Blog

Some weather events, especially cloud formations, can sometimes produce unique and visually puzzling phenomena. Fallstreak holes are one such occurrence,[...]

Although some cloud formations never fail to put on a spectacular visual display, mammatus clouds look ominous and threatening. But[...]

Certain cloud formations can often result in some of nature's most awe-inspiring and spectacular displays. Noctilucent clouds are one such[...]

It is safe to say that the rainbow is probably one of the most photographed and well-known meteorological phenomena on[...]

The atmosphere consists of five distinct layers, with the exosphere making up the outermost layer. This article examines exactly what[...]

On rare occasions, while looking towards the horizon during sunset or sunrise, one may observe what seems to be "multiple[...]

Meteorologists and weather enthusiasts alike are well aware of the crucial role humidity plays in the creation of different atmospheric[...]

Occasionally, when looking up at the sky, one may notice a hazy rainbow-colored ring around the sun. This phenomenon is[...]

Although most of us have never observed the Northern Lights in person, the majority of readers will be familiar with[...]

Although it is one of the outermost layers of the atmosphere, the importance of the thermosphere must not be underestimated.[...]

The atmosphere consists of five distinct layers, with the stratosphere being the second, situated just above the troposphere. We take[...]

The Earth's atmosphere consists of five layers. The mesosphere is the 3rd layer, located above the stratosphere & below the[...]

One may have heard of a land or sea breeze, especially during weather forecasts when discussing coastal weather conditions. But[...]

Many readers will be familiar with a cyclone, but few observers know or never heard of an anticyclone. In this[...]

Many of us are familiar with the terms "hurricane, typhoon, and cyclone." It is easy to think that these storm[...]

As much as you already know about the weather and climate, there are still a few interesting and important facts[...]

If you live in a region where it rains throughout the year, you may think you live in the rainiest[...]

A lot of debate is raging about the location of the windiest place on Earth, but there are a few[...]

Regular viewers of weather forecasts will be very familiar with warm and cold fronts. But exactly what they are, how[...]

Often, one looks for specific answers to specific questions, especially regarding weather-related topics like home weather stations. Sometimes, though, one[...]

Although they are a form of water in its solid state and also occur when water is forced to cool[...]

Several different weather events can lay claim to the title of "Deadliest Weather Phenomenon." We take a look at the[...]

Most of us have seen the familiar weather symbols used on television and online meteorological forecasts, our mobile weather apps,[...]

It is hard to imagine that the moon, approximately 380 000 km (236 000 miles) away from Earth, can have[...]

Clouds sometimes come in very unique shapes and sizes. Arcus clouds are no exception, but these cloud formations may also[...]

Whenever you observe this phenomenon, you can easily mistake it for a strange colorless rainbow. Though you won't be completely[...]

You may not have heard the name before, but the chances are pretty good that you already experienced or observed[...]

Air movement plays a crucial role in the development of weather conditions globally. At ground level, though, the wind can[...]

A region's vegetation results from its average weather conditions, while the underlying vegetation also influences its climate. The Köppen Climate[...]

Weather stations measure conditions at ground level, while weather balloons take readings up to 40 km high. Measurements at greater[...]

Although the terms in the title of this article sound confusing, they all form part of the six types of[...]

No, it is NOT what the name may suggest. If you imagined a ceiling filled with balloons during a party,[...]

Several pollutants and greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons & nitrous oxide, are present in the atmosphere. A phenomenon called[...]

If you ever experienced a sudden and noticeable change in temperature and humidity after entering a large forest during a[...]

Readers growing up in the 1970s and 80s will be very familiar with the term "Hole In The Ozone Layer.[...]

As an observer commented, "once seen are never forgotten" referred to a rare, unique, and breathtaking meteorological occurrence called Nacreous[...]

Under certain conditions, the different shades of sunlight penetrating through the clouds during sunset can appear almost surreal. This meteorological[...]

The ice masses making up the world's glaciers contain approximately seventy percent of the world's total fresh water. And continental[...]

A solar eclipse is one of the most anticipated & well-known celestial events that has been celebrated worldwide for centuries.[...]

Many people already own a home or personal weather station, including several small to medium businesses, raising the question of[...]

On the odd occasion, seemingly inexplicable flames or lights can be observed in the night sky on or close to[...]

Earth gets bombarded by large amounts of solar radiation every day. Although it is vital for all life on the[...]

Wind is usually the result of a change in air pressure over distance or the resulting pressure gradient. But physical[...]

All waterways play a crucial role in providing an adequate supply of water to animals, humans, as well as vegetation.[...]

The majority of clouds develop as a result of different atmospheric variables like heat, wind & moisture. Some, though, form[...]

Air pressure plays a vital role in meteorology and has a significant impact on the majority of weather events. The[...]

A common misconception exists that the hottest time of the day occurs during midday, while the coldest time occurs at[...]

Avalanches are well-known occurrences that can cause devastation in snow-covered mountainous regions. In the Tropics, though, a weather phenomenon known[...]

On rare occasions during a warm summer, one might get caught off guard by a sudden gust of warm, dry[...]

Some readers will be familiar with the saying, "in the doldrums," referring to a depressed person. But the doldrums actually[...]

Often, we are so focused on familiar storm systems like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards, that larger and often more dangerous[...]

On the odd occasion, under the right conditions, a sudden unexpected downpour of rain with extreme wind gusts can occur[...]

Readers may be familiar with a movie scene or documentary where one sees a distant "lush oasis" in the desert,[...]

On the odd occasion, regular viewers of weather forecasts will notice two large tropical cyclones close to each other on[...]

Most weather enthusiasts know what a hurricane is and the dangers it poses to all in its path. But what[...]

We are all well aware of the danger and potentially devastating effects of Global Warming and Climate Change. But does[...]

The movement of water is all around us. Rain, snow, and the clouds they fall from are part of it.[...]

Most of us are familiar with surface winds caused by temperature gradients and changes in topography. But few readers are[...]

Despite its brown or yellowish tint, smog can appear very similar and easily be mistaken for fog or mist. Unfortunately,[...]

When you live on the coast and travel inland to a region situated at a higher altitude, you quickly realize[...]

Many individuals prefer a nicely tanned skin. You just feel and look more healthy and attractive. Despite health warnings, many[...]

The measuring of rainfall is an age-old practice that communities have been engaging with for centuries throughout the world. And[...]

Several different instruments are used in combination to determine current atmospheric conditions and make weather predictions. We examine one such[...]

More than 8 000 satellites are currently orbiting Earth, of which 4 853 are still active. They serve a wide[...]

Readers living in an arid or semi-arid region characterized by loose dry soil, will be very familiar with dust storms.[...]

All readers will know what sunlight is and that it is the result of solar radiation. But this is just[...]

Whether you are a frequent flyer or occasionally take a flight for a long overdue vacation, the chances are good[...]

Many readers will be familiar with the impact of warm & cold fronts, winds, and other variables on changes in[...]

Precipitation, the umbrella term that incorporates rainfall, snow, hail, fog, and mist, among others, forms one of the most important[...]

We experience them every day and, over time, learn to associate them with different weather conditions. In fact, most of[...]

Typically, rain is associated with the presence of clouds. Occasionally, though, rain falls from a seemingly cloudless sky. This meteorological[...]

Regular viewers of weather forecasts will be familiar with cold and warm fronts. But a lesser-known frontal system known as[...]

Most readers will not even begin to imagine wildfires associated with regions in the Arctic Circle. However, this is precisely[...]

Regular viewers of weather forecasts will be familiar with cold and warm fronts and their impact on weather conditions. But[...]

Over the past two centuries, global temperatures have shown an alarming increase in record highs. As a result, a meteorological[...]

Many readers "know for certain" that a raindrop is in the shape of a teardrop. Unfortunately, this is a common[...]

We as humans do not come naturally well equipped when it comes to coping with hot or cold weather. Wild[...]

The word "blizzard" often gets tossed around and used very loosely when referring to cold stormy weather. However, an actual[...]

The majority of readers have experienced both fog and mist in some form without even realizing it. Although they may[...]

One type of meteorological occurrence every reader will be familiar with is wind. In this article, we examine what exactly[...]

Changes in climate and weather do not only occur regionally or globally but are often also experienced on a local[...]

Whether living near the coast or just visiting it occasionally, one tends to pay more attention to weather conditions. As[...]

We all get upset with weather forecasters when they "get it wrong," and our plans are completely ruined. A "sunny[...]

Temperatures worldwide have been increasing steadily since the end of the 19th Century, and with it, the size and number[...]

One of the most crucial functions of any weather station is the ability to measure air pressure, which is done[...]

Renewable energy from weather sources is increasingly used to supplement conventional power sources. Whether it has the capacity to completely[...]

If you happen to look at the sky on a clear, sunny day, the chances are pretty good that you[...]

Some have been around for centuries, while new ones are formed every day, but weather myths and misconceptions about certain[...]

By now, very few people still deny the reality of climate change and its influence on weather events around the[...]

Extended exposure to the weather and climate has significant effects on the physical environment. These effects are known as weathering.[...]

Many readers may have heard of the summer and winter solstice. They primarily refer to the longest and shortest day[...]

Many readers would have experienced a lightning strike during a thunderstorm at some point during their lives. But what exactly[...]

Most of us are unfamiliar with Chinook (or Föehn) winds, but they are all just variations of a common meteorological[...]

In the atmosphere, temperatures generally drop as altitude increases above the Earth's surface, as many of us have experienced. But[...]

Evaporation and condensation are two meteorological processes that are essential for the formation of different weather conditions. We examine the[...]

Local weather conditions can differ significantly from broader regional weather. However, an Urban Heat Island, commonly experienced in cities and[...]

In recent years, two weather phenomena known as El Niño and La Niña started getting widespread attention due to their[...]

Most readers will be familiar with carbon dioxide, mainly due to its negative association with Global Warming. We take a[...]

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a thermometer, from the trusty old mercury thermometer to modern-day[...]

Weather enthusiasts or hobbyists may have heard of a storm glass, also known as weather glass or a weather globe.[...]

Today, we have almost unlimited access to weather forecasts across different platforms. But by simply observing cloud formations, we can[...]

One often briefly glances at the skies in the morning to see how cloudy it is before heading off to[...]

Many weather enthusiasts know the various means of collecting meteorological data but don't realize the importance of using radar technology.[...]

Most weather forecasts are accompanied by a map covered with different symbols, lines & colors. Meteorologists use these synoptic weather[...]

​The weather & climate are among some of the most discussed topics worldwide and are often mistakenly used interchangeably. We[...]

We are all guilty of blaming the weather service when a forecast goes wrong. We plan a day or event,[...]

In recent years, a phenomenon called a Polar Vortex started getting a lot of public and media attention due to[...]

Occasionally, you may notice a hazy-looking ring around the Moon in the evening. This sometimes striking phenomenon is called a[...]

Earth's weather can get pretty extreme and downright weird at times, and we experienced some extraordinary meteorological events in recent[...]

Most of us are familiar with thermometers and know they measure temperature. The weather thermometers used by meteorologists work on[...]

While looking up at the sky on a cloud-free day, one will see what looks like a continuous piece of[...]

They may be similar in some ways, but are actually very different in the way they look and feel, and[...]

The use of weather balloons is sometimes mentioned during weather forecasts and meteorological discussions. For many readers, though, it may[...]

Most of us will remember a parent or teacher calling us inside while playing outside in the rain "before we[...]

From time to time, strong, persistent winds may occur that make just staying on your feet a battle. We all[...]

"Dew Point" is a term we often hear during weather forecasts or meteorological discussions. This post examines what precisely dew[...]

Some readers will be vaguely familiar with the meteorological phenomenon, while others may never had heard of the Coriolis Effect.[...]

You may have never seen one person, or you could have experienced multiple events each year, but most readers will[...]

When setting up your home weather station, especially more advanced systems with an array of outdoor sensors, it can become[...]

For many of us used to working with personal weather stations, it's remarkable how accurate and advanced today's indoor weather[...]

It will be hard to argue that all readers will not welcome the ability to forecast the weather up to[...]

Over the last few decades, weather forecasts helped us understand our atmospheric conditions better. However, 11 meteorological terms are essential[...]

Most readers rely on weather forecasts to tell how the weather will behave. But by observing certain atmospheric conditions, nature,[...]

Personal or home weather stations are becoming increasingly popular in homes and businesses. Most of them are capable of measuring[...]

Receiving & unboxing a new weather station is an exciting part of owning a weather station. However, there are a[...]

Most readers will have a pretty good idea of what the weather stations used by large weather bureaus do and[...]

It would be a fair assumption that every one of us has been more than annoyed with weather forecasters on[...]