| Sunnny |
Clear skies with abundant sunlight |
Dry, warm |
Sunlight, blue skies |
Summer |
| Partly Cloudy |
Some clouds, some sun |
Mild temperatures, light winds |
Shadows, sunbeams |
Spring |
| Overcast |
Cloudy sky with no sunlight |
Cool, damp |
Shade, stillness |
Fall |
| Rain |
Precipitation in liquid form |
Cool, wet |
Puddles, wet ground |
All seasons |
| Thunderstorm |
Rain and thunder, strong winds |
Warm, unstable air |
Lightning, thunder |
Summer |
| Tornado |
Violently rotating column of air |
Severe, turbulent winds |
Destruction, intense pressure |
Spring |
| Hurricane |
Tropical cyclone with strong winds and rain |
Warm, humid conditions |
Storm surge, heavy rainfall |
Late summer, fall |
| Snow |
Frozen precipitation |
Cold, often below freezing |
Snow accumulation, ice |
Winter |
| Blizzard |
Severe snowstorm with strong winds |
Extreme cold, heavy snowfall |
Whiteouts, snow drifts |
Winter |
| Fog |
Low visibility due to water vapor |
Cool, humid |
Misty conditions, reduced visibility |
Fall, spring |
| Heat Wave |
Extended period of excessively hot weather |
Very high temperatures |
Drought, heat illness |
Summer |
| Cold Front |
Boundary between a warmer and a colder air mass |
Sharp temperature drop |
Thunderstorms, wind changes |
Any season |
| Warm Front |
Boundary between a warm and a cold air mass |
Mild temperature increases |
Light rain, fog |
Any season |
| Jet Stream |
High-altitude air currents |
Varies |
Weather changes, storm paths |
All seasons |
| Microclimate |
Localized climate differing from surrounding areas |
Varies depending on the environment |
Unusual weather within a small area |
Any season |
| El Niño |
Warm phase of periodic change in sea surface temperatures |
Warmer, wetter conditions in some regions |
Increased hurricanes, altered patterns |
Winter to spring |
| La Niña |
Cool phase of periodic change in sea surface temperatures |
Cooler, drier conditions in some regions |
Drought, altered rainfall patterns |
Winter to spring |
| Sea Breeze |
Cool wind from the sea |
Warmer land heats air |
Localized cooling, pleasant conditions |
Summer |
| Land Breeze |
Cool wind from land to sea |
Cool air over land |
Starlit nights, calm conditions |
Summer |
| Lake Effect Snow |
Cold air moves over warm lake waters |
Heavy snow near the lake |
Intense snowfall, localized conditions |
Winter |
| Funnel Cloud |
Rotating cloud that forms a tornado |
Warm, humid conditions |
Severe weather potential |
Spring, summer |
| Monsoon |
Seasonal wind that brings heavy rain |
Warm, humid air masses |
Heavy rains, flash floods |
Summer |
| Dry Spell |
Prolonged period of dry weather |
High pressure systems |
Drought conditions |
Summer, fall |
| Frost |
Ice crystals formed from dew |
Cold, clear nights |
Icy conditions on surfaces |
Fall, winter |
| Heavy Rain |
Excessive rainfall within a short period |
Wet, flooding conditions |
Flash floods, rising rivers |
Any season |
| Coastal Flooding |
Flooding in coastal areas due to storms |
High tides, storm surge |
Inundation of land, erosion |
Fall, winter |
| Lightning Storm |
Storms with lightning but little rain |
Unstable weather, warm ground |
Bright flashes, thunder |
Summer |
| Sandstorm |
Strong winds carrying sand particles |
Dry, arid conditions |
Reduced visibility, damage to crops |
Summer, fall |
| Polar Vortex |
Large area of low pressure over the poles |
Extreme cold air mass |
Cold spells in mid-latitudes |
Winter |
| Cold Snap |
Abrupt drop in temperature |
Cold air mass moves in |
Freezing temperatures, frost |
Winter |
| Severe Storm Warning |
Alert for severe weather conditions |
Impending thunderstorm or tornado conditions |
Strong winds, hail, tornadoes |
Any season |
| Flood Watch |
Conditions are favorable for flooding |
Heavy rainfall, river overflow |
Flooding potential |
Spring, summer |
| Flash Flood Warning |
Immediate threat of flash flooding |
Rapidly rising waters, heavy rain |
Dangerous conditions, evacuation required |
Any season |
| High Wind Warning |
Winds exceeding a certain threshold |
Strong pressure gradients |
Wind damage, objects blown over |
Any season |
| Heat Advisory |
Health risks due to high temperatures |
Excessive heat and humidity |
Heat-related illnesses |
Summer |
| Weather Front |
Boundary separating air masses |
Change in weather conditions ahead |
Precipitation, temperature shifts |
Any season |
| Climate Change |
Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns |
Global warming; more extreme weather |
Rising sea levels, changes in ecosystems |
All seasons |
| Radiational Cooling |
Cooling from the loss of heat through radiation |
Clear, calm nights |
Frost formation, low morning temperatures |
Nighttime |
| Thunder Snow |
Snowfall that occurs during a thunderstorm |
Cold air, unstable conditions |
Lightning in snow, heavy snow |
Winter |
| Arctic Air Mass |
Extremely cold, dry air |
Substantial drops in temperature |
Frigid temperatures, chills |
Winter |
| Tropical Air Mass |
Warm, moist air originating from tropical regions |
Warm temperatures and humidity |
Tropical storms, humid conditions |
Summer |
| Anticyclone |
High-pressure area with descending air |
Clear, calm weather |
Stable conditions, sunshine |
Any season |
| Mid-Latitude Cyclone |
Low-pressure area causing storms |
Increased precipitation and storminess |
Heavy rain, snow, high winds |
Winter, spring, fall |
| Temperature Inversion |
Warm air traps cooler air near the ground |
Stable temperatures, fog formation |
Poor air quality, visibility issues |
Winter, fall |
| Urban Heat Island |
Urban area significantly warmer than nearby rural areas |
High concentration of buildings and concrete |
Increased temperatures, heat waves |
Summer |
| Wind Chill |
Perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body due to wind |
Cold air mass with wind exposure |
Hypothermia risk, frostbite |
Winter |
| Chinook Wind |
Warm, dry winds descending the eastern slopes of mountains |
Sharp increases in temperature |
Rapid snowmelt, localized warming |
Winter, spring |
| Atmospheric River |
Narrow corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere |
Heavy rainfall events |
Excessive runoff, floods |
Winter, fall |
| Cloudburst |
Sudden, intense rainfall over a small area |
Unstable atmospheric conditions |
Flash floods, mudslides |
Summer, monsoon season |
| Storm Surge |
Rise in sea level during a storm |
Hurricane or strong storm conditions |
Coastal flooding, erosion |
Hurricane season |
| Windstorm |
Strong winds causing damage |
Low pressure systems or storms |
Tree falls, flying debris |
Any season |
| Smog |
Fog mixed with smoke and other pollutants |
Urban areas with pollution |
Poor air quality, health issues |
Winter, fall |
| Tropical Storm |
Moderate tropical cyclone |
Warm ocean waters, organized thunderstorms |
Heavy rain, winds 39-73 mph |
Late summer, fall |
| Cold Rain |
Precipitation that occurs during cool weather |
Cold air mass with rain |
Rain that feels cold on skin |
Fall, winter |
| Dust Devil |
Small whirlwinds that lift dust |
Hot, dry conditions, clear skies |
Dust lifts, rotation pattern |
Summer |
| Snow Squall |
Intense burst of snow that reduces visibility |
Cold air with minimal moisture |
Rapid snowfall, poor visibility |
Winter |
| Typhoon |
Tropical storm in the Northwest Pacific basin |
Warm ocean waters |
Severe rain and wind, storm surge |
Late summer, fall |
| Vertical Wind Shear |
Change in wind speed/direction with height |
Turbulent conditions, severe storms |
Storm supercell formation |
Any season |
| Atmospheric Disturbance |
Minor disruption in atmospheric conditions |
Variability of air pressure |
Weather changes, precipitation |
Any season |
| Precipitation Shadow |
Area with reduced rainfall due to mountains |
Windward vs. leeward effects |
Dry regions, unique ecosystems |
Any season |
| Foehn Wind |
Warm dry wind descending the leeward side of the mountains |
Drying effect on air |
Temperature rises, drying of vegetation |
Winter, spring |
| Heat Dome |
High pressure causing prolonged heat |
Excessive heat in the region |
Heat-related stress, dry conditions |
Summer |
| Surge Tides |
Tidal high points influenced by wind and storms |
Higher than normal sea levels |
Coastal flooding, erosion |
Coastal storm events |
| Sea Level Rise |
Increase in the global average sea level |
Climate change impacts |
Coastal erosion, flooding areas |
Long-term trend |
| Weather Balloon |
Instrument for measuring atmospheric conditions |
Used in meteorology |
Data collection for forecasting |
Any season |
| Acid Rain |
Rainfall made acidic by pollution |
Industrial emissions impacts |
Environmental damage, affected water sources |
All seasons |
| Glacial Lake Outburst Flood |
Rapid release of water from glacier-dammed lake |
Climate change impacts |
Catastrophic flooding downstream |
Summer, spring |
| Mucilaginous Blooms |
Algal blooms caused by warming waters |
High nutrients and warm temperatures |
Oxygen depletion in water bodies |
Summer |
| Polar Storm |
Severe weather events in polar regions |
Cold air masses, moisture sourcing |
Blizzards, icy conditions |
Winter |
| Wind Farming |
Capturing wind energy through turbines |
Blustery areas, windy climates |
Renewable energy generation |
Any season |
| Water Spout |
Tornado over a body of water |
Warm, humid conditions, thunderstorms |
Potential for flooding and damage |
Summer |
| Ice Storm |
Freezing rain causing ice accumulation |
Cold air mass with supercooled droplet |
Icy roads, downed power lines |
Winter |
| Dew Point |
Temperature at which air becomes saturated |
High humidity, cooling at night |
Formation of dew, fog |
Any season |
| Geostrophic Wind |
Wind resulting from the balance of pressure gradient and Coriolis force |
High and low pressure systems in balance |
Steady winds, weather prediction |
Any season |
| Atmospheric Pressure |
Pressure exerted by the weight of air |
Variation with altitude and weather systems |
Weather changes, fronts |
Any season |
| Vertically Integrated Moisture |
Total moisture in the atmosphere prepped vertically |
High humidity conditions |
Storm prediction, flooding potential |
Any season |
| Climate Zone |
Regions defined by climate characteristics |
Tropical, temperate, polar |
Vegetation, ecosystems |
All seasons |
| Weather Extremes |
Severe variations beyond normal conditions |
Heat waves, snowstorms |
Record temperatures, severe events |
Any season |
| Thermal Inversion |
Warm air traps cooler air near the surface |
Temperature inversions |
Fog, pollution issues |
Winter |
| California Current |
Cold current along the west coast of USA |
Oceanic influences on coastal weather |
Cooler coastal temperatures |
Summer, fall |
| Equatorial High |
Persistent high pressure near the equator |
Trade winds convergence |
Calm, humid conditions |
Year-round |
| Sitka Spruce |
Tree species that influences local weather |
Humidity regulation in forests |
Microclimate effects |
Any season |
| Cascade Range Influence |
Mountain range effects on climate |
Rain shadow effects due to elevation |
Drier conditions in leeward areas |
Any season |
| Gulf Stream |
Warm ocean current influencing climate in Europe |
Warm temperatures in coastal areas |
Milder winters, warmer storms |
All seasons |
| Cloud Seeding |
Artificially inducing rain through chemicals |
Dry areas needing precipitation |
Targeted rain events |
Summer, fall |
| Extreme Heat Events |
Periods of excessively high temperatures |
Global warming effects |
Health risks, drought conditions |
Summer |
| Subtropical Jet Stream |
Jet stream in subtropical regions |
Weather patterns influenced by winds |
Shifts in storm patterns |
Winter, spring |
| Frontal Lifting |
Air forced to rise over a front |
Cold air meets warm air |
Cloud formation, precipitation |
Any season |
| Outflow Boundary |
Boundary formed by downdrafts from thunderstorms |
Wind changes after rain |
Possible new storm initiation |
Any season |
| Normalcy Bias |
Tendency to dismiss severe weather warnings |
Social psychological phenomenon |
Under-preparedness in storms |
Any season |
| Permafrost Melt |
Thawing of permanently frozen ground |
Climate change impacts in the Arctic |
Impact on ecosystems, CO2 release |
Summer |
| Thunderstorm Outflow |
Cool air pushes out from a thunderstorm |
Generation of new storms |
Dust clouds, wind shifts |
Summer |
| Flash Drought |
Rapid-onset drought caused by moisture deficits |
High temperatures, low rainfall |
Water shortages, ecological impacts |
Summer |
| Jet Stream Split |
Separation of the jet stream into two branches |
Impacting storm tracks |
Altered weather patterns |
Winter, spring |
| Thermal Convection |
Vertical movement of air caused by temperature differences |
Heat rises, cool sinks |
Cumulus cloud formation |
Any season |
| Septentrional Winds |
Cold winds from the north |
Change in temperature and weather |
Cool, brisk conditions |
Fall, winter |
| Microburst |
Localized downdraft of air creating strong winds |
Thunderstorm interaction |
Damage from wind, flash floods |
Summer |
| Astro-Weather |
Weather insights based on astronomical events |
Influences from celestial bodies |
Seasonal effects |
Any season |
| Solar Radiation |
Energy from the sun affecting temperature and weather |
Cloud cover impacts sunlight receipt |
Climate variations, temperature fluctuations |
Any season |
| Tsunami |
Series of ocean waves caused by earthquakes |
Catastrophic coastal effects |
Flooding, destruction |
Any season |
| Natural Disasters |
Severe weather events leading to damage |
Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes |
Humanitarian impacts, economic losses |
Any season |
| Synoptic Systems |
Large-scale weather patterns and systems |
High/low pressure dynamics impacting weather |
Predictive weather modeling |
Any season |
| Updraft |
Rising air within a storm leading to cloud development |
Instability and lifting in warm air |
Thunderstorm intensity, precipitation |
Summer |
| Subtropical Highs |
High-pressure systems in subtropical regions |
Calm, clear weather patterns |
Stable weather patterns, deserts |
Any season |
| Lightning Strike |
Electric discharge during a thunderstorm |
Warm, humid conditions |
Thunder, fire risks |
Summer |
| Waterspout Tornado |
Tornado over water, can form land tornadoes |
Conditions favorable for tornado formation |
Localized storms, strong winds |
Summer |
| Glacial Surge |
Rapid movement of glaciers due to increased melting |
Temperature rise, climate change |
Landform changes, sea level impact |
Summer |
| Lightning Therapy |
Use of risk communication in storm warnings |
Public awareness for safety |
Real-time weather forecasting |
Any season |
| Ocean Currents |
Movement of ocean water impacting climate |
Warm/cool streams along coastlines |
Marine biodiversity, weather effects |
All seasons |
| African Dust Plume |
Dust transported from Africa to the Americas |
Affects air quality and weather patterns |
Hurricanes, dry spells |
Summer |
| Pollen Season |
Seasonal increase in pollen from plants |
Allergy impacts for individuals |
Weather conditions influencing pollen distribution |
Spring, summer |
| Temperature Extremes |
Record high or low temperatures |
Impacts from climate change |
Increased risk of weather impacts |
Any season |
| Fires and Smoke |
Wildfires producing smoke affecting air quality |
Hot, dry weather conditions |
Health issues, visibility problems |
Summer, fall |
| Climate Feedbacks |
Responses of the climate system to changes |
Amplifying effects on global warming |
Weather changes, variability |
Any season |
| Geographic Features |
Mountains, valleys influencing weather patterns |
Rain shadow effects and local climates |
Microclimatic influences |
All seasons |
| Seasonal Variability |
Changes in weather across different seasons |
Weather patterns fluctuating with seasons |
Agricultural and ecological impacts |
All seasons |