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: Minehttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mltalucp522jReinsurance renewals have shown 10-20% rate declines for US insurers the past year. This has yet to result in similar declines for policyholders. Why? As replacement and labor costs grow, and as inflation drives property values higher, this keeps premiums elevated to cover the value of the risk.14 May 2026 16:32 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mltalucp522jhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mllsqsv25k27Recently taped a podcast (The Table w/ ClaimConnectIQ) that dove a bit deeper into my career journey and some personal thoughts on being in a managerial / leadership role as a scientist. Check it out! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Gazmt2an8J4PcLpz2gqbw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steve-bowen-connect-the-dots/id1856267793?i=100076376024211 May 2026 17:35 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mllsqsv25k27https://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mlj6ra6vcs2vMay 10, 2026: Quite the big day... ...Mother's Day... ...30th anniversary of the release of Twister... ...Whacking Day (for all you fellow fans of The Simpsons).10 May 2026 16:32 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlj6ra6vcs2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mlgrur64bk2rAn alternative take: Use this as an opportunity to educate the public and help better connect the continually growing number of dots that can be directly linked back to climate-related risks. Insurance premiums Housing values Inflation Energy costs Public health Food production Supply chain etc.09 May 2026 17:36 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlgrur64bk2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mlenyo7fd22lHurricane preparedness tip? If you don't have flood insurance and want it ahead of peak season -- buy it now! There's a standard 30-day waiting period before NFIP policies activate. FYI: NFIP take-up continues to decline, and this cannot be fully attributed to private market options coming online.08 May 2026 21:22 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlenyo7fd22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3ml25aihxgk2jReminder that climate change is creating increasingly favorable ground and atmospheric conditions for more rapid spread and extreme wildfire behavior. However... The majority of fire ignitions are attributed to humans. Case in point, the 2025 Palisades Fire: https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2026/05/01/337308.htm04 May 2026 16:55 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml25aihxgk2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mksdoqypvk2vUS hail risk continues to evolve. Consistent with academic research, we're not seeing an overall increase in the number of days with hail. However... We are seeing an increase in the number of large hail occurrences per daily outbreak. This increase aligns with the trajectory of annual loss costs.01 May 2026 14:29 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mksdoqypvk2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mkl7wllehc26April 28: If one were to highlight a forecast that, if verified, would drive a substantial financial loss from a thunderstorm outbreak, today's Moderate Risk (4/5) with Dallas - Fort Worth (TX) in the center of an extremely large hail risk would be a classic example.28 Apr 2026 18:33 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkl7wllehc26https://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mkiqwji56k23Pretty striking green transition news: The Chinese government is requiring all provinces to draft their own carbon peaking action plans. The goal is to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and then achieve carbon neutrality (net-zero) prior to 2060. English: https://english.www.gov.cn/policies/latestreleases/202604/24/content_WS69eac173c6d00ca5f9a0a9d4.html27 Apr 2026 19:00 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkiqwji56k23https://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mkg2kflprs2lThe Dallas - Fort Worth (TX) metroplex had largely escaped a major severe convective storm (SCS) outbreak in 2026; until April 25. A considerable hail swath (and damaging winds) affected many parts of the metroplex. Hail also reported elsewhere across the Plains / Mississippi Valley since April 22.26 Apr 2026 17:14 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkg2kflprs2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mkbecewk422xUpdate: The National Weather Service office in Norman, OK has declared that the April 23 tornado near Enid, OK is minimally EF4. This is the first officially rated EF4+ tornado of 2026 in the US.24 Apr 2026 20:25 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkbecewk422xhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mkbccx6bh22xExamples of "compound risk" when it comes to weather / climate events are found on a near daily basis today. Here is another example with the current wildfires in Georgia. Remnant downed tree debris from Hurricane Helene (2024) dried out and provided even greater "fuel" for fast-spreading fires.24 Apr 2026 19:49 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkbccx6bh22xhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mk6e55yczs2mSign of the times. The prediction markets were inevitably going to set their sights on the weather world. This sets a concerning precedent that could lead to more intentional human-caused disruptions to the quality of observational reporting sites moving forward. [contains quote post or other embedded content]23 Apr 2026 15:44 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk6e55yczs2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mk3iygg5ws2xThru April 21: Here's an overview of the most confirmed tornado touchdowns and highest total of large hail (>2") reports YTD. Illinois (94) is well ahead of any other state with tornadoes. Also notable that four Midwest states have seen the most large hail -- even ahead of Texas!22 Apr 2026 12:33 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk3iygg5ws2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mjzbsvsdzs2vWe've released our Q1 2026 Natural Catastrophe & Climate Report. A very active start to the year for societal impacts from anomalous weather / climate events, but this did not translate to abnormal financial loss costs: Economic: >$58bn Insured: >$20bn Report: https://www.ajg.com/gallagherre/news-and-insights/q1-2026-gallagher-re-natural-catastrophe-and-climate-report/ (1/n)21 Apr 2026 15:19 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjzbsvsdzs2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mjpw27j4k22gApril 17 (4:50pm CT): For those of us in the northern suburbs of Chicago, as well as around Rockford, Milwaukee, Kenosha, etc. FYI. Conditions will be deteriorating soon as leading supercells approach / develop. The environment is primed for possible significant tornadoes and/or very large hail.17 Apr 2026 21:55 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjpw27j4k22ghttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mjhqwwv3v22qTyphoon #Sinlaku has made a direct landfall on the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan & Tinian); a US territory. While the storm weakened from its peak intensity (180 mph; 1-min avg; Category 5), it still struck as a powerful Category 4-equivalent storm.14 Apr 2026 16:02 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjhqwwv3v22qhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mjcrtsrahk2ySuper Typhoon #Sinlaku is now a Category 5-equivalent storm in the Western Pacific and may affect Guam / Northern Mariana Islands. Per JTWC: This is just the 10th known Category 5 storm in the basin prior to May 1 since 1945. A sign of things to come if a strong El Niño develops by peak season?12 Apr 2026 16:35 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjcrtsrahk2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mj6khalxcs2vScience. The absolute freaking coolest. The precision of such unbelievably complex planning is breathtaking. Science is worth every single investment dollar... and infinitely more.11 Apr 2026 00:12 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mj6khalxcs2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mirwjjmqkk2uThe Easter bunny brought umbrellas for the kids today, and to hear my kids tell it, this became an even better day than Christmas. My little science nerds.05 Apr 2026 23:43 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mirwjjmqkk2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3milz76nmbs2fProposed cuts to select science / climate programs in the 2027 FY budget: - NASA (Science & STEM Outreach): $3.54bn - NOAA (Operations, Research, and Grants): $1.6bn - DOE (Office of Science): $1.1bn - NIST: $0.99bn - EPA (Atmospheric Protection Program): $0.1bn https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/budget_fy2027.pdf03 Apr 2026 15:15 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3milz76nmbs2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mi2ic6tcuk2yMarch 27: Here are three graphics that highlight why there is rising concern regarding the prospect of difficult wildfire activity in the months to come. - Widespread drought - Very dry soils - Well below normal Western US snowpack (water equivalent) This is on top of continued anomalous heat.27 Mar 2026 15:57 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mi2ic6tcuk2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mhxst2opac2aLatest US Census Bureau county level population data for 2025 has been released. Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina counties continue to see the fastest numeric levels of growth. Surprise? Pinellas / Miami-Dade counties in Florida rank #2 and #3 for biggest year-over-year numeric declines.26 Mar 2026 14:28 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhxst2opac2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mhovwwv3qk2rCyclone Narelle is making the case for one of the most incredible / unique Australia storm tracks on record. The storm originally made landfall in far northern Queensland on March 20, and is now forecast to outline most of the entire northern & western coasts of the country.23 Mar 2026 01:30 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhovwwv3qk2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mhmfiui6rk2pThe record-breaking US March heatwave is the latest in a lengthy and ongoing list of global examples of increasingly extreme events. It is another reminder that historical weather event datasets alone are an ineffective guide to plan against what a future climate environment will bring.22 Mar 2026 01:30 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhmfiui6rk2phttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mhgzwoalqk2pGorgeous view on the ferry ride to work this morning.19 Mar 2026 22:20 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhgzwoalqk2phttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mh4bv7brek27March 15: Great graphic from NOAA ahead of the next 48 hours of expected severe weather. Main threats: Tornadoes & Damaging Straight-line Winds Note that we're likely to see an elongated line of thunderstorms marked by high winds. Expect numerous quick-lived embedded tornadoes within this line.15 Mar 2026 15:43 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh4bv7brek27https://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mgzmowcass25Happy Pi Day!14 Mar 2026 14:18 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgzmowcass25https://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mgxojtjp322mMarch 13: An early heads up on what is increasingly looking like a day of dangerous severe weather across parts of the Midwest, Mississippi Valley, and Southeast on Sunday (March 15). Tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds appear to be the primary risk. (1/3)13 Mar 2026 19:46 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgxojtjp322mhttps://bsky.app/profile/stevebowen.bsky.social/post/3mguieqntt22cThe March 10-12 US severe weather outbreak was very impactful. The deadly tornadoes have rightly garnered a lot of attention, but hail damage in parts of several major metro areas (Chicago, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, etc) was substantial. Certainly a billion-dollar-plus event for insurers. [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 Mar 2026 13:18 +0000at://did:plc:eeicf57cwhd352bstl5gtiuo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mguieqntt22c