Author Archives: WeatherGuys Editor

Why are icicles shaped like long skinny carrots?

Posted on March 11, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

Icicles typically form on days when the outdoor air temperature is below freezing but sunshine warms and melts snow or ice. Thus, you may notice that more icicles form on the sunny south-facing side of your home than on the … Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Phenomena

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What is the best weather forecast model?

Posted on March 4, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

If you are not a student of meteorology, you should rely on your local weather forecasters for a good weather forecast — and southern Wisconsin has some very good local forecasters. It is their job to interpret the various numerical weather prediction models.

Numerical weather prediction models, or NWP, solve a complex set of mathematical equations that are based on the physics that drives how the air moves and how heat and moisture are exchanged throughout the atmosphere. Continue reading →

Category: Climate, Meteorology

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Why is ice different colors?

Posted on February 25, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

Some ice is called “black ice,” which refers to one of two conditions: A new layer of clear ice on water, which appears dark in color because the ice is transparent and so we see the deep water below; or a layer of clear ice on a roadway, which makes for hazardous driving conditions.

In both of these cases, the ice is not actually black but is transparent and therefore shows the color of the underlying surface. Continue reading →

Category: Seasons, Weather Dangers

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Is there energy in snow?

Posted on February 18, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

Since the beginning of this year, Madison and Dane County have received about 35 inches of snow.

Snow is a form of solid water and water is the only substance that occurs naturally in all three phases — solid, liquid and invisible gas — in the Earth’s atmosphere. Of course, that means that the 35 inches of snow began as the equivalent amount of water in the invisible vapor (gas) phase before it was transformed into solid water. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Seasons

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What makes loud noises on very cold days?

Posted on February 11, 2019 by WeatherGuys Editor

Thursday night and Friday morning, several people reported hearing loud noises, thinking something fell on their house or gunshots were fired.

These sounds result from what are called frost quakes or ice quakes. They occur when a rapid drop in temperature leads to a quick freeze. Continue reading →

Category: Phenomena, Severe Weather

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