Author Archives: Weather Guys Editor

What is Freezing Rain?

When particles falling from clouds reach the surface as precipitation, they do so primarily as rain, snow, freezing rain, or sleet. Why are there different types of precipitation? It has to do with the ability of water to change phase. Continue reading

Category: Weather Dangers
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What are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights, also called aurora borealis, are an evening light show seen as a diffuse glow or as overlapping curtains of greenish-white and sometimes red light. Auroras are triggered when the surface of the sun ejects a cloud of gas, called a coronal mass ejection. Continue reading

Category: Phenomena
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Why do Bridges Ice before the Road?

Living in a cold climate, we are used to seeing signs that say “bridge freezes before road.” The fundamental reason is that a bridge hangs above the ground, while the roadway rests on the ground. Water on a road or bridge will freeze once the surface becomes colder enough. So, the road must cool faster than the roadway. Continue reading

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What is the Coldest Wind-Chill Temperature Ever Recorded in Madison?

The wind-chill temperature describes the increased loss of heat by the movement of the air. The wind-chill is relevant to humans and other animals that need to maintain a constant temperature that is higher than their surroundings. Continue reading

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How Much does Snow Evaporate?

I notice that when the snow builds up in my patio, it starts to evaporate after a few days, even though the temperature is still below freezing. On average, what percentage of our snowfall each year evaporates back into the cold, dry air? Continue reading

Category: Severe Weather
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