Weather Glossary
Our weather glossary breaks down complex weather and climate terms in an easy-to-understand way.
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What is an Atmospheric River?
Get ready for rain (and snow in the winter)Our atmosphere is constantly in motion. Weather systems are transported around the globe by this motion, with a narrow band of stronger winds called…
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What are Snow Squalls?
These ‘mini-blizzards’ can bring everything to an abrupt standstill, and end just as quickIt happens every winter. Drivers are caught off guard by icy roads and a sudden wind gust, the arrival of cold air, and a…
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What is the RealFeel Temperature?
Explaining AccuWeather’s proprietary heat stress formulaWeather forecasts provide valuable information about the expected temperature and weather conditions. However, the actual temperature can sometimes differ from what the thermometer indicates.…
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What is a Superbloom?
Western deserts are suddenly awash in color. Here’s the science behind this rare displayIn the arid deserts and valleys of the Western United States, a rare and magnificent natural event occasionally graces the landscape: the superbloom. This…
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What is Sleet?
When it’s too warm to snow, and too cold to rain, sleet is often the resultIn the average winter, most of us will have to deal with frozen precipitation, not just snow. One of these types is sleet, and…
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The Polar Vortex: Why Winter’s About to Get Extremely Cold
Or, why Winter 2020-21 was so crazy for many in the USWinter 2020-21 didn’t turn out as many thought. Most long-range forecasters thought La Niña would lead to a mild and uneventful winter. My weather…
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What is a Nor’easter?
These winter events are some of the Northeast’s largest snowstormsNor’easters are intense periods of snow and high wind that can last for days. While the term is most commonly associated with coastal storms…
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Sleet vs Freezing Rain vs Hail
Explaining the differences between these winter and summer weather eventsSleet vs freezing rain: which winter weather phenomena would you rather deal with? While both create a whole host of headaches, one is far…
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What is Freezing Rain?
This dangerous wintertime phenomenon, explainedWe’ve all been through it if you live in an area that falls below freezing in winter. It’s freezing out yet raining. Within minutes,…
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What is a Blizzard?
How winter’s most severe storms form, and why you should take them seriouslyA blizzard is a severe snowstorm that produces extensive wintry precipitation over a large area, including heavy snow and powerful winds, typically accompanied by…