Category Archives: Basic Meteorology

What is a Supercell?

[caption id="attachment_3058" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Supercell (click to enlarge)[/caption] A Supercell is a severe thunderstorm with a deep, persistently rotating updraft (a mesocyclone). Supercell thunderstorms are the largest, most severe class of thunderstorms. It has been argued that there are really…

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What is the difference between a winter storm watch, warning, and advisory?

Winter Storm Warning: Take Action! A winter storm is imminent or occurring. If you hear a warning, immediately go home or shelter in place until it is safe to travel again. If you are home, bring in pets and plan…

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How Tornadoes Form

The formation of a tornado can be broken down to three stages: 1) low level horizontal spin, 2) updraft tilting, and 3) vertical rotation. Stage 1 (Low Level Horizontal Spin) Before thunderstorms develop, winds change direction and increase in speed…

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Tornado Facts

Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most frequently in the United States. In an average year, 1,2000 tornadoes cause 60-65 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide. Learn How Tornadoes Form | Criteria for a Tornado…

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The Life Cycle of Thunderstorms

Did you know that 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any moment around the world?? That is 16 million a year!?? So what causes thunderstorms? Thunderstorms need three things to develop: Moisture: To form clouds and rain Unstable air: Warm air that…

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The Ultraviolet (UV) Index Scale

The Ultraviolet Radiation Scale or UV Index scale represents the risk of sun exposure and steps to protect yourself from UV radiation are listed below   [caption id="attachment_2202" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Ultraviolet (UV) Index Scale[/caption] UV Index 0 to 2 (Low)…

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What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

The American Cancer Society (cancer.org) describes exposure ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a major risk factor for most skin cancers. Sunlight is the main source of UV rays. Tanning lamps and beds are also sources of UV rays. People who get…

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2014 Eastern Pacific Hurricane Names | 2014 Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Reports

Hurricanes are named alphabetically from a predetermined list beginning the letter "A" through "W", excluding names that begin with "Q" or "U." A storm is first named by the National Hurricane Center when the system becomes a tropical storm and…

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How is wind chill calculated (wind chill formula)

The wind chill temperature is calculated using the following formula: Windchill (F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16) Where: T = Air Temperature (F) V = Wind Speed (mph) ^ = raised to a power (exponential) More about…

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