Category Isn’t Everything: How a Hurricane’s Size Shapes Its Impact
It’s Not Just About the Category Number When a hurricane is approaching, most people focus on one thing: its category. While the Saffir-Simpson scale helps indicate the strength of a hurricane’s sustained wind speeds, it doesn’t tell the full story. One crucial—and often misunderstood—factor is the size of the storm’s wind field. A hurricane’s size […]
How Extreme Heatwaves Are Pushing Wildlife to the Brink of Extinction
Rising Temperatures Aren’t Just a Human Problem As heatwaves grow more intense and frequent across the globe, it’s not just people feeling the strain—wildlife is struggling to survive. Extreme temperatures are reshaping habitats, disrupting food chains, and placing immense stress on animals that are not adapted to such rapid and prolonged heat. For many species, […]
Why Some Hurricane Names Are Retired—And the Storms That Made History
When a Storm Becomes More Than Just a Name Every year, tropical storms and hurricanes are given names to help the public track them more easily. But when a storm causes catastrophic damage, widespread death, or leaves a lasting emotional impact, that name may never be used again. It’s not just about weather—it’s about memory, […]
The Hidden Danger of Heat Waves: Why Hot Nights Can Be Just as Deadly as Scorching Days
When the Heat Doesn’t Let Up After Sunset When most people think of heat waves, they picture blazing sunshine, triple-digit daytime temperatures, and sweltering afternoons. But what often gets overlooked is one of the most dangerous parts of a heat wave: the nighttime heat. In recent years, scientists and public health experts have raised alarms […]
2025’s Weirdest Weather Moments (So Far)
A Year of Wild and Unexpected Weather We’re only partway through 2025, and already, the weather has delivered a whirlwind of surprises. From record-setting events to phenomena rarely seen outside science fiction, this year is proving to be one of the strangest on record. While extreme weather is nothing new, the frequency, intensity, and sheer […]
Tropical Storms Don’t Need to Be Hurricanes to Pack a Punch
Wind Isn’t the Only Threat When most people hear the term “tropical storm,” they often breathe a sigh of relief—after all, it’s not a hurricane, right? But tropical storms can be just as dangerous, even without hurricane-force winds. From flooding rains to deadly storm surge, these systems are often underestimated, despite their potential to cause […]
Buckle Up: These Are the Bumpiest Airports in the U.S., According to Pilots and Data
Why Some Airports Are Known for Turbulence If you’ve ever gripped your armrest while landing or taking off, you’re not alone—some U.S. airports are notorious for turbulence. From natural geography to unpredictable weather patterns, a number of factors contribute to rough rides in and out of certain cities. Now, thanks to pilot reports and flight […]
The Staggering Cost of U.S. Hurricanes Since 2016: Over $800 Billion in Damages
Storms Are Hitting Harder—and Costing More Since 2016, hurricanes have left a staggering financial footprint across the United States, with damages surpassing $800 billion. From Harvey to Ian, these storms have become not only more frequent but also significantly more destructive. As climate change fuels stronger, wetter, and slower-moving hurricanes, the cost to communities, infrastructure, […]
The UV Index: Your Skin’s Best Friend for Staying Safe in the Sun
What the UV Index Tells You When you check the weather forecast, you might spot a number labeled as the UV Index—but what exactly does it mean? The UV Index measures the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a particular place and time. This simple number can help you protect your skin from […]
Why You Should Never Drive Through Flooded Roads During Heavy Rain
Flooded Roads Are More Dangerous Than They Look When heavy rain hits and streets begin to flood, it might seem tempting—or even necessary—to try to drive through standing water. But doing so can be a deadly mistake. What looks like a few harmless inches of water could hide powerful currents, submerged hazards, or roadway collapses. […]