Severe weather is inevitable, and research shows it is occurring more frequently than in the past. While extreme weather is nothing new, its impact on individuals, businesses and government agencies are real – especially with an uptick in the occurrence of extreme rain and flooding. Furthermore, these patterns have led to increased weather-related losses over
Category: Weather
Better Turbulence Forecasting for Smoother Rides
Turbulence Forecasting Turbulence forecasting when not backed by years of research can leave aviation-related businesses vulnerable to operational issues. Although “shaking” in the wind may be the end result when businesses lack the most accurate turbulence forecasting, dealing with the repercussions of inadequate turbulence forecasting certainly leaves them abandoned to a bad situation – or
How Does the Temperature Affect Crime Rates?
Does the temperature affect the crime rate? Are more crimes committed when it is hot out and less when it is cold? Let’s look at what the data show. He is steaming mad. She let her temper flare. They are simmering with anger. The team’s frustration is boiling over. Our language matches heat with negative emotions
Precipitation Frequency Estimates – What are they and why should I care?

It seems every time an extreme rainstorm results in flooding, inquiring minds want to know the rarity of the rainfall in terms of a frequency or likelihood (i.e., probability of occurring again).
El NiñO vs. La NiñA. You Need to Know the Difference and Here’s Why
For the past few years, there has been a lot of talk in the news about El Niño. Now, it’s time for the opposite pattern to appear: La Niña. The change it causes to Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) will influence our winter weather. While an El Niño is an anomalous warming of the central and eastern
What Causes Wind?
Perhaps one of the most noticeable aspects of the weather is the wind. It can be a welcome breeze or a hazardous gale, and changes can occur rapidly. So, what causes the wind? Wind is the result of differences in air pressure. It is produced in an attempt by the atmosphere to equalize pressure over
When Rain Gauges Overtop: A Collection of Reports Exceeding the CoCoRaHS 11” Gauge Capacity

At MetStat, now DTN, we employ a wide variety of precipitation data, from 5-minute automated gauge data to storm reports from the public at large. For the past twenty years, however, one of our most valuable daily datasets has been the CoCoRaHS gauge network.
Hurricane Harvey – Extraordinary Flooding for Houston and Surrounding Areas

Hurricane Harvey will likely be remembered for many years as one of the most catastrophic storms to ever hit the United States. It has been nearly a decade since a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) has hit the United States.
Understanding the Hurricane Cone of Uncertainty
If you’re reading this article, chances are pretty good you’ve heard of Hurricane Irma. She reached Category 5 this morning, the strongest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of 185 mph and gusts over 200 mph. You may have also noticed a funnel or cone shape forecasting her path. This is called the Cone of
Houston’s History of Floods
Founded in 1836 where the Buffalo Bayou met White Oak Bayou, Houston has faced many floods. Not long after being established, the settlement flooded. Initially swamp land, people began to try and drain the area. Done with no planning, draining the land did not account for flooding rains. Flooding rains would come again and again