Meteorological phenomena

Sleet is a form of precipitation that combines characteristics of snow and rain, resulting in partially frozen water droplets falling from the sky. For this reason, it is also known as rain and snow mixed, a very matter-of-fact description for the same phenomenon. Sleet is formed when snowflakes pass through...

Hurricanes are extreme weather events which have been known to decimate land areas which incorporate multiple countries at the same time. Primarily affecting coastal communities, they have devastating consequences on the areas they affect. This includes the destruction of infrastructure, damage to natural ecosystems...

A wind shear is a strong change in wind direction or intensity that occurs over short distances. In nature, this phenomenon is usually generated by the development of storms, jet streams, trade winds and/or sea or mountain breezes. Physical obstacles from natural or even manmade sources can also result in...

Ever noticed clouds that seem to display faint rainbow colors? Those are iridescent clouds, and they offer a glimpse into a cool interaction between light and tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the sky. But unlike a rainbow, which requires rain and sunlight, iridescent clouds reveal their beauty...

Droughts are a growing concern worldwide, prompting scientists to explore ways to influence weather patterns. One such technique is cloud seeding, a process that aims to increase precipitation by manipulating the tiny particles within clouds. It might sound like something out of a science fiction film, but...

Catatumbo's Lightning is a fantastic display of nature's raw power. Often referred to as the "Everlasting Storm," this region in Venezuela experiences up to 40 lightning strikes every minute, which earn it a place in the Guinness Book of Records. However, there is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon....

Also known as globe lightning or orb lightning, ball lighting is a very poorly understood phenomenon. Since it is believed to be rare and unpredictable, study of this type of lightning can be difficult. As with all lightning, they are a form of electrical discharge which occur during thunderstorms. Conventional...

Air masses move differently in our Earth's atmosphere, with varying effects on the spaces beneath them. Specifically, they can influence weather patterns which can be disruptive or beneficial to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Cyclones are one of the most significant types of air mass which are...

Have you ever gazed skyward and spotted a cloud that resembled a flying saucer or a giant contact lens? These captivating formations, known as lenticular clouds (or Altocumulus lenticularis for the science buffs), are a unique phenomenon often associated with mountainous regions. Their formation is...

Have you ever been caught outside during a sudden gust that nearly knocked you off your feet? Strong winds are more than just an inconvenience – they can pose a significant threat to both personal safety and property damage. Knowing how to identify strong winds and the associated risks allows you to take...

The Earth's atmosphere crackles with unseen energy. Atmospheric electrical phenomena refer to the natural electrical processes that occur within the Earth's atmosphere. This encompasses a wide range of electrical activity, from the dramatic discharges of lightning to the more subtle ongoing processes that...