Weather

Cold Fronts - Facts About The Winds, Temperatures & Weather Changes Due To A Cold Front

Autumn and winter are typically characterized by numerous cold fronts.

Cold fronts are not themselves actual masses of cold air, per se. Cold fronts simply are the line (or transition area) between a warmer air mass and the cooler air mass moving in.

While most cold fronts are accompanied by clouds, rain, and often severe storms, some cold fronts pass without much -- if any -- fanfare at all.

Here's everything you want to know about weather cold fronts...

Continue reading: Cold Front Weather

Tips For Viewing Sun Dogs - No, They're Not Rainbows!

Ever hear of a sundog?

While some people may think of a golden retriever or dachshund sitting in a lawn chair and basking in the sun, a real sun dog has nothing to do with dogs.

But they sure do have a lot to do with the sun!

By the way, sun dogs, are often referred to by their Latin name: parhelion (or parhelia, when referring to more than one parhelion).

Sun dogs are also sometimes called "mock suns."

Okay, so what exactly are sun dogs?...

Continue reading: Tips For Viewing Sundogs

How To Predict The Weather Without A Forecast

Did you know that it is possible to predict stormy weather without having to read a forecast?

It's true. But it takes some skill.

The key is in learning Mother Nature's signs and symbols which indicate what future weather is going to be like.

For example:

• A red sky in the west indicates fair weather is likely coming your way
• A red sky in the east during the morning means storms could soon be charging toward you.

There are many similar tips, tricks, and tactics which people use to forecast the weather on their own. If you take your time to study weather patterns, you will soon find that forecasting the weather on your own can be a piece of cake and a load of fun!

3 States Of Water In Clouds & How They Are Seen In The Weather

Do you know what the 3 states of water are in clouds? They are:

• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas

In meteorology, these 3 states of water are seen as:

• Hail (a solid)
• Rain (a liquid)
• Water Vapor (a gas)

Clouds definitely play a very important role in those 3 states of water.

So, what are the sizes and colors of clouds telling us? Well, cloud sizes and cloud colors always mean something very specific to meteorologists. For example, large, towering clouds tend to mean rain and even strong storms may soon be on the way.

Snow Fences Prevent Snow From Piling Up Around Your Home

With winter on its way, you are probably already dreading the snow drifts which will likely pile up near your driveway, sidewalk, or house. That is where you install a snow fence -- a fence designed to contain and control snow drifts.

A snow fence works in creating a snow drift on the downwind side of the fence. So while you really can't stop the formation of snow drifts, you can at least control how and where they form.

And while talking about snow drifts, it is also important we quickly turn our attention to the roof of your house which can also suffer from snow damage if not tended to properly.

Snow piling up on a roof can cause a collapse. It is important you buy the right tools for the job (snow shovels and snow rakes) and that you avoid damaging your roof with the tools you use to remove the snow. (Asphalt roofs can be easily damaged by sharp metal tools, so plastic tools might be a better idea for a common asphalt roof.)

Don't forget to get rid of the snow on your roof before it gets to be about 12 inches thick.

Weather Question: What's It Like Being A Meteorologist?

What's it like to be a meteorologist? Students questioned an Illinois meteorologist to find out more about what it's like being a weather person.

Questions included "What's the worst weather you have ever seen?" and "What's the hardest part of your job?"

While meteorology is a serious job, many weather people have had quote a bit of fun in their jobs, including making a few goofs while giving the weather on the television. You've got to check out some of these funny weatherman videos!

 

Halloween Fun: Weather-Related Costumes

For Halloween this year, do you know what you will dress up as? 

Why not be a "chance of rain" for Halloween? This is a creative costume idea that will certainly have heads turning and umbrellas going up!

There are many other easy and unique weather-related Halloween costumes you can make, too. Some of them include:

• Weather forecaster
• Mother Nature
• Blizzard
• Sun

Weather 101: How Warm Fronts Bring Heat And Humidity

While it's still warm outside (and enjoy it now, because it will be getting cold sometime soon!), let's look at  warm fronts.

Warm fronts mark the boundary between a cool air mass and a mass of advancing warm air. On a weather map, the warm front is usually depicted as a red line with red semi-circles.

• The warm front (the boundary itself) often brings stormy weather.
• The weather behind a warm front can quickly turn hot and humid.