Satellite view of cloud formations over the Earth.

What is an Atmospheric River?

Our atmosphere is constantly in motion. Weather systems are transported around the globe by this motion, with a narrow band of stronger winds called the โ€˜jet streamโ€˜ providing much of this motion, which lies between cold and warm air masses.

what is a snow squall

What are Snow Squalls?

It happens every winter. Drivers are caught off guard by icy roads and a sudden wind gust, the arrival of cold air, and a burst of snow so heavy you canโ€™t see the car in front of you. Itโ€™s called a snow squall and is more common than people think.

Fairbanks Alaska from the University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Top 10 Coldest US Cities

Not a big fan of the heat? Canโ€™t wait for the first snowfall? If you like cold weather here in the US, all you have to do in most cases is move north. All but one of the coldest cities in the US are found in the Upper Midwest, where frequent Arctic blasts make winters more brutal than the rest of the country, with some of the coldest temperatures outside of Alaska!

Hurricane Florence in 2018 during an above average atlantic hurricane season

What is a Hurricane Watch?

Hurricanes are among the most powerful and destructive natural disasters in coastal regions and island communities. These massive tropical storms are characterized by intense winds, โ€ฆ Read more

realfeel temperature

What is the RealFeel Temperature?

Weather forecasts provide valuable information about the expected temperature and weather conditions. However, the actual temperature can sometimes differ from what the thermometer indicates. This โ€ฆ Read more

what is radon

What is Radon?

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, has been a growing concern for homeowners, renters, and public health experts. Colorless, tasteless, and odorless, this silent intruder โ€ฆ Read more

what is a superbloom? Picture of a california superbloom of wildflowers.

What is a Superbloom?

In the arid deserts and valleys of the Western United States, a rare and magnificent natural event occasionally graces the landscape: the superbloom. This phenomenon, โ€ฆ Read more

rain in hawaii, one of the wettest us states

The Top 10 Wettest US States

Most of the United States has a temperate climate, meaning extremes in temperature and precipitation arenโ€™t too common. However, in some of our southern states, โ€ฆ Read more

rochester ny rainiest city in the us

What is the Rainiest City in the US?

Have you ever been stuck inside on a rainy day? It can be frustrating to stay inside when it is raining (although you could keep track of how much rain youโ€™re getting with a weather station!). If youโ€™re in the rainiest city in the US, itโ€™s far more likely to be raining or snowing outside than sunny.

key west warmest us cities

The Top 10 Warmest US Cities

As winter approaches, many people prepare for the cold weather and freezing temperatures. However, some towns donโ€™t have to worry about dragging out the winter clothing from storage as the year ends. These locations have some of the best weather in the US if youโ€™re into the heat.

sleet in a glove

What is Sleet?

In the average winter, most of us will have to deal with frozen precipitation, not just snow. One of these types is sleet, and weโ€™ll explain how it forms and the difference between it and a hailstone.

noreaster satellite image

What is a Norโ€™easter?

Norโ€™easters are intense periods of snow and high wind that can last for days. While the term is most commonly associated with coastal storms that pass by the Northeastern USโ€™ major cities, the term is used elsewhere, such as in Europe.

sleet vs freezing rain ice on branches

Sleet vs Freezing Rain vs Hail

Sleet vs freezing rain: which winter weather phenomena would you rather deal with? While both create a whole host of headaches, one is far more hazardous than the other.

hurricane harvey hurricane local statement

What is a Hurricane Local Statement?

A hurricane local statement is an emergency message that provides critical information about a hurricane. Your local National Weather Service forecast office issues this product, including information about the stormโ€™s location, intensity, and expected impacts.

how hail forms

How Does Hail Form?

When the temperatures are warm, the last thing youโ€™re thinking about is frozen precipitation falling from the sky. But it happens, and itโ€™s called hail. Hail is a fascinating weather phenomenon. This blog post explores how hail forms and what you should do if you find yourself in the middle of a hail storm.

Syracuse snowiest us cities

The Top 10 Snowiest US Cities

Snowfall is one of the things that people look forward to in winter (although some of us feel a sense of impending doom when those first flakes fall), and the snowiest cities in the US get quite a bit of it every winter. Itโ€™s an excellent excuse for staying inside with a fire and hot chocolate curled up on the couch.