WeatherHawks

Imagine, if you will…

In the 1990's a voice actor named Don LaFontaine provided voiceovers for hundreds of movie trailers. LaFontaine would begin his voiceover with a baritone voice saying "In a world where…,” which has become an icon. In honor of LaFontaine, who passed away in 2008, we'll

weather, air, atmosphere

The Atmosphere

Our atmosphere's composition, and the chaotic changes in pressure and temperature, drive our weather systems.

Cloud Cover—What It Means

Here's what those cloud cover terms mean in forecasts.

precipitation

Precipitable Water Revisited: The PWAT Anomaly

The deviation from the mean is helpful in predicting precipitation.

weather

The How and Why of Our Changing Seasons

The Earth's position in its orbit relative to the sun determines when the seasons change.

Sunrise, Sunset

There’s more to the sun’s arrival and departure each day than most of us realize.

Climalytic Offers New Rain Gauge Design for Observers

Even the simple rain gauge evolves. This new CoCoRaHS-approved rain gauge is worth a look.

Subscription Weather Services

For the serious amateur meteorologist, sometimes you need a specialized service.

The Lifted Index and K Index—Indicators of Instability in the Atmosphere

These two indexes tell meteorologists the potential for convection and severe weather.

atmosphere

The Planetary Boundary Layer

The planetary boundary layer hugs the earth’s surface. It’s where much of the action takes place.

observations

Weather Balloons

Weather balloons give us a shapshot of the vertical structure of the atmosphere…with limitations.

observations

Theta‑e

Theta‑e sounds complicated, but can give observers a hint as to atmospheric stability.

dryline

Drylines—storm chasers love ‘em

Drylines can be a boon to storm chasers, or a dry hole.

snow

An Introduction to Snow Dynamics

There’s more to snow than just freezing some water.

weather

Citizen Weather Observers

There are many opportunities for citizen observers to contribute their observations.

weather maps

Interpreting the Surface Analysis Chart

The surface analysis chart shows the factors affecting your weather, now and in the future.

National Weather Service

The NOAA Central Library: A Treasure Trove for Weather and Climate Researchers

Researchers, observers, and teachers will find the NOAA Central Library collections a valuable resource.

wildfire

Red Flag Warnings

What goes into these important fire danger warnings?

cyclone

Bomb Cyclones

The bomb cyclone is a catchy name for a low pressure phenomenon.

water vapor

Precipitable Water

Precipitable water is gaining greater importance in climate change research and meteorology.

altitude

Why don't we use local pressure?

For most applications, local pressure is corrected to sea level pressure. Why?

forecast

Exploring the Weather Prediction Center's website

The WPC's web site offers a glimpse into cutting-edge and experimental weather forecasting tools.

moisture

Rainbows

Not just another pretty face.

wildfire

A better way to track smoke from wildfires

Get insight into where that smokey haze and smell are coming from with this innovative web site.

temperature

Degree Days offer insights into energy demand

Degree days can offer insights into local climate for observers and energy professionals.