Microbursts – What They Are, How They Occur, And Why They Are So Dangerous
When the conditions are just right, a rare event characterized by extreme wind gusts and, in some cases, a sudden downpour of rain can occur during the...
Defining A Mirage, And How It Occurs
Many readers will be familiar with a scene in a movie depicting a lost person seeing a distant "lush oasis" in the desert, only to find nothing but sand upon...
The Fujiwhara Effect – What Happens When Two Hurricanes Meet
On rare occasions, regular viewers of weather forecasts notice two tropical cyclones near each other on a weather map. The interaction between the two systems...
Why Hurricanes Were Assigned Female Names During The Early Years Of Meteorology
The illustration above shows the full list of names allocated to hurricanes from 2019 - 2024. Click on the image for a larger view. In a nutshell, the...
Advantages Of Global Warming – Are There Any Upsides To Climate Change?
The overwhelming majority of readers will be aware of the dangerous and possibly devastating effects of Global Warming & Climate Change. But, does Global...
The Water Cycle – The Never-Ending Voyage Of Water Across The World
One can easily see the constant movement of water all around us when paying attention. Rain, snow, and clouds are part of it. So are rivers, lakes, and the...
Jet Streams: What They Are And Their Impact On Weather Patterns
Surface winds caused by temperature gradients and topographical changes are well-known weather phenomena, but the impactful upper atmospheric winds, known as...
Smog – Defining The Silent Threat in Urban Environments
Besides its brown or yellowish tint, smog can appear very similar and sometimes be mistaken for fog or mist. Unfortunately, it is a very different and...
How Altitude Affects Weather And Climate
When living at or near the coast & traveling inland to regions located at higher altitudes, one quickly realizes that atmospheric conditions change...
Solar Radiation’s Impact On Human Health – The Sun’s Ability To Cause Sunburn Under Different Conditions
In many cultures, individuals used to prefer an appealing tanned skin, which made one feel and look healthier and more attractive. Despite official health...