Archives: Blogs

The latest blogs from The Weather Station Experts’ team of writers, covering weather gadgets, weather and climate news, and more.

Get Ready for the October 14, 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse

August 13, 2023

Ed Oswald

If you’re a stargazer and on the West Coast, you’re in for a treat this coming October 14. An annular solar eclipse, one of the most enchanting celestial events, is set to grace the sky. Unlike a total eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, an annular eclipse leaves ... Continue reading

Best Prime Day 2023 Weather Station Deals

July 11, 2023

Ed Oswald

Prime Day is here, and we're busy searching for all the great deals. Along with deals on thousands of items, we found some great Prime Day weather station deals that you'll want to check out.

What is Particulate Matter?

June 7, 2023

Johnathan Orellana

Whether you realize it or not, you encounter particulate matter every day. It comes from numerous sources, including gas-burning vehicles, factories, and other industrial sources.

Why the Record Death Valley Temperature is Likely Bogus

May 29, 2023

TWSE Explains

Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert of Eastern California, is no stranger to extreme heat. This scorching locale is where the highest temperature recorded in the United States happened in 1913. However, this impressive feat has been a subject of much debate and controversy over the years. In today’s ... Continue reading

Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and Tropical Depressions

May 22, 2023

TWSE Explains

Mother Nature can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Among her most powerful and destructive forces are tropical cyclones, which manifest in various forms – from tropical depressions to devastating hurricanes. This blog will explore the differences between hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions to help you better understand these weather ... Continue reading

What is a Hurricane Watch?

May 15, 2023

TWSE Explains

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, torrential rainfall, and potentially devastating storm surges. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a hurricane watch when hurricane conditions are possible within a specified area, ... Continue reading

What is a Tropical Storm Watch?

May 11, 2023

TWSE Explains

Coastal regions are no strangers to tropical storms, which, although not as powerful as hurricanes, can still pose significant risks to communities. Tropical storms can bring about heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges, leading to considerable damage. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a tropical storm watch when there’s ... Continue reading

What is the RealFeel Temperature?

May 8, 2023

TWSE Explains

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 is where the “RealFeel Temperature” concept comes into play, a term created by AccuWeather. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what RealFeel temperature is, ... Continue reading

What is a Microburst?

May 4, 2023

TWSE Explains

Weather is a complex and fascinating subject, with numerous phenomena occurring all around the globe. One such event, a microburst, can be as captivating as dangerous. What is a microburst? We’ll examine their formation, classification, potential hazards, and the importance of understanding and preparing for them. What is a Microburst? ... Continue reading

30 Years Later: Remembering The Great Flood of 1993

May 1, 2023

Ed Oswald

This summer marks three decades since the United States experienced one of its most significant and devastating natural disasters – the Great Flood of 1993. Affecting nine states across the Midwest and resulted in the loss of 50 lives, causing an estimated $15 billion in damages (approximately $30 million in ... Continue reading

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

April 23, 2023

TWSE Explains

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, impact air quality, human health, and the environment. These compounds, which include an array of chemicals that vaporize at room temperature, are emitted from a wide variety of everyday items, such as cleaning products, paints, solvents, air fresheners, and even certain types of furniture. As ... Continue reading

What is Radon?

April 23, 2023

TWSE Explains

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 often goes unnoticed, putting the health of those exposed at risk. As the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, understanding the presence and ... Continue reading

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

April 23, 2023

TWSE Explains

Carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, poses a silent yet deadly threat to the safety and well-being of individuals and families within their own homes. So what is carbon monoxide? Produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, wood, and coal, this ... Continue reading

What is a Superbloom?

April 22, 2023

TWSE Explains

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, characterized by a sudden and explosive growth of colorful wildflowers, typically occurs in the spring following a period of above-average rainfall, such as this past ... Continue reading

What is an Outflow Boundary?

April 20, 2023

TWSE Explains

An outflow boundary is a meteorological term that refers to the boundary between two air masses created by a thunderstorm's downdraft. If you've ever stood outside during a thunderstorm and felt the cool rush of air preceding a storm, you've experienced an outflow boundary.

Types of Fronts

April 20, 2023

Ed Oswald

Ever wonder what the types of fronts you see on the weather map mean? As part of our continuing weather education series, we thought an explainer would be helpful.

What is El Niño?

April 19, 2023

TWSE Explains

El Niño is returning this year, with significant effects expected for our weather in 2023. El Niño’s return comes after three straight years of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific, what climatologists call a “triple dip.” Typically events last less than a year: this La Niña event started in ... Continue reading

Is the California Drought Over?

April 13, 2023

Ed Oswald

The parade of atmospheric rivers has put a dent in the California drought, with less than nine percent of the state still officially in drought conditions. This is according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which also found that the heavy winter rains also eliminated any severe drought in the state ... Continue reading

The ‘Great American Solar Eclipse’ is One Year Away

April 8, 2023

Ed Oswald

On April 8, 2024, a spectacular event will captivate tens, if not hundreds, of millions across the continental United States: the ‘Great American Solar Eclipse.’ A total eclipse, the event will create a unique and unforgettable experience for all who witness it. As we stand one year from the 2024 ... Continue reading

Remembering the El Reno Tornado of May 31, 2013

April 3, 2023

Ed Oswald

On May 31, 2013, a tornado struck El Reno, Oklahoma. This tornado was historic because it was the widest tornado and had some of the fastest ground wind speeds ever recorded by mobile radar - 296 mph. The El Reno tornado didn't cause significant damage, as it passed through mainly rural areas around El Reno and west of Oklahoma City. However, the loss of life, including three experienced storm chasers' deaths, shocked the meteorological community.