With winter not far away we will look at some of the weather patterns including blocking which may have an effect on our winter this year. This post will also be helpful for those who try to translated the daily NWS discussions. Wave Patterns The following are examples of some basic wave patterns often seen…
Grand Rapids Climate overviews We all know how we perceive the day to day weather is different for each individual and here is some information on some old studies that were done and one was done right here in Grand Rapids Way back in the day few people had thermometers and as such weather descriptions…
It is now time for our weekly weather trivia, fun and interesting facts for your enjoyment…. Today I am giving you a test to check what you have learned over the time this site has been online – the answers and grading are at the end of the quiz – no peaking! 1) Which is…
After a blustery nasty day yesterday I believe we will be happy with an improving weather pattern over the next few days (i.e. unless one likes blustery crappy weather patterns). Seems we have had quite a few windy days as of late – kind of like natures way of cleaning out the dead wood in…
Weather History October 13 1874: A record cold snap struck Lower Michigan with Lansing plunging to 16 degrees. 1975: Record warmth occurred with highs in the 80s. The 87 degrees at Grand Rapids was a record for the date and the highest temperature for so late in the season. October 14 1954: A tornado destroyed…
It would be a boring world if we all had the same perspective of life and all things remained the same. When I am out in public I always greet people in passing with a ‘good day’ and talk to them if I have the time and they are willing. I stopped a gentleman in…
I have been reading a lot of articles on global warming this year and on what we consider ‘normal’. Climate normals are three-decade averages of climatological variables including temperature and precipitation. Scientists traditionally define a Climate Normal as an average over a recent 30-year period. The most recent installment covers the period from 1981 to…
We are not expecting lake effect snow in the near term, however this feature will explain how the NWS issues watches and warnings when the cold air comes across the great lakes. Forecasting lake effect snow is a significant forecasting challenge in the Great Lakes during the winter months. There are numerous factors that determine…
Fall leaf colors are due to plant pigments in leaves. The colored pigments are the same that produce colors in flowers and fruits. “Chlorophyll” is the pigment responsible for the green color in leaves, and for producing carbohydrates (sugars) plants need for growth. It does this through the process of “photosynthesis”, producing sugars and oxygen…
Weather Trivia Day The naming of hurricanes and tropical storms officially began in 1953. The wind doesn’t make a sound until it blows against an object. Average global temperature is up 0.94°C (1.7°F) since 1880. Fire whirls are tornadoes made of fire caused by wildfires. At any given time, on average there are about…