Category: Weather

Have You Ever Experienced Thundersleet?

On February 5, some lucky people along the Iowa and Illinois border were treated to an unusual winter phenomenon. As an ice storm moved in, not only were they getting sleet, but they also were observing lightning. This type of weather is known as thundersleet. Our view out of the office this evening. It's not

How Does Snow Cover Impact Temperatures?

You’re observing the freshly fallen snow at your location. While the scene can be breathtaking, how does that blanket of snow affect temperatures afterward? In most cases, sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface causes temperatures to increase throughout the day. When snow covers the ground, the incoming radiation is reflected into space. The amount of solar

Have You Heard of a Frost Quake Before?

The polar plunge is continuing across portions of the country, producing dangerously low wind chills. The cold temperatures are also causing a phenomenon known as frost quakes. People in portions of the Midwest have recently been observing loud noises described as banging sounds or loud booms. If you have heard this, it may be a

Here’s What Determines the Type of Winter Precipitation That Falls

All precipitation develops in the same way, but in winter there can be quite a variety of types. Freezing rain, sleet, snow, are all possible when it gets cold outside. Freezing Rain Freezing rain forms when the air higher in the atmosphere is above freezing while the ground  temp is below 32°F. Warmer air will cause falling snow to

Rime Ice or Hoar Frost? There is a Difference!

Have you ever stepped outside and all the trees and surfaces are covered with frost? If you look close enough, it sometimes resembles sharp spikes, and other times it may appear to be flat crystals. One of these is hoar frost, the other is rime ice. Many confuse the two, so let’s dig a little

5 Snow and Ice Oddities You’ve Likely Never Heard Of

Winter is on the way, and many areas have already experienced their first snowfall, along with frigid temperatures. It may be cold, and daylight is limited, but some rare phenomena only occur in these conditions. When you combine snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, many unique things can happen. Snow Rollers When you want to make