Meteorology & Climatology

Latest Articles


 		Wind Chill Explained
Wind chill values are given with winter weather forecasts to inform of potential dangers from cold temperatures. Understanding wind chill is a key part of winter safety.
Red Dawn Causes Armageddon Fears in NSW
Sydney residents were understandably confused as they woke to an orange-colored sky. See some of the photos of this phenomenon.
The Mesosphere and Thermosphere
At the outer reaches of the Earth's atmosphere lie the little understood mesosphere and the highly charged thermosphere.
The Stratosphere and Ozone Layer
Sandwiched between the troposphere layer below and several layers above, the stratosphere layer is a place of calm that contains the ozone layer within it.
The Troposphere
Like the planet itself, the atmosphere is layered. Working upward from the surface, the first layer is the one humans live in, the troposphere.
The World's Largest Lightning Storm
Venezuela's Catatumbo Lightning phenomenon spawns more lightning than any other storm in the world, and has helped shape the history of the region for centuries.
How Do Hurricanes Form?
Hurricanes are destructive and fierce tropical storms, known for their devastating force and power.
How Hail Forms and Why it Occurs
While not a regular occurrence during thunderstorms, hailstorms are not rare. Hail can cause a great deal of damage to property and even be deadly. So why does it occur?
Signs of Spring on the Prairies
Those first signs of spring that bring a lift to the heart - here are what prairie dwellers watch for. How does it compare with signs of spring in your area?
The Different Types of Snowflakes
It is said that no two snowflakes are the same. However, all these different flakes can be grouped into similar groups, all created by different atmospheric conditions.
What NOAA Weather Radio is and Why You Need It
National Weather Service forecasters are constantly monitoring the nation's weather and updating their forecasts. However it does little good if nobody hears about it.
Get Free Weather Information on Your Cell Phone
Nothing is more convenient when the weather suddenly changes than having access to current information while on the go. Here's a list of some of the available options.
All About Snow Flurries, Showers and Squalls
Is snow just snow? Not for the meteorologist, who has various ways to describe the white stuff. Here is a explanation of those meteorological snow terms.
Saskatchewan and Alberta Meteor Fall
Catching a glimpse of outer space is always exciting, whether it's an eclipse, seeing a comet, or watching a meteorite explode into the earth's atmosphere.
How to Choose the Right Weather Station
With dozens of personal weather stations on the market today, it can be difficult to choose the best model suited for a particular need. Here are some pointers to follow.
Blizzards are Winter's Strongest Storms
The blizzard is nature's strongest winter storm. It's effects can paralyze a town or city for days. But how and why do these storms occur, and where are they most common?
What Causes Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain?
During the winter months in the colder climes, all three precipitation types are commonly seen. But why do snow, sleet, and freezing rain occur?
How to Measure Snowfall Correctly
While most may think measuring snow is just taking a ruler and placing it in the snow, that is by no means an accurate method. Use these guidelines for accuracy.
Will There Be a White Christmas This Year?
Ever since Bing Crosby made the phrase such a staple of the Christmas season, the question has been asked by young and old alike. However, in most cases, its rather rare.
The Composition of the Atmosphere
Nitrogen makes up the majority of the air; but there are also various other gases that contribute to the survival of life on Earth.
Storm Chasing With a Purpose
Nothing like the glamorized media portrayal of storm chasers, Skywarn spotters are average citizens trained to be the eyes and ears of the Weather Service in the USA.
How Sleet and Freezing Rain Form
Sleet and freezing rain are closely related to one another, but they form in different ways - and have different impacts on communities. This article explains further.
What Are Straight-Line Winds?
Straight-line winds can cause damage to trees and property with wind gusts as forceful as a tornado. These winds give almost no warning and are unpredictable.
Learn About the Layers of the Atmosphere
Discover how the layers of the atmosphere work to produce weather and the Earth's climate. Learn how the atmosphere exchanges the Sun's energy, absorbing and reflecting.
Dangerous Summer Heat Waves
Heat waves are deadly to both humans and animals. Learn how important the heat index is to weather forecasters and how alerts can help keep people safe in excessive heat.
Basic Cloud Forms
The sky presents many magnificent cloud displays to see. Learn more if you are a curious hiker, cloud chaser or have been finding animal shapes in the sky for years.
Worldwide Meteorological Services
Discover the national meteorological services available online for Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand, providing excellent weather forecasts and climate data.
Hurricane Season Predictions
Although the 2008 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season doesn't officially start until June 1st, meteorologists have developed predictions for the number of hurricanes.
Weather Instruments & Gauges
Meteorologists measure the elements of weather using specific instruments and gauges. Discover what an anemometer is used for or what calculates a percentage of humidity.
Climate Predictions Spring 2008
NOAA scientists predict major flooding across most of the United States, due to record rainfall and snow pack this winter. La Niña continues through June 2008, weakening.
Siberia's Tunguska Event of 1908
Questions remain nearly 100 years since the Tunguska Event of 1908 devastated the Central Siberian forest: Was it ball lightning? Did the event trigger climate change?
Late Season Snowfall in Spring
Spring is here but so is the snow. When comparing climate data it's clear that late season snowfall does occur. Snow even falls when the temperatures rise above freezing.
Celsius to Fahrenheit Temperature Conversion
The basic formulas to use when converting temperatures between Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin.
UV Index Reporting
As spring and summer months bring the highest levels of UV radiation, it is importance to understand the UV Index, UVI Alerts and sun overexposure health risks.
Hydrologic Cycle: Water Movement
Water moves throughout and above the Earth as part of the hydrologic cycle. As water vapor condenses, precipitation falls, infiltrating the soil or runoff to the ocean.
Weather Conditions Affect Sports
Adverse weather conditions can have a powerful effect on how sports are played or if they are played at all. Wind, rain, fog and snow affect outdoor sports like football.
Understand EPA Air Quality Index
A guide to the Air Quality Index, a valuable tool to air quality data and assessing health concerns. Examine how weather and the seasons affect the quality of air.
Spring Pollen Allergy Forecasts
Weather can directly affect the spring pollen season, increasing allergy symptoms. Check the weather forecast to determine factors for increased spring allergy severity.
Hot Summer Climate in Beijing
Expect hot and humid weather for the Beijing Summer Olympics. The Chinese government aims to keep Beijing dry during the Olympics Games by using weather modifications.
Understanding Dew Point Depression
The dew point or frost point is important when forecasting frost warnings, especially to the agricultural sector. Learn how dew and frost form when the air is saturated.
Winter Blizzards and Cold Records
The greatest cold wave in the U.S. occurred in 1899, of which records still stand for minimum temperature recorded. Explore which cities hold the record for snowfall.
Winter Storm Common Nicknames
From the Alberta Clipper to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo and the Pineapple Express, learn how damaging winter storms form across the United States and Canada.
NWS StormReady Program
The National Weather Service has developed the StormReady Program as a way local governments and emergency managers can better prepare of severe weather
Understanding Derecho Storms
What is a derecho? What are some examples of this fearsome storm and what damages can it cause?
Cloud Characteristic Classes
Clouds are classified by appearance and altitude, characteristics named in Latin. Formed by water vapor and ice crystals, clouds usually mean approaching precipitation.
Climate & Weather Review Year 2007
Assessing the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with 15 named storms, while extreme drought plagued the SW and SE United States, heat waves led to wildfires in the West.
Climate Extremes US, Canada 2007
Noted as one of the warmest years on record, the year 2007 broke old records for snowfall, rainfall and maximum temperatures, leading into a moderate La Niña in 2008.
Florida Keys Waterspout Basics
Defined as a tornado happening over water, waterspouts cause destruction with strong winds, swirling sea spray into a funnel-shaped vortex lifting debris into the air.
Meteorology vs. Climatology
Explore how weather differs from climate, yet how measuring current weather conditions can lead to more accurate climate predictions, specifically climate change.
Tropical Cyclone Formation
Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclonic storms are all forms of tropical cyclones, creating havoc and causing damage with high winds, rain and storm surge in low-lying regions.