment at 7:18AM this morning.
✓ Increasingly expensive disaster costs
✓ Higher reinsurance pricing (insurance for insurers)
✓ Insurers reassess their portfolio exposure / raise premiums
✓ Replacement costs rise
✓ More people move to high-risk areas
✓ Home values decline
...and more.
The link? Growing risks from climate change.
✓ Higher reinsurance pricing (insurance for insurers)
✓ Insurers reassess their portfolio exposure / raise premiums
✓ Replacement costs rise
✓ More people move to high-risk areas
✓ Home values decline
...and more.
The link? Growing risks from climate change.
Home insurance is getting less affordable, and less available, as insurers raise prices and pull back from areas with extreme weather. That's forcing families across the country to make tough choices. n.pr/47QGKwH
It's harder to get home insurance. That's changing communities across the U.S.
Home insurance is getting less affordable, and less available, as insurers raise prices and pull back from areas with extreme weather. That's forcing families across the country to make tough choices.
n.pr
November 12, 2025 at 2:21 PM
✓ Increasingly expensive disaster costs
✓ Higher reinsurance pricing (insurance for insurers)
✓ Insurers reassess their portfolio exposure / raise premiums
✓ Replacement costs rise
✓ More people move to high-risk areas
✓ Home values decline
...and more.
The link? Growing risks from climate change.
✓ Higher reinsurance pricing (insurance for insurers)
✓ Insurers reassess their portfolio exposure / raise premiums
✓ Replacement costs rise
✓ More people move to high-risk areas
✓ Home values decline
...and more.
The link? Growing risks from climate change.
Absolutely magical and stunning view of the Northern Lights from my front lawn tonight in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Science. The best.
Science. The best.
November 12, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Absolutely magical and stunning view of the Northern Lights from my front lawn tonight in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
Science. The best.
Science. The best.
If you live in a 100-year flood zone, here are the probabilities of experiencing a flood during the life of your hypothetical mortgage:
15 years: 14%
30 years: 26%
50 years: 40%
Plus, more years of mandated flood insurance premiums -- though you should buy it regardless of the lender requirement!
15 years: 14%
30 years: 26%
50 years: 40%
Plus, more years of mandated flood insurance premiums -- though you should buy it regardless of the lender requirement!
November 11, 2025 at 7:39 PM
If you live in a 100-year flood zone, here are the probabilities of experiencing a flood during the life of your hypothetical mortgage:
15 years: 14%
30 years: 26%
50 years: 40%
Plus, more years of mandated flood insurance premiums -- though you should buy it regardless of the lender requirement!
15 years: 14%
30 years: 26%
50 years: 40%
Plus, more years of mandated flood insurance premiums -- though you should buy it regardless of the lender requirement!
November 9/10: Rather exceptional snowfall forecast here in the greater Chicago metro region, including northwest Indiana. Very dangerous driving conditions given snowfall rates could be 3+ inches per hour (plus 30 mph winds). Locations just miles apart could see dramatically different snow totals.
November 10, 2025 at 1:18 AM
November 9/10: Rather exceptional snowfall forecast here in the greater Chicago metro region, including northwest Indiana. Very dangerous driving conditions given snowfall rates could be 3+ inches per hour (plus 30 mph winds). Locations just miles apart could see dramatically different snow totals.