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Weather Explainers

Science Behind Fall Leaves: Why Do They Change Color?
April 6, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT
Millions of people each year wait eagerly to see the leaves change brilliant hues of red and yellow. But do you know why the leaves put on this mesmerizing show each year? The secret is that these colors are in the leaves the entire time — but the shorter days and longer nights reveal them. FInd out exactly how this works and how weather plays a role here.
Why March Can Be The Most Frustrating Month In Weather
April 2, 2026, 6:42 am EDT
As we head into the first month of meteorological spring, the weather can get confused as to what it’s supposed to be doing. From temperature swings to tornadoes to flooding, March has a little bit of it all. Meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser breaks down what changes to expect this month and why the jet stream holds the key to it all.
The Setup Behind This Week’s Severe Weather Threat
March 31, 2026, 6:58 am EDT
With severe weather looming across parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Thursday, we will explain what ingredients are at play to trigger strong storms. Large hail and tornadoes are possible, so we will walk you through the science behind these threats. Watch meteorologist Jennifer Gray break it down.
Why Summer Months Are More Prone To Flash Flooding
March 24, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT
With three extreme rainfall events happening in less than a week, we take a deeper dive into what triggers these extreme events during the summer months. Seventy-five percent of flash floods occur between mid-April and mid-September. We will break down why this happens. linebreak linebreak Are you a premium user? If not, you missed out on the opportunity to see this video three days earlier. Upgrade here today!
What Even Is The Spring Equinox And What Does It Mean?
March 23, 2026, 8:29 am EDT
The Spring Equinox is here, and that means we have roughly 12 hours of sunlight and darkness for just about everyone across the globe. We are moving into warmer days for the Northern Hemisphere and cooler days for the Southern Hemisphere. Meteorologist Rob Shackelford breaks down what happens moving forward.
There's No End To A Rainbow. Here's Why You'll Never Find It
March 21, 2026, 7:49 am EDT
Ever wonder what's at the end of a rainbow? Spoiler: There's nothing there. Rainbows are optical illusions created when sunlight refracts through water droplets in the atmosphere. Because you're seeing it from your unique perspective, the "end" moves with you — no matter how far you walk. It's atmospheric physics playing tricks on your eyes. The pot of gold? Pure myth. The science? Wild and real.
What Weather Changes Can You Expect In February?
March 10, 2026, 6:24 am EDT
As we head into the last month of meteorological winter, there are some distinct weather changes you can typically expect. While winter keeps its firm grasp with winter storms and chilly temperatures, tornadoes and increased daylight hours give a hint at the spring to come. Meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser breaks down what you need to know about the month ahead.
Severe Weather Setup: Why Spring Is King
March 9, 2026, 7:19 am EDT
March is just about here, and with it comes a sharp increase in tornadoes. But what about the changing seasons causes the massive uptick? Meteorologist Rob Shackelford breaks down how the jet stream shifts in March and how that impacts severe weather across central and eastern parts of the U.S.
How Lakes Become Covered In These Beautiful Stars Of Ice
March 7, 2026, 12:00 pm EST
Discover how lake stars form. The rare winter ice formations appear as star-shaped cracks on frozen lakes. They form when extremely cold air causes ice to expand and fracture outward from a central point, creating long, radiating lines across the ice surface. Have you ever seen them?
El Niño: How A Global Climate Pattern Impacts Your Weather
March 6, 2026, 2:21 pm EST
El Niño is a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific, but this little patch of warmer water can have distinct impacts on everything from winter weather to spring tornadoes and even hurricane season. Meteorologist Rob Shackelford gets into the details.

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