Climate change is a reality, and its effects on weather patterns are becoming increasingly apparent. Scientists warn that severe storms, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and intense thunderstorms, are likely to become more frequent and destructive. Waiting to prepare your home and family for these events is a dangerous gamble. The time to build a safe room, … Read more
Ohio is the new tornado capital (so far in 2024), tornado alley slowly sliding eastward. As we move further into 2024, the United States has experienced a significant number of tornadoes. With 171 confirmed tornadoes nationwide, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Here’s the latest data on tornado occurrences: The Miami Valley, in particular, has seen … Read more
Washington is facing a potential water crisis this summer. The Department of Ecology has declared a drought emergency for most of the state, with only limited exceptions for Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett. This declaration is based on low snowpack, forecasts for a warm and dry summer, and the concerning fact that this is a continuation … Read more
Dubai Floods: The Truth About Cloud Seeding and Climate Change The devastating rains that recently flooded Dubai naturally raised questions about weather modification techniques like cloud seeding. However, social media has been ablaze with unfounded accusations blaming the floods on this technology. Let’s set the record straight and understand the real forces behind the extreme … Read more
Daylight saving time (DST) A Few Interesting Facts and Myths About Daylight Saving Time 1. Terminology: Daylight saving time, not “savings”. 2. Bottling daylight most of the year. In the United States, we spend about 65% of the year (~238 days) in daylight saving time. 3. Two states do not observe DST: Hawaii and Arizona, … Read more
DST ends and clocks return to standard time (“fall back”) at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 3, 2024. States that do not observe the time change: Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii. How did DST get started? We have compiled an brief, but very interesting, history of daylight saving time When does DST … Read more
Think of a hodograph as a visual snapshot of how the wind changes with altitude. It plots wind speed and direction at different heights, creating a line that reveals the atmosphere’s wind shear profile. In mesoanalysis, which focuses on smaller-scale weather, hodographs are essential tools for understanding the winds in a localized area. Why Hodographs … Read more
In the realm of weather forecasting, particularly when it comes to the volatile world of tornadoes, the HRRR (High-Resolution Rapid Refresh) radar model stands as a formidable tool. This advanced piece of technology offers meteorologists and storm chasers an unprecedented level of detail, allowing them to delve into the heart of severe storms and pinpoint … Read more
April 27th, 2024, will be the thirteen year anniversary of the April 27th, 2011, Super Outbreak of tornadoes that occurred across Dixie Alley in the southeastern United States. Between April 26th and April 28th, 2011, there were 363 total tornadoes. On April 27th alone, there were 219 tornadoes. This outbreak surpassed the 1974 Tornado Outbreak … Read more
Severe Weather Map | Dallas Forecast Texas Mesonet data for 24 to 72 hour precipitation: Texas rainfall maps for 24 to 72 hours are a valuable tool for anyone who wants to stay informed about upcoming weather conditions and make informed decisions about their activities. Areas in Texas with the Most Rain: Areas in Texas … Read more
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, isn’t just about lava and ash! It has a mesmerizing trick up its sleeve – blowing perfect vortex rings of smoke and volcanic gas into the sky. These rings aren’t just a beautiful sight; they’re a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics of volcanic activity. So, how does it … Read more
When will the next solar eclipse take place? If seeing this years #TotalSolarEclipse gets you addicted do not fear because there are several more coming up in the next decade: On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipse will … Read more
While injury from lightning strikes has increased since 1940, fatalities have decreased dramatically. In fact, lightning deaths have become exceedingly rare relative to other weather phenomena, but they still occur. The most dangerous lightning strikes are those that occur when our guard is down; lightning strikes from a sky that appears to be clear and … Read more
Today’s earthquake near New York City was a startling event for residents of the tri-state area as hundreds of thousands of people called in to find out what caused the buildings to shake. Though infrequent, earthquakes do occur in this region, reminding us that these forces of nature aren’t limited to typical earthquake zones like … Read more
Daylight saving time (DST) begins: Sunday, March 9th, 2025. When will DST end (return to standard time)? 2025 Countdown to Spring A few interesting DST tidbits Brief history of daylight saving time What is the Annual Duration of Daylight Saving Time? Answer: We spend 65% of the year, or 238 days, in DST. The longest … Read more
Los Angeles has recently experienced an exceptional amount of rainfall. The last two water years (October 1st to September 30th) have been the wettest back-to-back years since the late 1800s! This includes record-breaking storms bringing above-normal rainfall across several months. These intense storms are a welcome change after a prolonged period of drought. While it’s … Read more
When severe weather threatens, knowing where to seek shelter saves lives. The safest place depends on the type of storm. For thunderstorms, staying inside your home is usually best. Avoid activities like showering or using wired electronics, as lightning and flash flooding pose risks. Tornadoes, however, demand the most secure shelter possible. In Oklahoma City, … Read more
Knowing where to find designated public shelters ahead of a severe storm is essential, especially if your home doesn’t offer sufficient protection. These shelters are often located in schools, community centers, or other reinforced buildings. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek this vital information. Start by checking your local government’s website or emergency … Read more
Keeping You Informed and Safe: The Challenge We understand the importance of providing you with free, high-quality maps with detailed zoom levels and various data layers. These maps are crucial for staying informed about weather patterns, navigating unfamiliar areas, and even ensuring safety. However, there’s a hidden cost behind these maps – the price of … Read more
As we anticipate the 2024 solar eclipse, weather considerations become a crucial part of planning for the best viewing experience. The eclipse’s path of totality, stretching from Texas to Maine, promises a spectacular view, but only if the weather cooperates. Temperature fluctuations are common during an eclipse, with the sun’s warmth being momentarily blocked by … Read more
Got our first *5 foot* snow report (61.5″) from the March 2024 snowstorm in Colorado. Now three different 50″+ reports. Solidifies this as the biggest foothills storm since 2003. The recent Colorado snowstorm delivered extraordinary snowfall totals, with some areas exceeding four feet of accumulation. As skies clear and temperatures rise, the National Weather Service … Read more
In Indiana, the town of Winchester was severely impacted by a tornado with a preliminary EF3 rating (winds of 136-165 mph). This storm caused extensive damage to homes and businesses, including the complete destruction of a Taco Bell. Thankfully, early reports of fatalities were incorrect, but 38 people were injured, with 12 requiring hospitalization. Three … Read more
Did you bundle up for a brutal winter like the Farmer’s Almanac predicted for 2023-2024? Their forecast promised bone-chilling temperatures and above-average snowfall across most of the US. But how did it stack up against the predictions from meteorologists who rely on scientific data? The Farmer’s Almanac boasts an 80% accuracy rate for their long-range … Read more
Texas Wildfire Season: A Call for Vigilance As spring approaches, the risk of wildfires in Texas intensifies. Prolonged drought conditions, dry vegetation, and unpredictable wind patterns create a dangerous environment for fires. The recent wildfire season has already seen concerning blazes, including the still-burning Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Panhandle. It’s crucial to be aware … Read more
States with Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays Important Notes: Alabama Does It Right: Demand a Tax Break for Disaster Supplies Alabama’s got the right idea with their annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. It’s time for other states, especially those prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, to follow suit! Imagine stocking up on … Read more
The Big One Looms While recent disruptions are concerning, the USGS says Popocatépetl could unleash way more power. Its last huge blowout was in 800 A.D., and a similar blast today would put hundreds of thousands of people in immediate danger. Popocatépetl: A Looming Concern for Travelers to Mexico City Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis … Read more
Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPF) Totals Next 24 Hours Rainfall Totals Next 5 days QPF Totals Next 7 Days Rainfall Totals
Disasters can strike anybody at anytime, resulting in catastrophic property damage and loss. Fires in dwellings and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, mudslides, and wildfires cause significant property damage every year across the United States. Although disasters usually strike without warning, there are measures you can take both before and after … Read more
What is Flood Insurance? Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage from flooding, you will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to obtain coverage for your home and its contents. Fortunately, flood insurance is widely available from insurance companies that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a partnership between the Federal … Read more
The 2024 lunar calendar promises a captivating journey through the phases of our moon, each offering celestial splendor and potential impacts on the ocean’s rhythm. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect from each full moon: January 25 – Wolf Moon: Rising at 12:54 p.m. EST, the Wolf Moon marks the first full moon … Read more