Weather 101

Have you ever wondered where to get the best information regarding the weather or what it's like to be a meteorologist? Here you'll find expert information about weather events and conditions that can affect you and how to understand and prepare for Mother Nature's ever-changing weather patterns.

What’s The Difference Between Partly Cloudy vs. Partly Sunny? Or Mostly Sunny vs. Mostly Cloudy?

Wondering the difference between partly cloudy and mostly sunny? Or mostly cloudy and partly sunny? Here are the official definitions for all forms of cloud coverage in the sky, according to the National Weather Service.

Hurricane Categories: Facts vs. Myths (Did You Know Category 6 Hurricanes Are Fake News?)

Have you heard about a major storm being declared the next Category 6 hurricane? That’s fake news! There are only 5 official hurricane categories. See why Category 6 hurricanes don’t exist.

How The Heat Index Works & How To Make Sense Of Dew Point And Relative Humidity Numbers

See how to interpret dew point & relative humidity numbers that you see on weather reports. Here’s how they relate to the heat index (the “feels like” temp).

Remember Global Cooling? See Why Global Warming Scientists Now Refute That Theory

Years ago, many climate scientists talked about global cooling, yet today they discuss global warming. Here’s some of the science behind the climate debate.

El Nino Weather Facts: How El Nino Affects Us & Why We Should Care

Find out how and why El Nino forms, what it means for our climate, the type of weather it brings, and how it affects us in ways you might not even realize.

Thundersnow (a.k.a. Snow Lightning & Thunder) – When, Where & Why Does It Happen?

Have you ever seen & heard lightning and thunder during a snowstorm? That’s thundersnow! See how thundersnow storms are different from regular thunderstorms

Names Of Clouds – See What Different Types Of Clouds Look Like & What Those Cloud Formations Mean For The Weather

Curious what the different types of clouds are and what they mean weather-wise? This handy Cloud Guide – with photos – will help you become a cloud expert!

How The UV Index Scale Works & How To Use UV Index Reports To Avoid A Sunburn

One of the best tools to help you assess your risk of getting a sunburn is the UV index scale. I’ve come to learn that the UV index is just as important to pay attention to as any other part of the weather forecast on TV or online. But what, exactly, is the UV index scale […]

Where Is Tornado Alley? Here’s What You Need To Know

Where is Tornado Alley? What about Dixie Alley, Hoosier Alley and Carolina Alley? Here’s an updated Tornado Alley map plus Tornado Alley facts & safety tips

You Want Tornado Facts? Here Are 20 Interesting Things About Tornadoes I Bet You Didn’t Know

What color are tornadoes? What makes the tornado noise that sounds like a freight train? Does it really rain frogs during tornadoes? Plus 17 other tornado facts to answer all your tornado questions.

Ice Quakes, Ice Booms & Other Mysterious Winter Weather Phenomena… Should We Be Worried?

Hearing loud booms outside? Probably an ice quake. Here’s what you need to know about ice quakes & other things that can cause loud booms during the winter.

What Is Lake Effect Snow & How Does It Form?

Wondering how and why lake effect snow forms? Here are the answers you’ve been looking for, plus some fun lake effect snow trivia.

5 Weather Science Facts Many People Get Wrong – Do You?

Many people don’t really know what causes the seasons or what the brightest star in the sky is. These science facts may astound you!

4 Sizzling Facts About Summer Weather That May Surprise You!

Ever wonder where the phrase ‘dog days of summer’ comes from? Or when the first day of summer is? Here are 4 fun summer weather facts that may surprise you!

7 Cool Facts About Unseasonably Warm Chinook Winds And How Chinooks Affect The Weather

Live in the Great Plains or Pacific Northwest? You know about Chinook winds! Chinooks occur on the lee side of a mountain & cause dramatically warmer weather.

Alberta Clipper Snow Storms: What You Need To Know About Alberta Clippers In The Winter

Alberta clipper snow storms are fast-moving weather systems. See how Alberta clippers got their name, how they form, and how they affect winter weather.

10 Exosphere Facts: The Transition Between The Atmosphere And Outer Space

As the outer layer of our atmosphere, the exosphere is a relatively mysterious place between the atmosphere and outer space. Find out how high up it is, how scientists tell where outer space really begins, and more fun facts.

What Are Sun Spots? (The Kinds The Sun Gets – Not Your Skin!)

Are you curious what sun spots are? Have you been curious on what you need to do to view them safely? The answers to these and your other burning sun spot questions can be found here.

How To Measure Wind Damage From Tornadoes, Hurricanes & Other Storms

Wind damage can be caused by many types of weather storms, including hurricanes and tornadoes. Here are the types of scales that meteorologists and other weather scientists use to measure winds from storms, plus how they measure the damage that is sustained.

What Is A Microburst? See How Microbursts Are Different From Tornadoes

What is the difference between a microburst and tornado? While both pack a strong punch, they are two very different types of weather phenomena. In this article, you will learn how they differ from each other, how microbursts, and many other exciting facts.

Hypercanes: Severe Hurricanes You Wouldn’t Want to Mess With

Hypercanes are the most severe hurricanes that could ever form. Just how high could the winds of such a mega hurricane be? The answer might blow your socks off!

5 Dangerous and Costly Hurricane Facts and Myths Debunked

I used to believe some of these myths, too. However, I grew up in Florida — one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country. So, I quickly learned that many of the things I heard about hurricanes were in fact myths that could be quickly dispelled by facts that have been proven by scientific research and studies.