Category: Weather
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Early Winter Wallop: Heavy Snow, Arctic Air, and Floods Slam the United States
December often signals the official arrival of winter weather in the U.S., but the start of the 2025-2026 season has been remarkable for its intensity. Over the past week, millions of Americans across multiple regions faced a one-two punch of extreme weather: heavy snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures in the Northeast and Midwest, and still-receding…
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Atmospheric Rivers Unleash Catastrophic Flooding on the Pacific Northwest: Understanding the Science and Impact
The Pacific Northwest is currently grappling with what could become one of its most devastating flood events in recent memory. Over the past week, an intense atmospheric river has unleashed record-breaking rain across parts of Washington, Oregon, and into British Columbia, prompting mass evacuations, emergency rescues, and widespread infrastructure closures. As communities brace for additional…
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The Anatomy of a Tornado: How Nature’s Most Violent Storms Form and Affect Communities
When most people picture a tornado, they imagine a towering, twisting column of wind sweeping across open plains, uprooting trees and tossing debris. But how does this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon actually form—and what are its impacts on the communities it strikes? As a meteorologist, I’d like to take you through the science behind tornado formation,…
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Derecho Storms: The Science, Devastation, and Preparation for High-Wind Events
Derecho storms, though less commonly discussed than hurricanes or tornadoes, are among the most powerful and destructive weather phenomena in North America. Stretching for hundreds of miles and packing wind speeds that can rival those of major hurricanes, derechos leave behind swaths of damage, power outages, and lasting impacts on communities. What is a Derecho?…
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The Mystery of Virga: Rain That Never Reaches the Ground
Rain is a familiar sight, but sometimes, those trailing streaks beneath clouds evaporate before they actually make it to the earth. This phenomenon, known as "virga," provides a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of our atmosphere—and it’s more common than you might think. What is Virga? Virga appears as wispy tails or shafts extending downward…
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Why Humidity Feels Worse in Summer: The Science Explained
As a meteorologist, I’m often asked why hot, humid summer days can feel so much more uncomfortable than dry heat—even at the same temperature. The answer lies in the interplay between our bodies, the atmosphere, and the physics of water vapor. A Quick Refresher: What Is Humidity? Humidity is simply the amount of water vapor…
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El Niño 2023–2024: How a Pacific Phenomenon Shaped Global Weather Extremes
By Dusty El Niño is a periodic climate phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Over the past year, the 2023–2024 El Niño event provided a textbook example of how a disturbance in ocean temperatures can ripple across the globe, reshaping weather patterns and impacting millions.…
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Flash Floods in the Desert: The Science and Surprising Risks Behind Sudden Inundations
Deserts are synonymous with scorching sun, parched landscapes, and rare rainfall. Yet, paradoxically, some of the most dramatic flash floods on Earth occur in these arid regions. As a meteorologist, I often encounter surprise when discussing the frequency and intensity of sudden floods in places like Arizona, Nevada, or northern Africa’s Sahara. Let’s explore how…
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Cloud Types and What They Tell Us About the Weather
By Rabir, Meteorologist Every day, we look up and notice clouds drifting overhead—in countless shapes, sizes, and shades. Yet, these atmospheric wonders are much more than visual curiosities. As a meteorologist, I find that understanding cloud types offers a direct window into the dynamics of our weather, both present and future. The Basics of Cloud…
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Historic Hailstorms: Their Meteorological Origins and Community Impacts
As a meteorologist passionate about extreme weather, I’ve encountered countless fascinating phenomena, but few match the sudden ferocity of a hailstorm. Across the United States and around the globe, hailstorms can cause catastrophic damage in a matter of minutes—shattering car windows, decimating crops, and posing significant risks to communities. The Science Behind Hail Formation Hail…
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