Monthly Archives: January 2020

Will the recent volcano eruptions change global weather patterns?

Spectacular images of volcanic eruptions have recently appeared in the media, including an eruption of the Taal volcano in the Philippines, which began January 12. At any given time of the year, there are about 50 active volcanoes across the … Continue reading

Category: Uncategorized

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How did 2019 weather align with climate trends?

Government scientists concluded that the globally averaged temperature for 2019 was 1.71 degrees above the 20th-century average. This is the 43rd consecutive year that the global temperature was above the 20th-century average.

This was the second-highest since record keeping began in 1880 and was just 0.07 degrees less than the record value set in 2016. Nine of the 10 warmest years have occurred since 2005, and the five warmest years have occurred since 2015. Continue reading

Category: Climate, Meteorology

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What is a fire cloud?

With the raging fires in Australia, you may have heard news reports of pyrocumulus, or fire clouds.

In Latin, pyro means “fire” and cumulus means “pile up.” Cumulus is a type of cloud that is common in Wisconsin, particularly in summer. Cumulus clouds are those puffy white clouds with tops that have a cauliflower appearance. Continue reading

Category: Meteorology, Phenomena, Severe Weather, Weather Dangers

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Was December’s unusual warmth widespread?

Despite the slight touch of winter on its last morning, December 2019 was an unusually warm month both locally and hemispherically.

Here in Madison, the month averaged 7 degrees above normal, with the highest temperature of the month, 55, occurring on Christmas Day, just one degree shy of the all-time daily record. Continue reading

Category: Climate, Seasons

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