A derecho storm is similar to a tornado in that it can be just as damaging, powerful, and deadly. See how a derecho wind storm is different from a tornado — plus photos from derecho storms.
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.
How Can It Snow Above 32 Degrees? The Relationship Between Snow And Temperature Explained
Did you know it can snow when it’s above freezing outside? See why this happens, the highest temperature for snow, and the temperature at which snow melts. Lots of cool winter weather science here!
When Do The 4 Weather Seasons Begin And End? (See What Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall Are REALLY Like All Across The USA!)
Have you noticed how different the 4 weather seasons are across the United States? The seasons are definitely NOT the same everywhere! It depends on where you live. See when spring starts, when summer starts, when fall starts, when winter starts this year.
5 Hurricane Categories & The Types Of Damage That Can Result
Hurricanes are major storms with sustained winds of at least 74 mph and form over oceans. Hurricane Categories are used to estimate potential property damage — on a scale from 1 to 5. See what each of the 5 categories means — in terms of maximum wind speeds and the specific types of damage you can expect to see.
Category 6 Hurricanes: Facts vs. Myths (Hint… There’s No Such Thing As A Category 6 Hurricane!)
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.
The Official Snow Squall Definition, Ways A Snow Squall Will Affect You, And How To Prepare For A Snow Squall In Your Area
A snow squall is a sudden, heavy snowstorm that doesn’t last very long. It’s similar to a blizzard with massive snowfall, strong wind gusts, and whiteout conditions — but it only occurs for a relatively brief time and appears in relatively small areas at a time. With a snow squall, the snow accumulation may or may not be significant. The wind and blowing snow that move through so quickly are the trademark signs of a snow squall.
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.
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.
The Science Behind Rainbow Colors: Little Known Secrets About Rainbows
Did you know that red will always be the outermost color and the darker blue-to-violet color will always be the innermost one? See why, plus fun facts about different types of rainbows.
Like Meteorology? Become An Amateur Meteorologist
Anybody can study and enjoy meteorology. In fact, thousands of people are self-declared amateur meteorologists!
It’s Not The Heat, It’s The Humidity: What Dry Heat Is
Do you know what a dry heat is and how might affect your health? Here’s what dry heat is and how to protect yourself.
Nacreous Clouds & Polar Stratospheric Clouds Are The Mother Of Pearl Clouds
Nacreous clouds — also called Mother of Pearl clouds or Polar Stratospheric clouds — are somewhat rare clouds that are most likely to be seen in the far northern latitudes. Here are photos and videos of Nacreous clouds.
How Hot Is Lightning Temperature? The Answer May Shock You!
What is lightning temperature like? Try hotter than the sun!
What Is Heat Lightning? What Causes Heat Lightning?
Is heat lightning real? Is there such a thing as heat lightning? See what heat lightning is, what causes it, and why you can’t hear thunder from heat lightning storms.
The Ozone Layer: What It Is & How The Ozone Layer Protects You
The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere and helps protect us from ultra violet light. Find out about the ozone hole and how nations around the world are helping to fix it.
How Air Pressure Affects Air Humidity
Find out how air pressure affects air humidity.
How Strong Is Hurricane Wind?
Hurricane wind can do damage even when the center of the storm is offshore or a great distance from you. Check out how strong winds must be to qualify as hurricane strength and the planes they’re now using to conduct hurricane research.
Weather 101: What’s An Invest Storm?
An invest storm is the type of tropical weather that certain hurricane data research centers want to learn more about.
Heat Waves: Oppressive & Dangerous Periods Of Hot Weather
Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessive hot weather. A heat wave can bring record-breaking temperatures and heat-related injuries to scores of people.
How The Jet Stream Influences Weather
The jet stream is one of the most key elements in determining our weather. Find out how the jet stream works, where it’s found in the atmosphere, and some of the very important roles it plays in driving our weather.
When’s The First Day Of Summer? It All Has To Do With The Summer Solstice
Ever wonder why summer will be starting at exactly 7:28 am on June 21, 2010? It all has to do with the summer solstice.
Do You Know The 3 Twilights? The Definitions Of Different Levels Of Twilight
Did you know there are 3 different kinds of twilight that take place before sunrise and after sunset? Hare are the official definitions for the 3 twilights: civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight.
Ice Crystals Beautify The Sky With Sun Dogs, Halos, & Sun Pillars
Ice crystals can create beautiful images in the sky, like sun dogs, halos, and sun pillars.
Why Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) Are So Important
Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) are an extremely important factor in what drives the weather affecting you throughout the year.
St. Elmo’s Fire: An Awesome Weather Phenomenon (& Rad 1980s Movie)
St. Elmo’s Fire is an awe-inspiring weather phenomena which can bring blue or violet glowing streaks to the tops and edges of grounded objects during thunderstorms or when there’s lots of static electricity in the air.
April Showers Really Do Bring May Flowers!
Just as the popular saying goes, April showers really do bring May flowers! Here’s why…
How Hot Is The Sun? 5 Fun Sun Facts You’re Burning To Know
Here are 5 fun sun facts that will heat up your interest in the star that keeps us warm from afar.
Anafronts & Katafronts: 2 Very Different Types Of Cold Fronts
Cold fronts always bring cooler weather, but they don’t always bring storms and clouds. Find out which type of cold fronts bring the rain and snow and what types of cold fronts leave you high and dry.
Lenticular Clouds: Strange But Beautiful Flying Saucer Shaped Clouds That Look Like UFOs
Lenticular clouds are strange but beautiful looking clouds. Check out this awesome time-lapse video of lenticular clouds over Mount Rainier, as well as some interesting photos of Lenticular clouds that look like UFO saucers!
Nasty Weather: How Dust Storms Ruin Land, Towns & Farms
Dust storms are caused by wind sweeping up dry soil. These dust storms can move massive amounts of debris for hundreds of miles and cause tremendous devastation.
How To Make Sense Of All Those Weather Symbols On Local Weather Maps
Knowing what all those weather symbols mean on your local weather map can be a piece of cake!
