Weather Glossary
Our weather glossary breaks down complex weather and climate terms in an easy-to-understand way.
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What’s the Difference Between Weather and Climate?
Weather is the short term, and climate long term weather conditionsWhen most people think about the weather, they’re thinking about conditions in the short term—the current temperature, what it’s like outside, and whether or…
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What is an Outflow Boundary?
If you’ve felt that sudden gust of wind before a thunderstorm, you’ve experienced oneAn 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…
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Squall line on the way? Take cover now
These lines of severe thunderstorms are a common occurrence during severe weather seasonA squall line is a line of strong and severe thunderstorms common in the spring and summer and often produce strong winds, lightning, heavy…
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What is a Microburst?
These intense thunderstorm winds can produce tornado-like devastationWeather is a complex and fascinating subject, with numerous phenomena occurring all around the globe. One such event, a microburst, can be as captivating…
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The Difference Between Isolated and Scattered Thunderstorms
Here’s what to expect when the weatherman has it in your local forecastWhen most people think of thunderstorms, they imagine a large, dark storm cloud that pops up in the afternoon and evening, bringing strong winds…
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Layers of the Atmosphere: A Guide to Earth’s Air Zones
As you look up at the sky, the troposphere is crucial in nurturing the clouds above you. But beyond this breathable layer, there are…
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History of Thermometers: From Galileo’s Experiments to Today
The history of thermometers is a captivating journey that spans centuries and encompasses the contributions of brilliant minds and scientific pioneers. From the groundbreaking…
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Types of fronts on a weather map: Be your own weatherman
Cold, warm, stationary, occluded, and drylines: here’s an easy to follow guideEver wonder what the types of fronts you see on the weather map mean? As part of our continuing weather education series, we thought…
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Hurricane Formation: From Tropical Wave to Hurricane
Mother Nature possesses both awe-inspiring and terrifying forces, and among them are tropical cyclones. These powerful storm systems, ranging from tropical depressions to devastating…
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What is the Jet Stream?
This current of air through our atmosphere is the reason for our weatherThe jet stream is a narrow band of strong winds in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere, and it blows from west to east…