Category Archives: Meteorology

How do ice crystals form and grow?

This question was considered by astronomer Johannes Kepler about 400 years ago.

Kepler published an article on the topic in 1611. He hypothesized that the crystals were made of subunits that combined to form the symmetrical shapes of ice crystals. Continue reading

Category: Meteorology, Phenomena

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What were the memorable U.S. weather events of 2020?

The year 2020 will be noted for some memorable and record-breaking weather.

This year saw the most active and seventh-costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record. There were 13 hurricanes, six major hurricanes and 12 storm systems that made landfall in the U.S., causing 409 deaths and more than $40 billion in damages. Hurricane Laura was the strongest land-falling U.S. hurricane of the season; it hit the Louisiana coast with 150 mph winds and higher than 15 feet of storm surge. Continue reading

Category: Meteorology, Severe Weather

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What created season’s first snowstorm?

Even if you are not a particular fan of winter weather, it is hard to deny that there is something about the first snow of the season. In fact, British author J.B. Priestley expressed its transcendent nature beautifully when he … Continue reading

Category: Meteorology, Seasons

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Q: Who was Verner Suomi?

Verner Suomi was born on Dec. 6, 1915, and became a professor at UW-Madison. He is known as the “Father of Satellite Meteorology” because of his historic role in defining that field of study. In the late 1950s, he and … Continue reading

Category: History, Meteorology, Uncategorized

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How was the 2020 hurricane season?

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season ends today and will go down as the most active hurricane season on record.

A total of 30 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and six major hurricanes have formed throughout the season have formed throughout the seasons. Twelve of the named storms made landfall in the contiguous United States, breaking the record of nine set in 1916. Continue reading

Category: Meteorology, Severe Weather, Tropical

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