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Monthly Archives: May 2012
When was the last time we had a colder-than-normal month?
With our mild winter, incredibly warm March, and reasonably warm May coming in sequence, it seems as if it has been a long time since Madison experienced a below-normal month. Continue reading
Category: Climate
Tags Climate, Temperature
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Tags Climate, Temperature
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Will May’s weather continue to be pleasant?
As we head from early to late spring during the month of May, there are a number of ways to measure this progress. One way is to consider how often we experience a temperature 90 degrees during May. The last time Madison reached 90 degrees in May was just two years ago — on May 24, 2010. This is a relatively rare occurrence, however, as Madison has reached 90 degrees in May only 10 times since 1971 (once each in 2006, 1991, and 1988; twice each in 1978 and 1977 and three times in 1975). Continue reading
Category: Climate
Tags Climate, Spring, Summer, Temperature
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Tags Climate, Spring, Summer, Temperature
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How long is the solar cycle?
Since the invention of the telescope in the 1600s, observers have recorded variations in the numbers of dark spots, or sunspots, on the sun’s surface. Observations show that the sun exhibits a periodic change in the number of sunspots that normally follow a regular cycle with peaks 11 years apart. Continue reading
Why are the cloud streamers behind jets different sizes?
The white condensation trails left behind jet aircraft are called contrails (condensation trails). Contrails usually form higher than 26,000 feet above the ground. Contrails form when hot, humid air from jet exhaust mixes with surrounding air of low water vapor content and low temperature. The clouds that form are similar to the cloud you see when you exhale in cold air and “see your breath.” Continue reading
Category: Phenomena
Tags Clouds, Human influences, Phenomena
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Tags Clouds, Human influences, Phenomena
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