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Weather Explainers

There Are Two Types Of Lows Meteorologists Talk About
January 31, 2026, 2:23 am EST
There are two different types of low pressure systems that meteorologists talk about and this is what you need to know.
Myth Or Not: A Ring Around The Moon Predicts The Weather
January 31, 2026, 2:23 am EST
You might have heard the old weather saying, “Ring around the moon, rain soon.” Or snow. A ring around the moon is caused by light refracting off ice crystals. It’s also known as a 22-degree halo because the light passing through the ice crystals is bent at a 22-degree angle. Here’s our look at whether it predicts the weather.
Why Fall And Winter Are The Best Times For Vibrant Sunsets
January 31, 2026, 2:23 am EST
As colder temperatures move in, you may be tempted to stay indoors during the twilight hours, but watch this video to learn why fall and winter can be the best time to see a spectacular sunrise or sunset.
The Spring Equinox Is Arriving. Here’s What That Means
January 30, 2026, 3:13 pm EST
Astronomical spring is about to begin as the sun’s most direct rays will move across the equator and into the Northern Hemisphere. Spring arrives Thursday at 5:01 a.m. EDT. Astronomical spring differs from meteorological spring in that it focuses on the wobble of the earth rather than the temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere.
Here’s When The Last Freeze Of The Season Typically Arrives
January 30, 2026, 3:12 pm EST
As temperatures warm up, the growing season begins, but when temperatures will stay above freezing for the warmer months will differ wildly across the United States. On the Gulf Coast, it is already warm enough to safely begin growing crops and other plants, but you’ll have to wait until May in parts of the West if you’re wary of your plants being frozen. Here is when the last temperatures below 32 degrees typically occur and when you can put your green thumbs to work.
Colorado Towns Warm Up By Nearly 30 Degrees In One Hour
January 30, 2026, 3:03 pm EST
Ever heard the phrase “Don’t like the weather, just wait?” Residents in several Colorado towns near Denver saw temperatures rise nearly 30 degrees on Wednesday. A change in the winds caused the mid-winter wave of heat. Winds originally off the Plains swung around to come off the high elevations in the Colorado Rockies, then descended down the Front Range. This sinking air compressed and warmed dramatically in Boulder and several neighboring towns. Sometimes those old sayings are true.
Believe It Or Not: Quiet Hurricane Seasons Do Exist
January 28, 2026, 5:20 pm EST
Despite the last decade being chock full of active hurricane seasons, it is still true that lackluster seasons can happen in the Atlantic. The biggest reason for quieter hurricane seasons is El Niño, which are driven by warm patches of water in the Pacific. This anomaly can change wind and precipitation patterns around the world. Wind shear tends to increase over the Caribbean during El Niño, meaning that storms are battered and ripped apart more frequently. This also generally means that less hurricanes can form and threaten this U.S. The last less active year in the tropics came in 2015 when a strong El Niño flourished in the heart of hurricane season and intensified toward the end of that year.
What Is A Mirage? Nature’s Disappearing Act
January 28, 2026, 7:23 am EST
Discover the science behind mirages, the mesmerizing optical illusion that makes distant objects appear displaced, stretched, or even floating on the horizon. This short video explains how layers of hot and cool air bend light as it travels through the atmosphere, tricking our eyes into seeing water on roads, inverted ships at sea, or distorted landscapes in extreme heat or cold. Learn why mirages are most common during temperature extremes and how they reveal the invisible structure of the air around us.
Why Do Ocean Currents, Storms Spin? Coriolis Effect
January 28, 2026, 7:20 am EST
Discover how the Coriolis effect shapes weather patterns across the globe, including ocean currents and a hurricane’s spin. The coriolis effect influences everything from trade winds to storms. Earth’s rotation creates this invisible force which plays a crucial role in forecasting weather and understanding global circulation.
What Is A Heat Dome?
January 26, 2026, 12:00 pm EST
A heat dome happens when a strong high-pressure system traps hot air near the surface, causing temperatures to soar. It acts like a lid on the atmosphere, intensifying heat and limiting cloud cover or rain, often leading to dangerous and prolonged heat waves.

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