Author Archives: WeatherGuys Editor

Is that photo of circular lightning?

Posted on June 10, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

When we see a flash of lightning, it looks as though it forms all at once.

However, a lightning bolt is actually produced in many steps. The bolt occurs so quickly that it looks like a single brilliant flash, but high-speed photography can reveal several distinct bolts. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Phenomena, Severe Weather

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Why was the sky hazy on Thursday and Friday?

Posted on June 3, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

There have been large forest fires in northern Alberta, Canada, and the smoke has drifted over the Midwest, including Wisconsin.

Smoke can cause the sky to appear hazy, even if the smoke is high above the ground. The smoke scatters sunlight to make the sunlight diffuse and grayish. When the smoke is thick, it can cause brilliant red sunsets and sunrises, as it did on Thursday. When light beams interact with particles suspended in air, the light can be scattered or absorbed. Continue reading →

Category: Phenomena, Weather Dangers

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Do cell phones network with weather forecasts?

Posted on May 28, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

Cell phones do not directly interfere with weather forecasts. However, there is concern with how cell phone signals travel through the atmosphere, particularly the 5G network.

The 5G technology is designed to carry more data and make wireless connections faster. Continue reading →

Category: Severe Weather, Uncategorized

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What is the Beaufort scale?

Posted on May 13, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

The Beaufort scale is a method of estimating wind speed based on the general condition of the surface of a large body of water with respect to wind waves and swell.

It is based on observation of sea state rather than accurate wind measurements. This scale allows sailors to estimate the wind speed just by observing the state of the sea surface. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Severe Weather

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When did computer-based weather forecasts begin?

Posted on May 8, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

Just over a week past our extraordinary late season snow on April 27, it is worth considering how remarkable it is that such an unusual event can be so well forecasted several days in advance. The drive to use computer … Continue reading →

Category: Uncategorized

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