Author Archives: Weather Guys Editor

What was that column of light extending above the setting sun?

A vertical shaft of light extending above a setting or rising sun is called a sun pillar. You could have seen this optical phenomenon if you were looking at the sunset on Jan. 18.

While sun pillars look like vertical beams of light projected above the sun, they are actually a collection of reflections of millions of ice crystals floating in the atmosphere. Continue reading

Category: Phenomena

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What is the wind chill temperature?

On the cold and windy days of last week, you probably tried to keep yourself warm by wearing appropriate clothing and seeking shelter from the wind.

It feels colder in the wind because the wind sweeps away heated air in contact with your body and replaces it with colder air. Continue reading

Category: Meteorology

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How unusual is this kind of cold ?

We are at the beginning of the most intense cold air outbreak of the winter thus far with high temperatures today not likely to rise above zero. It may be similarly cold tomorrow. Having two consecutive days in a row … Continue reading

Category: Climate

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How does freezing rain form?

Southern Wisconsin experienced freezing rain and freezing drizzle just before the start of the holidays. When particles falling from clouds reach the surface as precipitation, they do so primarily as rain, snow, freezing rain or sleet. Where we live, most … Continue reading

Category: Meteorology

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How does this month’s cold and snow stack up?

Winter officially began at 11:11 a.m. on Saturday with the winter solstice, but everyone knows it has felt like winter for quite some time as we have endured a cold (and snowy) first two-thirds of December. Continue reading

Category: Seasons

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