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Monthly Archives: July 2016
What is a heat wave?
A heat wave is a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and usually humid weather. The World Meteorological Organization is specific in its definition by stating that a heat wave is when the daily maximum temperature for more than five consecutive days exceeds the average maximum temperature by 9 degrees.
Heat waves are caused by very hot, stagnant air masses. Regions that suffer under intense hot spells are usually dominated by a surface high-pressure system with a mid-tropospheric ridge aloft. Dew points are also high, and to compound matters, wind speeds are often low. Continue reading
What forces are in play when high winds knock down objects?
Wind is air moving from areas of high atmospheric pressure to low pressure. Violent destructive winds, as well as gentle summer breezes, result from a complex interplay of different forces.
One of these forces results from a pressure gradient, or how fast pressure changes over distance. Continue reading
Category: Meteorology, Severe Weather, Weather Dangers
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Why do thunderstorms scare dogs?
Some dogs seem to have a great fear of thunderstorms, as do some humans.
Their fear can drive them through closed doors or windows, or send them cowering to an isolated spot in the house. Continue reading
