Rain is typically associated with the presence of some cloud formation. But occasionally, rain can fall from a seemingly cloudless sky. This phenomenon is known as a sunshower or serein.

A sunshower is a meteorological occurrence that takes place when rain falls while the sun is shining, with no or very little visible cloud coverage. It usually occurs due to the presence of strong prevailing winds blowing precipitation over long distances or as a result of dissipating rain clouds.

Getting caught off guard by an unsuspected rainshower is an unpleasant experience most of us try and avoid. There has been the odd occasion, though, that one may be outside on a sunny day with not a cloud in sight, only to get hit by light rain or drizzle "out of nowhere."

You probably experienced this very phenomenon at some point in your life. So what did you experience? Was it actual rain falling out of a clear sky, or did you get hit by spray from the neighbor's sprinkler or nearby waterworks as the result of a gust of wind?

You might be surprised to find out that what you experienced might have been a meteorological phenomenon called a sunshower.

What Is A Sunshower?

The term "sunshower" is not that well-known on a global scale since the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, and New Zealand are the only ones widely using it. The phenomenon itself, though, occur throughout the world under different names.

The definition may have eluded to the development of precipitation without any clouds present, which is not really the case. In reality, there is no real occurrence of rain without any clouds. We simply don't see them by the time we experience the rainfall. 

Sunshowers are often associated with rainbows, especially if the sun is close to the horizon. Since the raindrops get directly exposed to the sunlight during this occurrence, it is much easier for the light to be broken up and refracted by the droplets, resulting in a rainbow.

As you might expect, several theories exist about how sunshowers occur, but two explanations by meteorologists seem to the most logical and widely accepted ones:

1. The presence of strong prevailing winds
2. Rapidly dissipating clouds

By looking at each of these explanations in detail, one will quickly realize that there might be a relatively simple explanation for what we see as a strange and paradoxical phenomenon.

1) The Presence Of Strong Prevailing Winds

Although you may see a clear sky while you experience a light rain shower, it does not mean that the raindrops did not originate in a cloud system.

A rainshower sometimes occurs during the same time a strong prevailing wind is blowing. Especially when the clouds are of the cumulus type that is situated higher up in the atmosphere than low-lying stratus clouds, rain takes several minutes to reach the ground.

When a strong wind is blowing in the same region from where the raindrops originated, it can carry the rain several miles away from the cloud system.

By the time it reaches the ground, the person experiencing the rain may be completely caught off-guard, as there are no clouds visible in the immediate vicinity that could have warned or indicated the presence of any rain.

In summary, the rain did form in a cloud but was carried off by powerful prevailing winds, only to reach the ground several miles away in an area where no clouds are present.

2) Rapidly Dissipating Clouds

The time it takes for raindrops to leave a cloud and start falling to the ground, to the time it reaches the surface, plays an essential role in the formation of this type of sunshower.

The other ingredient needed to form this type of sunshower is a cloud that is close to dissipating. It means it has very little moisture left to form water droplets, or rising atmospheric temperatures in the cloud make reaching dew point impossible. 

When rain falls from this cloud system, almost no moisture is left. Combined with the inability to reach dew point temperature, it means that no further condensation can take place and no more waterdrops can form.

As a result, the cloud starts to dissipate quickly after the last raindrops fell from it. Since the rain takes a couple of minutes to reach the ground, the chances are good that the cloud will have broken up completely by the time you experience the rainfall on the ground.

And as in the first explanation, you may look up to see where this unexpected light shower came from, only to see sunshine and a mostly cloudless sky.

Names and Beliefs Associated With Sunshowers

Although the name may be native to only a few countries, sunshowers occur throughout the world, as already mentioned. The only difference is that each country or culture has its unique name for this event.

Since the phenomenon of rain, while the sun is shining, is such a paradoxical occurrence, different cultures also attach specific beliefs and meanings to a sunshower.

The sheer number of different names and beliefs associated with sunshowers are too numerous to name each one. By providing a shortlist of each, though, you will be able to get an idea of the broad spectrum that exists throughout the world.

Different Names For Sunshowers

In this section, we will look at a few names given to a sunshower from different regions around the globe:

1. Twieled Tork: The name used in Malta, which means "a Turkish baby was born."
2. Umshado Wezinkawu: The name used in South African Zulu, which means "monkey's wedding."
3. Vitterväder: The name used in Sweden.
4. Gribnoy Dozhd (грибной дождь): The name used in Russia.
5. Mua Bong May: The name used in Vietnam.
6. Nagda Paaus: The name used in Marathi.
7. Kitsune No Yomeiri: The name used in Japan, which means "the fox's wedding."

I can go on for ages, but you get the idea. It is interesting to note that the majority of these names can be translated into subjects surroundings jackals and weddings. When we look at the beliefs and folklore associated with a sunshower, this will become much more obvious. 

Beliefs And Folklore Associated With Sunshowers

The meaning and beliefs different cultures associate with a sunshower are just as numerous as the different names they give the same phenomenon. Here are a few examples:

1. In South Africa, there is an Afrikaans saying when a sunshower occurs; "Jakkals trou met wolf se vrou," which translates to "Jackal marries the wolf's wife."
2. In Bulgaria, it is common to refer to a "bear getting married" when this event takes place.
3. In El Salvador, the people refer to "a deer giving birth."
4. In Cuba, there is a saying, "Se está casando la hija del diablo," which translates to "The devil's daughter is getting married" when a sunshower occurs.
5. In parts of the United States, it is said that "the devil is beating his wife" during this event.
6. In Poland, there is the following saying; "Słońce świeci, deszczyk pada, baba jaga masło składa", which means "a which is busy making butter."
7. In Argentina, it means "An old woman is getting married."
8. In Korea, the saying goes, "The fox is marrying the tiger" during a sunshower.
9. In parts of Pakistan, a sunshower translates to, "One eye jackal's wedding."

It is clear from these few examples that marriage, the jackal, and the devil, are all common themes associated with a sunshower.

What Is Serein And How Is It Relevant?

A sunshower, however, is not the only phenomenon where rain falls while the sun is shining. Serein falls in the same category. But what is serein?

Apart from the name and time of day associated with it, serein is no different from a sunshower in any practical terms.

Its existence is also the result of either rapidly dissipating clouds or strong prevailing winds, which is the same way in which a sunshower gets formed, as you saw earlier in this article.

Conclusion

As discussed in this article, you can experience rain while the sun is shining, and little or no clouds are present in your area. But as the post also explains, clouds are always present at the location where the raindrops initially formed.

It is a paradoxical occurrence and can be divisive. Depending on whether you see it from a practical or scientific perspective, you will either believe in the existence of a sunshower (or serein) or dismiss it altogether.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

Frequent viewers of weather forecasts will be familiar with cold and warm fronts. But a lesser-known frontal system known as a stationary front doesn't receive nearly much attention but is no less critical.

A stationary front is a frontal system that forms at a fixed location when two air masses meet, but neither is strong enough to replace the other. If one air mass gains strength or the wind direction changes, it starts to move again as either a cold or warm front, depending on the dominant air mass.

Normally, either cold or warm fronts dominate any weather discussion or forecast. Two other frontal systems, the occluded and stationary fronts, don't get mentioned that often but still play a significant part in determining weather conditions.

(Learn all about an occluded front, how it forms, and the weather conditions associated with it in this article.) 

This post will examine what a stationary front is, how it develops, as well as looking at the type of weather generally associated with this front.

What Is A Stationary Front?

As is the case with all other fronts, we first need to have a clear definition of precisely what a stationary front is before one can look at its other characteristics.

Although a stationary front remains in one position, it doesn't mean that weather conditions and air movement around it come to a standstill as well. As you will see in the following sections, there is plenty of weather activity along and on both sides of a stationary front. 

How Does A Stationary Front Form?

As already stated in the definition, a stationary front forms when two air masses meet, but neither one of the two is strong enough to displace the other. (It usually occurs when a cold front and warm front catch up with each other.)

This stalemate leads to the development of a stationary front that remains in one location, sometimes for days on end. It can lead to extended periods of dreary and miserable weather, as you will discover in the next section.

Eventually, the front can start moving again as a result of one of the two air masses gaining strength or a change in wind direction occur. The new forward-moving front can be a cold or warm front, depending on which of the air masses gained more strength.

A stationary front can also eventually break up and dissipate entirely or develop into shear lines. The latter usually occurs over a large open area like the ocean. 

What Weather Does A Stationary Front Bring?

The weather that accompanies a stationary front is not nearly as dormant as the movement of the front itself. It is not uncommon to find winds blowing parallel to the direction of a stationary front.

Another characteristic of a stationary front is the distinct difference in temperature experienced on either side of this "fixed barrier." The mass of air behind the approaching warm front has a much higher temperature than the mass of air behind the approaching cold front.  

A stationary front is also often accompanied by overcast and dreary weather with persistent light precipitation that can last for days. This condition usually depends on the amount of moisture present in the air.

On occasion, a stationary front can lead to extreme events. When a high percentage of moisture is present in the atmosphere, heavy & persistent rain can lead to flooding in the region along the front.

Heavy winds called Derechos sometimes develop due to strong downdrafts along the border of a stationary front. They can reach speeds of 160 km/h (100 miles per hour), which can cause damage to infrastructure and endanger human life.

Stationary Front Symbol

In the section, "How Does A Stationary Front Form?", you can get a good idea of how a stationary front looks in context and how it may be depicted during a weather forecast.

The symbol for a stationary front consists of a series of interconnecting blue and red sections. Each section has a corresponding triangle or semi-circle, which also alternates with every transition from one segment to the other.

The blue section represents the colder air mass with the same blue triangle, which you will find on the symbol representing an actual cold front. The triangles also point towards the direction in which the cold air is trying to move. 

The red section represents the warmer air mass with the same red semi-circles, which you will find on the symbol representing an actual warm front. The semi-circles also point towards the direction in which the warm air is trying to move.

Don't confuse the symbol representing a stationary front with the one indicating an occluded front. Both consist of a series of alternating triangles and semi-circles.

A single homogeneous purple-colored symbol indicates an occluded front. A stationary front, however, is represented by the symbol with alternating red and blue colors, as seen in this article and section.

Conclusion

From the four major weather fronts, the stationary front is the least well-known, together with the occluded front. However, as you have seen throughout this article, it has a significant impact on weather conditions.

You now know what a stationary front is and how it is formed. And you also know what type of weather conditions to expect in its vicinity.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

Most readers will find it hard to imagine wildfires occurring within regions in the Arctic Circle. However, this is precisely what has been taking place in countries like Greenland and Siberia in recent times.

The Arctic is experiencing rises in temperature 3.8 times faster than the rest of the planet at a rate of 0.73° Celsius or 1.3° Fahrenheit per decade due to Arctic Amplification. The warm, dry conditions and resulting wildfires are accelerating the melting of glacier ice and a rise in sea levels.

In recent years, these regions experienced some extreme weather events and it seems like it might be the start of a trend that will only persist and get worse.

At the time of writing this article, record high temperatures were recorded across Europe as heatwaves struck during July 2019. (Read more about this phenomenon in this article.)

The resulting dry conditions created a favorable environment for a further escalation to occur, precisely what has happened, as you will find out later in the article.

In this article, we will examine how the extreme weather that hit the Northern Hemisphere during July 2019 resulted in the extraordinary occurrences of wildfires. We also look at the resulting large-scale melting of ice never seen before in Greenland.

We also look at the impact these two occurrences have on the rate at which the Arctic is melting. We finally have to conclude whether we are looking at an anomaly or a new accelerated trend?

Unprecedented Events Highlighting The Accelerated Warming Of The Arctic Regions

Wildfires in Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia

The scorching hot temperatures that the Northern Hemisphere experienced during July 2019 resulted in wildfires occurring in areas where you would never think possible.

Satellites image were one of the first that picked up the traces of smoke and eventually revealed the real extent of the wildfires that were burning out of control in large areas of Alaska, Siberia, and even Greenland.

The record high temperatures allowed areas that would usually be covered with snow to dry out and, assisted by the warm weather, create favorable conditions for fires to start.

These conditions resulted in a combination of wildfires on a scale not seen before in these regions:

• Alaska was battling with more than 100 fires which already burned 2.4 million acres of land during July.
• In Siberia, Russia, fires destroyed more than 7 million acres of land during the same period.
• Greenland also experienced wildfires during July. (Although the rapid melting of its ice sheet is a much bigger problem.)

On their own, these fires already have a significant effect on the local environment. When combined, though, these fires severely affect the entire Arctic Region. 

• It accelerates the rate at which the ice is melting (which is already taking place at an alarming rate.)
• Satellite imagery also shows smoke covering large parts of the Arctic. It not only cause pollution on a large scale, but the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere further contributes to rising temperatures.

It is clear to see how widespread fires in the Arctic only contribute to an already dire and alarming situation in the region.

Melting Of The Greenland Ice Sheet And The Polar Ice Caps

It is still amusing to hear people continue to ask, "Is The Arctic melting?" It has already been overwhelmingly proven over and over again by meteorologists throughout the last couple of decades. 

Also, the sheer number of extreme events widely reported in the media, including large-scale flooding and receding coastlines, helped to reinforce this fact. Not to mention the ever-increasing deteriorating weather conditions that we are all experiencing globally.

Greenland

The rapid melting of the ice sheet in Greenland can be seen as the single most crucial piece of evidence to illustrate the alarming rate the Arctic Region is melting. 

Following the hottest July ever recorded, Greenland lost 11 billion tons of surface ice as it melted away into the ocean on 1 August 2019. To put it in context, this amount of water is enough to fill 4.4 Olympic-sized swimming pools. And this was just one day!

If you take into consideration the fact that 82 percent of Greenland consists of ice, which is enough to raise ocean levels by 6 meters (20 feet) if it all melts, you don't need to be a mathematician to realize the severe consequences of this continuing trend.

Polar Ice Caps

The majority of the world's ice is concentrated at the polar ice caps situated on both the North and South Poles. Antarctica alone contains 90 percent of the world's ice which is approximately 2134 meters (7000 feet) thick.

The alarming reality is that NASA is estimating that the ice caps are melting at a rate of 9 percent every ten years. It means if the current rate at which the planet continues to warm up continues, so will the rate at which the polar ice is melting increase.

If this is enough not enough to cause you to start to get more than a little concerned, you might want to consider the following.

• The sea level will rise by 61 meters (200 feet) if all the ice in Antarctica melts. 
• The Arctic will be left with no ice by 2040 if the temperature on the planet continues to rise at the current rate. 
• If enough ice melts to allow sea levels to rise by more than 1.83 meters (6 feet) at the polar ice caps, the majority of major coastal cities in the world will be flooded. 

Although none of the above-mentioned scenarios is predicted in our lifetime, it does not make it any less of a reality. After all, according to weather models, the amount of ice that melted in Greenland during the week of August wasn't supposed to place until 2070.

One of the primary reasons temperatures in the Arctic are melting at such an increased rate compared to the rest of the planet is due to a phenomenon called Arctic Amplification:

Consequences Of The Melting Of The Polar Ice Caps 

As already mentioned, the polar ice caps are already melting at an alarming rate of 9 percent every ten years.

If the acceleration of ice melting on the Greenland ice sheet, as well as the widespread wildfires is pointing towards a new trend and not a once-off phenomenon, we are looking at two serious consequences:  

Rising Sea Levels

Yes, sea levels are already rising at an alarming rate. Whether you are a climate change skeptic or Greenpeace environmentalist is beside the point. Rising sea levels have been taking place at an accelerated pace for at least a century now.

This trend shows no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, temperatures continue to grow. If the wildfires and rapid melting of the Greenland ice sheet also become the "new normal," the compounding effect will cause sea levels to rise even faster.

At the very least, you can forget about any current forecasts made which calculate rising sea levels. Current climate forecasting models will also have to be adjusted to compensate for the new variables. 

Global Temperature Rise

The cold climate of the Polar Regions keeps the rest of the world cool through global wind movement, as well as cold air masses moving towards the Equator.

As a result, if the events of 2019 indicate the beginning of a new trend, the rate at which the Arctic warms up will also cause global temperatures to rise even faster.

If the Arctic that keeps the planet's temperature balanced keeps on diminishing at an accelerated pace, it will be hard to see temperatures able to stabilize any time soon. 

We may also be looking at a snowball effect where increasing temperatures from the Equator and the Arctic feeding each other results in global temperature rise at an unprecedented rate.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, a pretty grim picture of the planet's future has been painted. If you take it too literally, you will be forgiven to conclude that the fate of our climate is sealed, and we are headed for imminent doom. 

That is not the intention of this article at all. This post aimed to bring the extreme and unusual events of the summer of 2019 in the Arctic Region under your attention. As mentioned, it may just be an anomaly, but all indicators point towards a growing trend.

If this is the case, our global society as a whole needs to realize the increased threat. We need to double our efforts to do everything in our power to slow and eventually stop the process. Yes, the damage may be done, but it is never too late.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

Frequent viewers of weather forecasts will be very familiar with cold & warm fronts and their impact on weather events. But few are familiar with a meteorological phenomenon known as an occluded front.

An occluded front occurs when a cold front moves faster and eventually overtakes a warm front, resulting in the formation of an occluded front through a process called cyclogenesis. This frontal system typically develops around the center of a low-pressure system during the formation of a cyclone.

Weather conditions often follow and are associated with a specific type of front. Whether your meteorologist discusses cold fronts, warm fronts, or stationary fronts, some atmospheric condition inevitably gets associated with it.

The same principle applies to an occluded front. Unlike the previously mentioned weather systems, occluded fronts are not that well-known. (Similar to a stationary front.) However, this does not mean it is any less important and does not require any less attention.

The focus of this article will be to shed some light on this lesser-known weather front. We examine what an occluded front is and how it is formed, as well as which weather conditions are associated with it.

What Is An Occluded Front?

Before any detail about the formation and associated weather conditions of this occurrence can be discussed, one needs to have a clear understanding of what precisely an occluded front is.    

* Cyclogenesis is the term that usually refers to the strengthening of a cyclonic circulation around a low-pressure system. As the name suggests, this phenomenon closely follows the formation and fortification of a type of cyclone.

Although an occluded front is usually the result of the process described in the highlighted section, there is more than just one type of occluded front:

1. A Cold Occluded Front develops when the air behind the front is colder, while the air ahead of the front is warmer.
2. A Warm Occluded Front, on the other hand, develops when the air behind the front is warmer, while the air ahead of the front is cooler.

The newly-formed front brings with it its unique weather conditions. And even though it doesn't occur that often, an occluded front still needs to be clearly understood. As a result, it is crucial to explain how an occluded front develops in the first place.

How Does An Occluded Front Form?

For the sake of clarity, we will use the example of an occluded front that forms in the Northern Hemisphere around a low-pressure system as a cold front catches up and overtakes a warm front.

As already stated, the whole process typically takes place during the formation of a cyclonic system. As the circulation around the low-pressure center intensifies, the cold front starts to move faster than the leading warm front.

At some point during the counterclockwise rotation, the cold front catches up and overtakes the warm front. At the point where the two fronts intersect, an occluded front is formed.

At this point, the denser cold air moves in underneath the warm air behind the warm front and meets up with the cold air that was ahead of the hotter system. This process usually leaves a body of cold, dry air trailing in the wake of an occluded front.

What Weather Does An Occluded Front Bring?

Weather conditions do not always manifest themselves in the same way, even when it occurs around the same type of front. Generally, though, certain types of weather patterns can be associated with a specific weather system, which is the case with an occluded front.   

One can identify these weather patterns more clearly when looking at the formation of a typical occluded front by using the same example of an occluded front formation used in the previous section.

As the cold front catches up and overtakes the warm front, it pushes underneath and lifts the warm air behind it. Significant precipitation can take place as a result, as the warm air forced upwards, allow the moisture in it to cool down and condensates in water droplets.

It is, therefore, also not uncommon to find the formation of cumulonimbus and nimbostratus clouds along the newly-formed front.

The mixing of air behind the cold front with the cooler air in front of the warm front as the two merge causes the air temperatures to drop significantly.

Combined with the majority of moisture lost along the edge of the front due to precipitation, it typically leaves a body of cold and dry air trailing behind an occluded front.

(There are variations, as already described when we explained the difference between a cold and warm occluded front. In the majority of occurrences, though, the weather closely resembles the conditions described in this section.)

Occluded Front Symbol

In the section, "How Does An Occluded Front Form?", you can get a good idea of how an occluded front looks on a weather map. As it is the result of a cold and warm front combining, it is common to see the three fronts in the pattern you see displayed in this post.

On its own, the symbol for an occluded front consists of a purple line with alternating triangles and semi-circles. (It effectively combines the triangles of a cold front with semi-circles of a warm front). They always point in the direction the front is moving.

Conclusion

An occluded front is just one of many lesser-known weather systems at work in the more extensive collection of mechanisms that drive weather and climate around the world.

By now, you will have a clear understanding of what an occluded front is, how it is formed, and what type of weather you can associate with this phenomenon.

It may not occur as often as cold, warm, or stationary front, but that does not make it any less critical. The more you know about even the smallest aspect of weather, the better you will be equipped to understand the bigger picture that is our global weather system.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

Over the last two centuries, global temperatures have shown an alarming increase in average and record highs. This also led to more frequent occurrences of meteorological events known as heat waves,

A heat wave is an extended period of abnormally high temperatures occurring in a specific region. Conditions are officially declared a heat wave when the daily maximum temperature is at least 5° Celsius or 9° Fahrenheit warmer than the average maximum temperature for five consecutive days or more.

As this trend continues and starts to have a more permanent impact on the environment and us humans, we are facing some serious questions that need answering.

These intense hot spells that can last anything from a few days to several weeks are called heat waves. Very few people understand what exactly a heatwave is, how it differs from just an unusually warm day, and what causes it in the first place.

This topic will be the primary focus of this article. We will examine what precisely a heatwave is, as well as the processes responsible for its formation. We also look at the possible link between heatwaves and Climate Change.

Then we also look at some recent record temperatures to put everything into perspective.

Heat Wave Definition

Simply experiencing a few hot days or an unusually warm summer does not mean you in the midst of a heatwave. There are a few minimum requirements that need to be in place for hot conditions to be classified as a heatwave:

However, many countries and regions have their own classification systems, which may better suit their environments.

In California, for example, a heat wave is declared when temperatures reach or exceed 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius) for three days or longer. It must also occur over a large region (tens of thousands of square miles). 

In the United Kingdom, a heatwave occurs when the maximum daily temperatures reach or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold for three consecutive days. This threshold varies, depending on the country in the UK.

As you can see, there are quite a few variations, but the fundamental principles that define a heatwave remain the same.

What Causes A Heat Wave?

The most important cause of the majority of heatwaves is the presence of a high-pressure system. These pressure systems are commonly found during the summer months in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

A slow-moving high-pressure system at heights of 3 000 to 7 600 meters (10 000 to 25 000 feet) puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the air below it. It can stay in position over a region for days or weeks, which contributes to the formation of a heatwave in more than one way.

First, the high-pressure system creates downward pressure on the air below it. As it pushes down on the underlying air, it warms it up through a process called adiabatic compression.

Secondly, the underlying compressed layer of air already heated due to adiabatic compression forms a temperature inversion above the air near the surface of the ground.

The inversion layer effectively traps the air at the surface of the planet. This warm air that would have dissipated through convection under normal circumstances now has nowhere to go as the sun warms up the earth and the air above it.

As a result, the combination of the warm inversion layer with the trapped surface air underneath it continuously warming up creates the perfect environment for the occurrence of a heatwave.

There are also other factors at play in the creation of a heatwave, and it can occur under a variety of different circumstances. However, the scenario described in this section is the primary cause of the vast majority of heatwaves.

Relationship Between Heatwaves & Climate Change

Climate Change is either the primary source of the frequent, increasingly warmer heatwaves we are experiencing or has nothing to do with their occurrence at all. It all depends on who you talk and listen to.

The truth lies somewhere in between. The answer can be summed up in two facts that will explain the relationship between the two phenomena.

The argument raised by many that heatwaves have always been a natural occurrence throughout history is a valid one. 

Since humankind started keeping records of meteorological events, sustained periods of unusually hot weather were measured. As a result, it should be clear that Climate Change is not necessarily the cause of heatwaves.

But this is where Climate Change, more specifically Global Warming, starts playing a more active role. By now, there is no more dispute that human activity has activity accelerated the heating of Earth since the Industrial Revolution, a trend that is continuing today.  

As a result, average maximum temperatures keep rising almost every year as a direct result of Global Warming. Studies show that this will not only cause heatwaves to grow in severity but in frequency as well. Simply put, even hotter heatwaves occurring more often.

Some Of Highest Temperature Ever Recorded

During the time of writing this article, a heatwave swept through Europe, breaking longstanding records all over the continent. Although a coincidence, this serves as a reinforcement of the information provided throughout this article.

The United Kingdom experienced its hottest July ever in 2019. During the same period, Paris also experienced its hottest day in history. The temperature reached a scorching 42.6° Celsius (108.6° Fahrenheit), eclipsing the previous seventy-year-old record.

During this period, countries like Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany also measured record highs.

In July 2018, Death Valley in the United States recorded the hottest month ever recorded anywhere in human history. The average (day and night) temperature was 42.2° Celsius (108.1° Fahrenheit).

What makes it even more astonishing, is that this is the second year in a row that the record gets broken. The previous record was set back in 1917.

The Southern Hemisphere also saw records broken in recent times. For example, Australia experienced its hottest month ever during January 2019 when average temperatures exceeded 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit) for the first time in history. Daily temperatures regularly exceeded 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit). 

One can continue, but it is becoming evident that a clear trend is emerging.

Conclusion

This article provided you with a clear explanation of what a precisely a heatwave is. You will also have a clear understanding of how different weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of this phenomenon.

Judging from the long list of record high temperatures measured across the world, it will also become evident that a worrying trend is developing.

Although Global Warming is not directly responsible for the occurrence of a heatwave, it has a significant impact on the intensity and increased frequency of these hot spells.

No to be the bearer of bad news, but we are facing a very hot future, where increasing heatwaves across the planet will become more commonplace.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

Many readers "know for a fact" that a raindrop is shaped like a teardrop. But this is actually a common misconception. The real shape of a raindrop is very different and may even vary in many cases.

A raindrop is primarily round or spherical when small microdroplets form suspended in the air during condensation. They collide and merge to form bigger waterdrops. This process continues until the droplet becomes too heavy to stay airborne and only changes shape as it starts to fall to the ground.

The vast majority of the global population is convinced all raindrops are teardrop-shaped since this is the universal shape used across all industries to represent water. Whether you find it on a beauty product or a simple weather forecast, the teardrop shape is used.

In truth, a real raindrop falling through the sky looks very different from a teardrop shape. Raindrops also do not retain their exact original form from the moment they form to the point where they start growing in size as they fall towards the ground.

And this will be the focus of this article. We will look at how a raindrop is shaped and how it changes shape as it starts falling to the ground after growing too big to be held in the air.

Before we start examining the real shape of a raindrop in the air, we first need to understand the reason for our association with a teardrop shape came.

What Is The Real Shape Of A Teardrop?

Although a raindrop takes on multiple shapes as if it falls through the air and accumulates additional water droplets, two forms can be associated with a raindrop:

1. Spherical Shape
2. Oval ("Hamburger Bun Shaped") Shape

1) Spherical Shape

When humid air in the atmosphere cools down sufficiently for condensation to take place, small water droplets form around dust, pollen, and smoke particles. These water droplets are spherical (round) in shapes, mainly due to the surface tension of the skin of the droplet.

At his point, they are still extremely small, around 1 mm (0.04 inches), and trillions of these droplets are floating around in the air.

2) Oval (Hamburger Bun Shaped) Shape

As these small water droplets come in contact with each other, they merge, and the resulting raindrop grows larger. This process continues until it becomes too large to be held in the air and starts falling to the ground.

As it falls and picks up speed, the raindrop encounters wind resistance from the bottom, which flattens the underside of its surface, deforming the spherical shape. 

As a result, the raindrop deforms into a distorted oval shape, much like the upper half of a hamburger bun. It is also the typical shape most experts associate with a falling raindrop.  

The Ongoing Deformation And Development Of A Raindrop As It Continues To Fall To The Ground

Continual Deformation And Development

Although the forms mentioned in the previous section are the two primary shapes attributed to a raindrop, it keeps on deforming as it falls towards the ground. It keeps growing in size as it merges with more droplets and speeds up as a result.

As the bigger raindrop accelerates to the ground, it encounters even stronger wind resistance causing it to deform even further. Very soon, the shape changes to one resembling a jellybean, with the heavy outer edges pointing down.  

Final Deformation And Breakup Of A Raindrop

If the raindrop continues to fall beyond this point, the wind resistance, combined with the increasing weight of the waterdrop as it gathers new smaller droplets, causes the structure to become unstable.

Eventually, this leads to the raindrop breaking apart into smaller pieces. Depending on how high up in the atmosphere it takes place, the drops that were broken up hit the ground as smaller raindrops or grow and develop in the same manner as the original raindrop.

As is clearly obvious, a raindrop may have two primary shapes. But depending on which part of its deformation cycle it is on or where it is in its path through to the ground, you can also find it in a variety of other different forms.

Conclusion

As this post illustrated, a raindrop takes on many forms after it is created and starts falling towards the ground. One shape that it is NOT, however, is that of a teardrop. (I discussed this misconception in detail at the start of the article.)

Although primarily spherical or "hamburger bun-shaped" in form, the raindrop can deform even further. If it is allowed to keep falling to the ground, grow in size, and accelerate.

(Due to the increasing wind resistance and the larger size due to the accumulation of more droplets, the raindrop may take on a peanut-shaped form or even become entirely distorted and break apart into smaller waterdrops.)

This post explained and showed what the real shape of a raindrop is and also illustrated how it changes shape and deforms as it travels to the ground.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

As humans, we don't come naturally well-equipped when it comes to coping with hot or cold weather. Wild animals, though, seem to not only survive but thrive in extreme cold or hot conditions.

When it's hot, we need to remove unnecessary clothing and stay in the shadows or air-conditioned room to remain cool. When it's cold, we sometimes need to put on multiple layers of clothing and use the heat from a fireplace or heater to stay warm.  

Arctic animals spend hours in the freezing waters or ice of the Arctic, while a desert animal can stay for hours in the middle of a desert in the blazing heat without showing any signs of struggle or discomfort.

The conditions in which these creatures live cannot be more directly opposed, but they have one thing in common. Each animal is completely at home in their respective environments, as harsh and inhospitable as they may be.

In this article, we are going to take a look at animals who call the scorching hot deserts their home. We will turn our focus to the opposite side of the spectrum, where animals live and thrive in the cold Arctic Regions.

Animals That Live In The Arctic

You will be surprised at the number of animals that live in and around the Arctic with its icy cold climate. Whether in or out of the water, most animals in these regions have the same characteristics that help them cope with the icy water and freezing weather. 

One doesn't need to examine every single animal to find out which features allow them to survive the harsh Arctic conditions. But by identifying and listing the most commonly found animals in the region, you will be able to get a clear visual image of these features at work.

Commonly Found Animals In The Arctic

You will probably recognize the majority of animals listed in this section. The aim is not to provide a comprehensive list of all Arctic animals, though, but to highlight the animals that display the features that protect them against the cold.

To stay concise and to keep the focus primarily on the Arctic animals with the necessary features which allow them to survive, the list will be limited to seven animals:

1. Whale
2. Polar Bear
3. Reindeer 
4. Walrus
5. Musk Ox
6. Arctic Fox
7. Arctic Hare

As we discuss the characteristics and features that allow animals to thrive in freezing weather, it will become clear how each animal in the list makes use of one or more of these "weather-insulating" factors. 

How Do Animals Survive In The Arctic

As this section will highlight, most animals living in the Arctic Regions share the same characteristics and habits that protect them from the harsh elements.

By examining how each of these features or habits work, you will be able to get a clear understanding of how living in subzero conditions is not just possible but preferable for these animals.   

1) Thick Hair / Fur

Found in almost all Arctic animals are their thick coats of hair or fur. It not only protects against cold air penetrating the outside, but it also traps pockets of warm air close to the skin. It plays a big part in keeping the body and core temperatures warm.

Some animals also grow an undercoat of hair, which helps to warm the body even further and trap pockets of warm air closer to the skin. The musk ox and arctic hair are two examples of animals who make use of these undercoats.

Some mammals, like the polar bear, also have oily hair. The oily substance helps to insulate the skin and keep the hair dry while swimming in the icy waters.

Other animals using their thick coats to protect them against the cold are the arctic fox and the reindeer. 

2) Blubber

Blubber is nothing more than a thick layer of fat, generally found under the skin of animals, specifically marine animals living in and around the cold Arctic Regions. Blubber comes in varying degrees of thickness, depending on the size of the animal.

This layer of fat is located between the animal's skin and internal organs and muscles, acts as an insulator, able to block almost any cold from passing through. A second advantage is the ability of this layer of fat to serve as a food source during scarcity in resources.

Animals with thick layers of fat include whales, polar bears, and walruses.

3) Huddling

As most of us know very well, standing closely together for any amount of time, and we all get warm very quickly. In nature, especially in the Polar Regions, making use of this very efficient behavior allow animals to stay warm in otherwise unbearable conditions.

Huddling close together allows animals to feel and absorb each other's warmth. It also cuts down, and to a large extent, eliminates the movement of cold air around the body, helping animals to stay warmer as a group.

Animals that display this behavior include musk oxen, reindeer, and arctic hares.

4) Color Camouflage

As this feature of arctic animals is not directly related to coping with the weather conditions, not too much emphasis will be put on it in this article.

It is important to note that a large majority of polar animals have coats of fur/hair that appear white. This either a defense mechanism to blend it with the surrounding or used as a predatory advantage by carnivores.

Polar bears, arctic foxes, and arctic hares are all examples of animals that use their coats to disguise themselves.

Animals That Live In The Desert

At the opposite end of the spectrum, you will find animals and reptiles which live in regions with hot and dry climates. In this section, we are focusing on the creatures that make the hot deserts and semi-arid areas of our world their home. 

Like animals living in Arctic Regions, any animal surviving in the harsh conditions of a warm and desert possess features and habits that not only help them to survive but thrive in these inhospitable areas.

To find out more about desert climate, you can read all about it in this article.

There are two specific conditions that desert animals have to cope with in order to survive:

1. Extreme Heat
2. Lack Of Water

By looking at some of the animals and reptiles commonly found in hot deserts and semi-arid regions, one will be able to get a clear understanding of what features they possess and the habits they display that enable them to survive the harsh conditions.

Animals That Live In The Desert

Some of the animals named in the following list may be familiar to you. It is because they are exceptionally well-equipped to handle the hot conditions and are well documented. As with arctic animals, the list of desert creatures will also be limited to a maximum of seven:

1. Camel 
2. Mexican Coyotes
3. Fennec Fox
4. Gemsbok
5. Addax Antelope
6. Gila Monster
7. Antelope Jackrabbit

As we discuss the characteristics and features that allow species to thrive in the hot desert climate, it will become clear how each animal & reptile in the list make use of one or more of these "weather-insulating" factors. 

How Do Animals Survive In The Desert

In this section, it will become clear that many animals that live in these hot and dry areas use the same features and habits to survive:

1) Nocturnal Desert Animals

This behavior of animals allows them to escape the heat of the day by hiding in burrows, shallows, and the shade of rocks during the day. During the cold evening, they come out of hiding to feed, hunt, and are at their most active.

The Mexican coyote and Fennec fox are two small preditors that follow these lifestyles to help them survive in the desert.

2) Thick Fur

In the same way, arctic animals have thick fur to keep them warm, some animals living in the desert do have the same thick coat, but in order to stay cool by keeping the heat out.

The thick fur of camels protects against the heat from the sun reaching the skin. Similarly, the layer of hair on desert foxes has a light color that reflects the sun's rays. The same thick coat keeps them warm during cold winter nights.

3) Water Storage

Some animals can go for days, even weeks, by storing water within their bodies for later use. Contrary to popular belief, it is not actual water that is stored in their bodies.

There is a false belief that the camel stores water in its hump (or humps) on its back. It is actually fat that is stored in the hump. Similarly, the Gila Monster is a poisonous lizard that also stores large quantities of fat in its tail. 

When necessary, the fat can be used as a source of nourishment when no real food is available. During this process, water is also released, which can be absorbed and used by the bodies of both the camel and Gila Monster.

4) Kidney Function

On a biological level, the adaption of specific organs like the kidneys in the bodies of desert animals allows them to use a lot less water. In some animals, the kidneys are well adapted to prevent water loss.

For example, both the Addax antelope and camel's kidneys are able to concentrate their urine, making it possible for their bodies to retain more water. The fennec fox is another animal that has kidneys adapted to retain more water.

5) Oversized Ears

There are also quite a few desert animals that have huge ears. These vast surface areas allow the body to cool down much faster. As the creatures stay in the shade, the blood vessels in the ears allow large quantities of thermal heat to escape the body.

The Antelope Jackrabbit and Fennec fox are two animals that use these techniques to regulate their heat and keep cool.

There are other features like fur color that help both predator and prey to blend into their background. This, however, is not part of protection against the harsh weather conditions, so we will not be the focus of this post.

Conclusion

This article highlighted how both arctic and desert animals have features and habits that help them survive and thrive in extreme climates.

It will also be interesting to keep an eye on these creatures to observe how (or if) they are able to adapt as their environments start to change.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

The term "blizzard" often gets thrown around and used very loosely when referring to cold stormy weather. However, an actual blizzard is a devastating enough event to be classified as a natural disaster.

A blizzard is a powerful snowstorm characterized by heavy snowfall and strong winds. A storm is classified as a blizzard when visibility is limited to or less than 400 meters or 0.25 miles, wind speeds of or exceeding 56 km/h or 35 mph, and the storm lasts for a period of at least three hours.

The speed at which natural disasters occur is increasing every year at an alarming rate and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. The majority of these events are directly or indirectly the result of weather conditions.

With so much attention given to other natural distastes like drought, flooding, and hurricanes, the dangers and impact of blizzards often get overlooked.

The main focus of this article will be on what a blizzard is, how it is formed, as well as the effects and consequences of this extreme event. We will also have a look at other natural disasters that are the result of weather activity.

What Is A Blizzard?

Before getting into the detail of how a blizzard develops, all the variables involved, as well as the effects and influences of these intense storms, we need first need to define what precisely a blizzard is:  

As the definition clearly illustrates, no matter how unpleasant & violent a heavy snowstorm may be, it will not necessarily be classified as a blizzard. The criteria required to declare a blizzard (intensity, wind speed, and duration) highlights just how devastating this event is.

As an indication of just how serious a blizzard gets taken, your local or national weather service will only issue a "Blizzard Warning" when all three requirements are in place. To recap, they are:

1. A wind speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) or more.
2. Visibility is limited to 400 meters (0.25 miles) or less.
3. The storm lasts for a minimum of three hours.

When just two of these three requirements are in place, a weather bureau will reduce the outlook and only forecast a "Heavy Snowfall Warning."  

Not all blizzards require snowfall to take place. A ground blizzard occurs when snow or ice already lying on the ground gets picked up by a strong wind and blasted across the surface to create complete whiteouts and freezing conditions.

How A Blizzard Forms

A blizzard can take place almost anywhere when the conditions are right. However, these conditions typically occur in certain parts of the world, like Northern Europe and the north of the United States, which are ideally situated for these conditions to occur.

Usually, the conditions needed for the creation of a blizzard are as follows:  

1. Warm moist air from the Tropics.
2. Cold Air from the Polar Regions
3. A strong low-pressure system

The elements needed can also occur on a more localized level. No matter what the scale, how a blizzard form remains the same, which we will describe in the following paragraph.

Blizzards occur almost exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere as they favor the conditions necessary for the growth of this intense type of storm. As a result, the warm air originates from the south at the Tropics and the cold air from the north at the Polar Regions.    

It starts with a low-pressure system that develops near the vicinity of warm & humid, as well as cold air masses. As it strengthens, it draws in the cold air from the north and also the warm air from the south. 

The air that is sucked in by the low-pressure cell rotates counterclockwise around the center of the system. When the two air masses come in contact, the cold & dense air is forced underneath lighter warm & moist air.  

As the humid air rises, it condensates and forms water droplets, which fall through the layer of freezing air below it. The cold air turns the raindrops into ice pellets, snow, or freezing rain, which, along with the snow and ice already on the ground, gets picked up by the wind. 

If the collision between the warm and cold air is strong enough, with a large difference in temperature between them, it will strengthen the low-pressure system even further, causing wind speeds to increase and create the conditions favorable for the formation of a blizzard.

These conditions are often assisted by geographical features such as mountains or valleys, which can funnel and strengthen the wind speeds to help create blizzard conditions.

It is important to note that a blizzard can also occur on a local scale. The warm moist air from a lake (a high-pressure system) can come in contact with freezing air over land (a low-pressure system), combine around a low-pressure cell, and strengthen to form a blizzard.  

Effects Of A Blizzard

The effects of a blizzard can be widespread and devastating. Its biggest danger, though, is the speed at which it occurs. This endangers life and causes damage on a variety of fronts. Here are just a few examples:

1) Injury And Loss Of Life

The high speed at which snow and ice are blown around, combined with the wind chill effect, can put anyone caught outside when a blizzard hits in immediate danger. It can cause frostbite and hypothermia in record time, which can often lead to fatalities.

The amount of snow and ice, able to be transported by the winds in a blizzard, can quickly cause a person, house, or even entire villages to be completely covered in minutes.

In 1972, a blizzard in Iran buried 200 houses and caused 4 000 deaths, with snowfall covering the ground up to around 26 feet (7.9 meters). This is just one of the numerous blizzards that were responsible for countless fatalities over the years.

2) Structural Damage And Destruction

The speed of the wind itself can be destructive. Accompanied by snow and ice, a blizzard has the power to blow over power lines and light structures.

The ability of these storms to move large amounts of snow in a short time means structures can quickly be covered with tonnes of snow. Especially when blizzards last for days, the weight of the snow can cause structural collapse and severe damage to infrastructure.

3) Traffic And Communication Disruptions 

The low visibility or complete whiteout is extremely disruptive to traffic, making travel by any form of transport virtually impossible. It can bring a whole city to a standstill for the duration of the blizzard.

Blizzards can also destroy telephone lines. In modern times it is not that disruptive since the adoption of cellular and satellite communication. Unfortunately, the strength of the storm also allows it to destroy satellite towers and severely disrupt cellular and satellite signals. 

More Natural Disasters Resulting From Extreme Weather

The previous sections helped to define a blizzard, how it is formed, and its effect on its environment. The focus can now shift to briefly looking at other extreme weather events and the natural disasters that occur as a result.

Hurricanes And Cyclones

These devastating storms need no introduction. Both start as a tropical depression in the warm subtropical waters. As it travels north and gains strength, it turns into a tropical storm, and if the conditions are right, a hurricane is formed.

When the storm travels south, the same growth pattern occurs, only this time the rotation of the winds is clockwise around the low-pressure system.

As it develops into a major storm in the Southern Hemisphere, it is called a cyclone (as opposed to a hurricane in Northern Hemisphere.)

You can read the in-depth article about hurricanes and cyclones here.

Flooding

Flooding is the single most devastating natural disaster that can occur in a single event. During a hurricane or monsoon, it is not the wind and rain that cause the most damage but the mass of water that wipes away or penetrates everything in its path.

You can read more about the devastating effects of flooding in this same article.

Heat And Desertification

Whether you believe in Climate Change or not, you cannot deny the rising temperatures and accompanying droughts that our planet is experiencing at an increasing rate. This slow-moving natural disaster is turning previously fertile and habitable land into deserts.

This is where desertification comes in. To find out more about how our planet's increasing temperatures are changing our environment and what desertification is, you can read the complete article here.

Conclusion

Although extreme and stormy weather conditions frequently occur in locations around the globe, not all of them qualify to be labeled a blizzard, as this article clearly illustrated.

It highlighted the conditions that define this extreme meteorological event, how it is formed, and its effect on human activity and the environment.

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

Most readers have already experienced fog or mist in some form, sometimes without even realizing it. Although they appear almost identical, there are small but significant differences between them.

Fog is primarily denser than mist and occurs when visibility is less than 1 km or 0.62 miles but is classified as mist when visibility exceeds 1 km or 0.62 miles. Fog is also essentially a cloud forming at ground level, while mist occurs when warm, moist air comes in contact with a cold surface.

People living in coastal regions, near large bodies of water, or in areas regularly experiencing temperature inversion on a regular basis will be very familiar with the occurrence of fog or mist.

Both are very common occurrences, and most of the time, it is hard to tell the difference between these two weather phenomena. There are some slight but significant differences, though, which will be explored in more detail in this post.

What Is Fog?

As with any other weather phenomenon discussed, we first need to define what precisely fog and mist are before continuing to discuss each one in more detail.

Fog is a visible occurrence and can be seen from a distance as a bank of clouds at ground level. Inside a cloud of fog, the visibility of your surroundings is affected, not dissimilar to looking at them through a veil.

It is this characteristic of fog to limit visibility with varying degrees that makes it so dangerous. Although an area can formally be classified as experiencing fog when visibility is less than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), it can be limited to just a few meters in extreme conditions.

Not being able to see more than a couple of meters ahead when traveling in any form of transport, especially motor vehicles, can be deadly. It is not uncommon for regions frequently experiencing fog to have fog warnings widely broadcasted and displayed.    

What Causes Fog?

As already mentioned, fog is nothing more than a cloud that forms close to or at ground level. This means the various processes through which clouds higher in the air are formed are also responsible for the formation of fog.

Warm moist air cools down until condensation takes place and small water droplets are formed near the surface of the Earth, resulting in fog. 

The best way to understand the various ways in which fog is formed is to examine the different types of fog, classified according to the processes through which they are formed:

Types Of Fog

1) Advection Fog

Advection fog forms when moist air moves over a cold surface, for example, the ocean or a snow-covered area.  (Advection means the horizontal movement of air ) As a result, the air rapidly cools down, condensates, and fog forms near the surface of the ground. 

This type of fog is commonly found in coastal regions, where moist air is blown over the cold ocean waters. Often, the wind blows the fog inland, affecting coastal cities like San Francisco in the United States, Birmingham in the UK, and the harbor area in Hong Kong.  

2) Radiation Fog

This short-lived type of fog usually occurs during the early evenings, with calm and clear skies. The ground loses heat quickly due to thermal radiation, and as the air close to the ground cools down past dew point, condensation takes place, and fog forms.

As mentioned, the fog does not last very long and is quickly dissipates after sunrise as the surface starts to warm up.

3) Evaporation Fog

Evaporation fog (also called steam fog) occurs when cold air moves over a body of warmer water. The warm moist air directly above the surface water comes in contact with the colder air, cools down as the two combine and condensation takes place, causing fog to form. 

This type of fog is often seen over confined bodies of water. The layer of fog hanging over swamps, large and smaller lakes, and sometimes even swimming pools are all great examples of evaporation fog.

4) Upslope Fog

Some weather events are directly influenced or caused by a region's topography. Upslope fog (also called hill fog) is one such case, as the name already suggests.

Air containing a fair amount of moisture gets blown against the sides of a raised terrain (e.g. a hill or mountain slope). It starts to rise against the incline and cools down as it increases in altitude. As it cools down, condensation takes place, and fog forms against the slopes.

5) Valley Fog

Another type of fog that is the direct result of the topography of a region is valley fog. As the name suggests, this form of fog occurs in valleys and similar indentations on the surface of the earth, like basins and hollows. 

As a type of radiation fog, especially after a period of rainfall when the air is moist, the ground at the bottom of the valley cools down when the skies clear up. It cools down the moist air above it, which condensates and forms fog in the same manner as radiation fog.

But this cold, moist air is trapped and accumulates between the slopes of a hill or mountain on the sides and lighter, warmer air (a form of temperature inversion) on top. It results in a thick fog that can last for days, as opposed to the fleeting nature of radiation fog.  

Other forms of fog do exist and are listed in other posts but occur to a lesser extent, and most can be classified under one of the types of fog mentioned in this section.

The Difference Between Fog And Mist

What exactly fog is, how it forms, and the different types of fog - all should be very clear by now. Still, at this point, one will struggle to tell the difference between fog and mist.

The two terms are used interchangeably to describe conditions that resemble both phenomena, as they have a lot in common and in many ways, are indistinguishable from each other.

As much as they look and act alike, there are some fundamental differences between mist and fog, in both the way they formed, as well as their characteristics. Before examining these differences, we will need a more precise definition of what exactly mist is:

What Differentiates Fog From Mist?

As already stated, fog and mist differ from each other not just in the way they are formed but also in their appearance. By briefly looking at each difference, you will get a much better understanding of how they can be distinguished from one another:

1) Visibility

The one key difference everyone agrees on is the contrast in density between fog and mist. When visibility is less than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), the phenomenon is called fog. When it is more than 1 kilometer, it is called mist.

In short, fog is much thicker than mist. For many observers, this is the only real difference between the two. But they differ from each other in more ways than just their density.

2) Formation and Duration

Generally, fog takes longer to form and develop since it is nothing more than a cloud at ground-level and subject to all the processes that form clouds higher up in the atmosphere.

Mist is a much more sudden event and can rapidly appear when warm moist air comes in contact with a cold surface. The warm moist air you exhale on a cold day, and the air coming into contact with volcanic ash are just two examples of rapid-appearing mist.

Sometimes, though, there is an overlap between the two. A type of radiation fog is one occurrence that can be seen as either fog or mist under the right conditions. 

As the ground cools down during the evening due to thermal radiation, it causes the air above it to cool down rapidly as well. Especially at the coast, with the air already saturated with moisture, condensation takes place quickly, and a layer of fog is formed.

During the mornings, the heat from the sun causes the fog to dissipate almost as quickly as it developed the previous night. In this case, the sudden appearance and quick dissipation of fog that is so characteristic of mist allow for this event to be called either fog or mist.

3) Resilience And Dissipation

Partly due to its density, fog tends to be more resilient to wind, sunlight, and other variables that contribute to its dissipation. This resilience allows it to stay in place longer over the areas it developed. One example is valley fog that can persist and last for days.

Mist, on the other hand, is burned away or dissipates very quickly. The mist that forms near the coast overnight evaporates in a few hours after sunrise, and it's a matter of seconds before the condensation from our breaths disappears in the cold air.

To be honest, the differences just mentioned in this section show some "technical differences" between fog and mist but do not display any stark contrasts. For any observer, just looking at these phenomena after they formed, it will be tough to tell them apart. 

Conclusion

After reading this post, you will be forgiven for being even more confused. Trying to explain such closely related terms like fog and mist is no easy task. Understanding these subtle similarities and differences can be even more difficult.

By clearly labeling and describing each phenomenon, explaining how it is formed, and laying out the differences between fog and mist as logically as possible, you will now be able to have a better understanding of the definition and formation of each phenomenon. 

Never miss out again when another interesting and helpful article is released and stay updated, while also receiving helpful tips & information by simply  clicking on this link .

Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!

One type of meteorological event almost every reader will be familiar with is wind. In this article, we examine what exactly wind is, how it forms, the different wind types, and its impact on weather systems.

Wind is the large-scale movement of air from a high to a low-pressure area in the atmosphere. The wind strength is determined by the physical distance between a high and low-pressure region as well as the difference in air pressure strength between them, which is known as the pressure gradient.

Although every one of us is familiar with wind, few know how it develops and its importance. It plays an essential role in the creation of weather. It also has several other benefits, some of which will be discussed in this article.

So, as inconvenient and unpleasant it can be to the majority of us at times, it is a very necessary inconvenience. This article will focus on how wind is formed, the different types of winds, as well as how it is measured.

How Are Winds Formed

Like many other weather events, the creation of winds starts with the heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. Not every surface warms up in the same manner, resulting in some regions being much warmer or cooler than another area with a different surface.

An area with a warm surface warms up the air above it, causing it to rise. It leaves the remaining air near the ground with a much lower density. This creates what is called a low-pressure system.

An area that does not warm up quickly and stays cool is not heating up the air above it, allowing its density to remain fairly high. This results in a high-pressure system.

Air always flows from an area of high to an area of low pressure. (Simply think of releasing the air out of a balloon that is under pressure. The air blows out to equalize the air pressure.)

This means if a low-pressure and high-pressure area is situated next to each other, the air will always flow from the area of high to the area of low pressure. We experience this movement of air as wind.

As already mentioned, the strength of the wind is largely determined by the distance between the two air pressure systems, as well as the difference in air pressure strength. 

The closer the pressure systems are together, the stronger the wind will be, and the further apart, the weaker the wind will be.

Similarly, a big difference in air pressure between the neighboring regions results in a strong wind, while a small difference in pressure creates a much weaker wind. 

The rotation of the planet is another major cause of air movement. The process through which this rotation influences global winds is called The Coriolis Effect. You can read all about the Coriolis Effect and how it influences the weather in this article.

The Coriolis Effect and the Global Circulation of air between the warm Equator and cold Polar Regions form the two major driving forces of global wind patterns.

(The latter is a result of the air warming up over the Equator, causing it to rise high into the atmosphere and move towards the Poles. The cold, dense air at the Poles simultaneously moves towards the low-pressure system over the Equator along the surface of the planet.)

The Different Types Of Winds

By now, it should become clear that there is a multitude of forces at work, both on a global and local scale, to create the different forms and patterns of wind.

This brings us to the different types of winds throughout the world. Depending on which article you read, there are three, four, six, or even more types of winds. These discrepancies are a result of the different criteria used to define winds.

Some researchers use the 6 different climate zones to define winds, others use the three major global wind patterns, while some use a combination of these criteria to categorize the different wind types.  

It can get be very confusing and frustrating to any reader. The best way to find a balance is to not disregard the major global wind patterns, but at the same time include seasonal (periodic) and local winds. This leaves us with the following six categories.

1. The Polar Easterlies (Polar Hadley Cells)
2. The Westerlies
3. Trade Winds (Tropical Easterlies)
4. The Doldrums
5. Periodic Winds
6. Local Winds

Now that the different types of winds have been broadly identified, each type of wind can be examined in more detail:

1) The Polar Easterlies (Polar Hadley Cells)

The Polar Easterlies are one of the three major global wind patterns. It is found between 60 and 90 degrees latitude in the Polar Regions.

As the name suggests, they blow from east to west and are generally fairly weak and irregular. They are also cold and dry in nature and originate from the high-pressure regions found around the North and South Pole.

2) The Westerlies

Forming the second of the three global wind patterns, The Westerlies can be found between 30 and 60 degrees latitude in the Middle Latitudes.

Again, as the name suggests, they blow from west to east and play an important role in carrying the Equator's warm waters to the western continents.

Unlike The Polar Easterlies, The Westerlies are strong winds that also play a vital role in pushing warm water from the Subtropical Regions towards The Poles.

3) Trade Winds (Tropical Easterlies)

Rounding off the three global wind patterns, Trade Winds can be found between 0 and 30 degrees latitude in the Tropical Regions.

These are the prevailing easterly winds that blow from west to east in the Tropics north and south of the Equator. Trade winds received their name as a result of their use by the early sailors to navigate the vast Atlantic to establish trade routes between the East and the West.

Trade Winds in the warm waters of the Tropics are also responsible for the creation of tropical storms, including cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons. You can read all about how these storms are formed in this article.

4) The Doldrums

The doldrums is a narrow band of air across the Equator that can be found between the northern and southern Trade Winds.

It is also the region where warm air rises from the heated surface into the atmosphere, where it starts to move to the North and South Poles, respectively. 

The winds are very weak in this low-pressure area, and the region is sometimes characterized by periods of no wind activity.

5) Periodic Winds

Also called seasonal winds, these winds are usually associated with a specific season of the year when prevailing winds develop to create a particular weather pattern.

The most prominent example, the Monsoon Winds, blow from the southwest to bring hot and humid air to India and Southeast Asia during the summer. These rains provide the much-needed rainfall essential for agriculture in the region.

You can find more information about Monsoon winds at the end of this article.

6) Local Winds

These are all the "normal" winds we experience on a daily basis, which develop as a result of topography, high and low-pressure systems between land and sea, vegetation, etc.

They include land and sea breezes, Föehn winds, valley breezes, as well as anabatic and katabatic winds.

How Wind Speed And Direction Are Measured

The two most important characteristics of wind are its direction and speed. They are equally important, and each one is measured by different devices.

Wind Speed

Wind speed is measured by an anemometer. The most widely used anemometer is called a cup anemometer. It is made up of 3-4 hemispherical cups mounted on the edges of horizontal arms. The arms are connected to a central shaft.

As the wind blows, it rotates the cups attached to the horizontal arms, which in turn spins the shaft. Each rotation is counted, and in this way, the wind speed is calculated. The minimum height to get the most accurate reading is considered to be around ten meters.

Anemometers are found on home & professional weather stations, skyscrapers, at airports, even on ships. (Anywhere where winds are of significant importance.) Other types of wind speed devices include vane anemometers and pilot tubes, but not nearly as widely used.  

Wind Direction

For the most part, wind direction is measured with a weather (wind) vane. It is a fairly simple device consisting of a vertical flat object that is mounted on a shaft where it is allowed to spin freely. It can literally take any shape but is usually in the form of an arrow or cockerel.

As the wind blows against the object's surface, it rotates with the biggest part pointing in the direction the wind is blowing in. An arrow or cockerel-shaped vane is designed in such a way that the head is always pointing towards the direction the wind is coming from.

Weather vanes are also found on home and professional weather stations, tall buildings and even serve as an ornament on cathedrals and other prominent buildings. 

At airports, a weather sock with bright colors is often used to make the wind direction highly visible for pilots and control tower operators. In general, though, a weather vane is preferred for meteorological purposes.

How Does Wind Affect The Weather?

The simple answer to this question is: In almost every possible way. From the smallest sea breeze, Föehn (berg) wind, and fresh breeze funneling through the valley - to Monsoon winds able to supply rain to a whole subcontinent for a whole season, and hurricanes able to destroy coastlines and cause thousands of deaths - all are driven by some form of wind.

Due to strong winds, rain can also fall in areas where no clouds seem to be present. It is a phenomenon called a sunshower or serein.

Simply put, it is almost impossible to think of any weather condition or event that is not influenced by winds in some way. 

To mention all the weather conditions that are influenced by wind will almost be able to fill an encyclopedia. The best way to illustrate some of the influences of the wind on specific weather events is to point you to some helpful examples:

If you want to find out more about Föehn winds, you can read the full article here.

If you are interested, you can also read more about land and sea breezes in this article.

To find out more about the role winds play in the formation of hurricanes and monsoons, you can read it in this article.

To find out the crucial role winds play in the formation of weather phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, you can read more in this article.

Conclusion

This article highlighted exactly what wind is, how it is formed, the different types of winds that exist throughout the world, and its impact on the weather.

If you take one thing away from this article, it's that the wind is essential for all life on earth. It brings the rain the land needs to produce crops and fill dams, blows away dangerous weather, clean smog-filled air, and even cool humans/animals down during the heat.

So, next time you get irritated by a gusty wind making your day in the outdoors unpleasant, think of the bigger picture, and you may just feel better about this small inconvenience.

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Until next time, keep your eye on the weather!