Category Archives: Meteorology

What is an air mass?

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

An air mass is a large body of air whose properties of temperature and humidity are similar in any horizontal direction. Air masses can cover hundreds of thousands of square miles. Air masses are formed when air stagnates for long periods of time over a uniform surface. The characteristic temperature and moisture of air masses are determined by the surface over which they form. An air mass acquires these attributes through heat and moisture exchanges with the surface. Continue reading →

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What is the Beaufort scale?

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Weather Guys 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. This scale allows sailors to estimate the wind speed just by observing the state of the sea surface. Continue reading →

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Was the recent tornado outbreak forecasted?

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

The recent tornado outbreak in the Plains States was predicted by forecasters at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., as far as seven days in advance. This kind of forecast undoubtedly contributed to a vigilance that resulted in only six lives being lost in this first major outbreak of the year. Continue reading →

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What was the weather during the Titanic’s fateful voyage?

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

There were northerly winds over North Atlantic in the months before the RMS Titanic left port. These winds likely played a role in pushing icebergs farther south than normal and into the Titanic’s path. Continue reading →

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What is dual-polarization Radar?

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Weather Guys Editor

The next generation of weather radars, which are currently being installed throughout the United States, will improve observations of the interior of storm systems. These radars are called dual-polarization radars. Continue reading →

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