Derecho Storms – What They Are And Why They Are So Potentially Devastating
We are so focused on familiar storm systems like blizzards, tornadoes, and hurricanes that we tend to overlook larger and more dangerous meteorological events...
Microbursts – What They Are, How They Occur, And Why They Are So Dangerous
When the conditions are just right, a rare event characterized by a sudden downpour of rain with extreme wind gusts occurs during the development of a severe...
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, frequent viewers of weather forecasts notice two tropical cyclones near each other on a weather map. The interaction between the two...
Why Hurricanes Were Assigned Female Names During The Early Years Of Meteorology
Most readers will be well aware of what hurricanes are and the many threats they pose. What may not be that well known, though, is the practice of assigning...
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...