Category Archives: Seasons

Are the Great Lakes’ water levels normal?

Posted on January 12, 2015 by WeatherGuys Editor

For the first time in about 25 years, the water level of the all the Great Lakes is above normal. Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron are about 5 inches above the long term average.

This ends a 15-year period where lake levels have been below historic averages. Continue reading →

Category: Climate, Meteorology, Seasons

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What rare weather event did we experience last month?

Posted on January 6, 2015 by WeatherGuys Editor

Madison’s overnight low temperature of minus 3 on Dec. 28 was a relatively rare event, all things considered.

As we all know, the temperature dipping below zero in winter is not unusual. But it doesn’t usually happen without snow on the ground, and there are good reasons for that. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Seasons

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What is a ‘panhandle hooker,’ and why is it called that?

Posted on December 8, 2014 by WeatherGuys Editor

A panhandle hooker, also called a Texas hooker, is a name for a storm that forms in the panhandles of Oklahoma or Texas. These storms bring interesting weather to the Midwest and Great Lake regions. The weather system gets its … Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Seasons, Severe Weather

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What is the windchill temperature?

Posted on December 1, 2014 by WeatherGuys Editor

What is the windchill temperature? The windchill describes the increased loss of heat by the movement of the air. The windchill is relevant to humans and other animals that need to maintain a constant temperature that is higher than their … Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Seasons

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How unusual was last week’s cold snap?

Posted on November 24, 2014 by WeatherGuys Editor

Through Friday, Madison experienced 10 straight days with temperatures at or below 32 degrees, or freezing.

And though that streak was interrupted (delightfully) over the weekend, it appears we will experience a return to sub-freezing temperatures by Tuesday. Continue reading →

Category: Meteorology, Seasons

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