Tag: meteorology
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King Tides Surge in California: When Moon, Sun, and Storms Collide
California is no stranger to meteorological drama, but this year’s turn of the calendar brought some of the most striking coastal flooding in decades — thanks to the phenomenon known as “king tides.” These astronomical high tides, when paired with the relentless parade of severe winter storms, have left communities along the Golden State’s coast…
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Record-Breaking Christmas Heat Wave: The Science and Impacts Behind December 2025’s Extreme Weather
For many across the United States, Christmas conjures images of frosty air, snow-dusted landscapes, and bundled-up traditions. Not this year. In December 2025, an unseasonable heat dome has settled across much of the country, pushing temperatures to record-breaking highs in more than three dozen cities—from Denver and Des Moines to Tulsa and Wichita. This extraordinary…
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Severe Winter Storms and Scientific Uncertainty: How Dismantling NCAR Endangers America’s Weather Preparedness
America is facing a dual threat this week: an immense winter storm impacting millions in the northern and western states, and the looming shutdown of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a pillar of U.S. weather and climate prediction. As a meteorologist, I’m deeply alarmed — not just by the blizzard bearing down on…
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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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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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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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