Weather Words: Blue Norther

If you live outside of the Plains and Texas, this might be a new one to you, but if you are familiar with a blue norther, I might have just sent chills up your spine!

A Blue Norther is a term used mainly in the Southern Plains and Texas to describe a fast-moving cold front that brings a sudden, dramatic drop in temperature, often accompanied by strong north winds, dark blue skies, and sometimes a quick burst of rain or even snow.

The name likely comes from the deep blue color of the sky that appears behind the front, once the colder, drier air sweeps in. In classic cases, the temperature can plummet 40 degrees or more in just a matter of minutes, one of those days when you start in short sleeves and end up reaching for a winter coat.

Texas native and Chief Meteorologist at KXXV-TV in Waco, Texas, Matt Hines, gives his perspective. "As a Texan, when you hear the term blue norther you know it's finally time to get the coats and gloves out while you are still wearing shorts and a t-shirt."

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.