Weather Explainers - Page 10 | weather.com

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Weather Explainers

Why Do Rainbows Appear? Understanding Weather's Crucial Role
May 27, 2026, 2:23 am EDT
Rainbows rely on a precise combination of sunlight, water droplets and viewing angle, turning every raindrop into a tiny prism that bends and reflects light into a spectrum of color. Discover why rainbows always appear in the same order and what makes them brighter or more vivid.
How Do Meteorologists Actually Define ‘Severe Weather’?
May 26, 2026, 4:24 pm EDT
Did you know severe weather isn’t limited to just tornadoes? It includes everything from flooding and lightning to destructive winds. Here’s what meteorologists look for before they tell you conditions have become “severe.”
What To Expect In May, From Severe Weather To Tropics
May 26, 2026, 8:09 am EDT
May can be a month of transition, where the seasons still clash, and a multitude of different types of weather surfaces. From tornadoes to the tropics, and even late-season snow, May can bring a mixed bag of weather. Meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser breaks down what we typically see weatherwise during the month of May.
How A Super El Niño Can Impact Atlantic Hurricane Tracks
May 24, 2026, 12:25 am EDT
A Super El Niño is likely to occur during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and that may bring good news in more ways than one. Not only do El Niños lead to unfavorable conditions in the Atlantic, but they also can steer any hurricanes that do form away from the East Coast. Meteorologist Rob Shackelford breaks down why this is.
Earth's Deepest Lake Is Still Getting Deeper
May 20, 2026, 8:12 am EDT
25 million years ago in Siberia, Russia, the Earth's crust literally ripped itself open and created what would become Lake Baikal, the deepest lake on Earth. Lake Baikal sits in an active rift valley, meaning the tectonic forces that created it are still active today. Beyond its geological significance, Lake Baikal functions as a living time capsule containing endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
How Heat Is Fueling A Lack Of Severe Storms This Week
May 15, 2026, 10:28 pm EDT
Despite what’s climatologically normal, there are no severe storms in the forecast this week until the weekend. Meteorologist Sara Tonks explains what is going on and why an upper-level ridge has everything to do with it.
Pacific ‘Blob’: Its Impact And Does El Niño Supercharge It?
May 13, 2026, 3:58 pm EDT
The Pacific Blob is here. It, along with an upcoming El Niño, could bring major disruptions to weather across the US. Rob Shackelford breaks it all down.
Why The Major Shift In The May Temperature Outlook?
May 13, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT
The May outlook is now out and it is looking to be much colder than previously expected for the Great Lakes and the Northeast. This is due to the polar vortex weakening, likely to bring rounds of cooler temperatures to much of the East. Meteorologist Rob Shackelford breaks down what the polar vortex is and how it impacts the weather across the lower 48.
El Niño: What It Is And How It Can Affect Your Weather
May 13, 2026, 6:15 am EDT
You may have heard the term El Niño thrown around quite a bit, but what exactly does it mean? This climate pattern affects the weather across the globe as well as right in your own backyard. Meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser breaks down the criteria for an El Niño and how it impacts hurricane season and the kind of winter you typically see.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact Fueled South Georgia Fires
May 12, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT
It is no surprise that southern Georgia is under exceptional drought, the highest level of drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor. But, there is another factor for why these wildfires exploded in acreage burned. It has to do with Hurricane Helene, which leveled numerous trees across south Georgia, providing fuel for the future fires. Meteorologist Sara Tonks breaks down the current drought and the connection to Hurricane Helene.

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