Tag: weather science
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Orographic Lift: How Mountains Make Their Own Weather
As a meteorologist, I often find myself captivated by the subtle but powerful processes that shape our daily weather. One such phenomenon is orographic lift—a process where the landscape itself, especially mountains, becomes an architect of the atmosphere, sculpting clouds, storms, and even shaping entire ecosystems. Let’s unravel how this fascinating effect influences weather patterns…
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Hurricane Katrina: The Science Behind the Storm and Its Lasting Impact
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in late August 2005, it became one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. As a meteorologist, I find Katrina to be a powerful case study in both extreme weather systems and their profound human impacts. How Do Hurricanes Like Katrina Form? Hurricanes, or tropical cyclones,…
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The Coriolis Effect: Spinning the Winds of Our Planet
Have you ever wondered why hurricanes spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere? Or why prevailing winds follow curved paths rather than going straight from high to low pressure? The answer lies in a fascinating phenomenon called the Coriolis Effect—a force that shapes much of the planet’s large-scale weather and…
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The Science of High Pressure Systems: Why Clear Skies Prevail
As a meteorologist, I’m often asked why the weather can suddenly turn sunny and calm after a period of unsettled skies. The answer lies, quite literally, above us—in the rise and fall of atmospheric pressure. Today, let’s delve into the science behind high pressure systems and explore why they typically bring clear, tranquil weather. What…
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How Wind Shapes Our Weather: The Invisible Driver of Atmospheric Patterns
When we talk about weather, we often focus on dramatic events: thunderstorms, heat waves, or rainy days. Yet behind every cloud formation and temperature swing, there is a quieter, but perhaps more persistent player at work – the wind. Let’s explore how wind, the result of air in motion, influences the weather we experience every…
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Decoding Dew Points: What They Really Tell Us About Humidity
One of the most common questions I get as a meteorologist is: "Why does it feel so humid today?" While many people instinctively check the humidity percentage on their phone or weather dashboard, there’s another, often more telling number you should pay attention to: the dew point. What is Dew Point? Simply put, the dew…
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