The Hidden Spectrum: How Every Color Creates the Blue Sky
The sky appears blue to our eyes, but the process behind this color is more complex than it seems. While it might be easy to assume that the sky is simply filled with blue light, the reality is that all the colors of the rainbow contribute to what we see. The way light interacts with […]
The Weather That Fueled the Southern California Wildfires: A Look at the Current Situation
The Role of Winds in Spreading the FireThe Southern California wildfires have been exacerbated by a combination of extreme weather conditions, with high winds playing a pivotal role in the rapid spread of flames. Strong, dry winds known as the Santa Ana winds are a common occurrence in the region, and they have significantly increased […]
Understanding Freezing Rain: Formation, Dangers, and When It Occurs
Freezing rain is a type of winter precipitation that forms when raindrops fall through a layer of cold air near the Earth’s surface and freeze upon contact with surfaces that are below freezing. Unlike snow, which forms directly from frozen water vapor, or sleet, which consists of small ice pellets, freezing rain starts as liquid […]
Here’s What You Need to Know About Snow and Ice in the South
Key Ingredients for Snow and Ice in the SouthWhile snow and ice are typically associated with northern climates, they do occur in the southern United States, albeit less frequently. The key ingredients for winter weather in the South are a combination of cold air, moisture, and the right weather systems. Cold fronts, which are a […]
What Are Ice Dunes? Understanding Their Formation and Dangers
Ice dunes are naturally occurring formations of snow and ice that can appear along shorelines, particularly in areas where cold temperatures meet large bodies of water. These mounds of ice, often seen on lakeshores or coastal areas during the winter months, are formed when the wind pushes water, ice, and snow onto land, creating layered […]
The Polar Vortex: What It Is and How It Affects You
The polar vortex is a large area of cold, dense air that typically spins around the North Pole, contained by strong winds in the upper atmosphere. This weather phenomenon is most noticeable during winter months, when the vortex weakens and the cold air spills southward, impacting regions far beyond the Arctic. While the term “polar […]
New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple: Fireworks Canceled as Drought and Fires Take Their Toll
This New Year’s Eve, the iconic fireworks displays over Central Park and Prospect Park will not light up the sky as they have for decades. A prolonged drought, paired with an unprecedented series of brush fires in the region, has forced the cancellation of these beloved celebrations. The decision marks a significant shift in how […]
Understanding Wind Chill: How It Can Be Dangerous for Your Health
When meteorologists talk about “wind chill,” they are referring to how cold the air actually feels to human skin when wind is factored in. Wind chill is not the actual temperature but the perceived temperature, which can be much colder than the air temperature due to the effect of wind. This is important because wind […]
Snow Squalls: The Winter Weather Hazard You Shouldn’t Ignore
As winter weather intensifies, one of the most dangerous and unpredictable hazards drivers may encounter is a snow squall. These sudden, intense bursts of snow can quickly reduce visibility to near zero, creating treacherous driving conditions in a matter of minutes. Unlike a steady snowstorm, snow squalls come on quickly and without warning, which is […]
Hurricane Season Isn’t Over Yet: What to Expect After November
While the official Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30, history shows that the threat of hurricanes can extend well beyond that date. The six-month window from June through November was established in 1965 as the timeframe when most storms occur. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this period encompasses more […]