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Tag: Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

  • April’s full moon is called the ‘Pink Moon’

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    April’s full moon is this weekend, and it’s called the “Pink Moon.” It is also going to be a micromoon.

    It will peak Saturday at 8:22 p.m. ET.

    What You Need To Know

    • Saturday’s full moon is also known as the ‘Pink Moon’

    • It’s the first full moon of the spring

    • The first full moon after March 21 sets the date of Easter


    The Pink Moon didn’t get its name from the its color. Rather, it got its name from a flower. Since it’s the first full moon of the spring, it usually coincides with the blooming of pink wildflowers, or phlox.

    (Pixabay)

    This year’s Pink Moon is also the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon after the spring equinox. It marks the start of Passover and determines the date of Easter every year. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21, or after the Paschal full moon.

    It’s also going to be a “micromoon,” so it will appear smaller than a regular full moon. It’s not because the moon is actually smaller, but because of the farther distance from the Earth, also known as apogee.

    It will reach its peak illumination at 8:22 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • What to know about the 2025 Atlantic hurricane names

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    The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is just over a month away, and there is a list of new names to familiarize yourself with.

    This year will follow up on a busy 2024 season where there were five landfalling hurricanes, three of which have had their names retired.

    What You Need To Know

    • Forecasters started naming storms in 1950

    • The 2025 name list was last used in 2019

    • There is a list of supplemental names if more than 21 names are used


    Researchers at Colorado State University are calling for above normal activity again this year, you can read more about the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season outlook here.

    How and when are storms named?

    A storm gets named when it achieves tropical storm status (winds of 39 mph or higher). It becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph, but keeps the same name. In meteorology, any tropical storm or greater is referred to as a tropical cyclone.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) creates lists of names and cycles each list every six years. Each list contains 21 names, alternating between male and female names. A name may be retired if it is deemed too destructive by the WMO and they would add a new name to the list.

    Here is the list of names that will be used this year. It was last used 6 years ago, in 2019. Dexter is new this year, replacing Dorian after it was retired for causing significant destruction in the Bahamas, Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada.

    History of naming conventions

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hundreds of years ago, tropical cyclones were named after Saint’s Day, which occurred nearest to the day of the storm. Consider, “Hurricane Santa Ana,” a violent storm that hit Puerto Rico on July 26, 1825.

    Before 1950, storms were noted by their latitude and longitude. This proved problematic when trying to relay information to the public. It was confusing, so meteorologists streamlined this process using the phonetic alphabet to name the storms (Able, Baker, Charlie, etc.). 

    Starting in 1953, storms were given female names. Rumor has it that a member of the committee was angry at his wife and wanted to name a storm after her. 

    Whether that’s true, Alice was the first named storm of the 1953 season. All-female names continued until 1979, when male names were added to alternate within the list.

    Greek names

    Prior to 2021, after the 21 names were exhausted, the Greek alphabet was used. 2005 and 2020 were the only two seasons to feature the Greek alphabet. 

    However, this proved difficult for several reasons, including what would happen after a storm was so destructive the name should be retired, as was the case for Eta and Iota in 2020. Additionally, coronavirus variants use Greek letters, adding to possible confusion.

    Supplemental list

    To account for these issues, the WMO created a supplemental names list. This list featured another 21 names from A to W that alternate male and female names. This list will remain the same each year, only swapping out a name if it is retired. 

    Hurricane preparedness kit

    Now is the time to reevaluate your hurricane preparedness kit. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, your kit should include, at a minimum: 

    • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
    • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
    • Flashlight.
    • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
    •  Extra batteries.
    • First aid kit.
    • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
    • Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife. 
    • Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
    • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
    • Cellphone with charger.
    • Family and emergency contact information.
    • Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
    • Extra fuel for generator and car.

    Depending on your family’s requirements, you may need to include medical care items, baby supplies, pet supplies, and other things, such as extra car and house keys.

    Additional supplies might include towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors and work gloves.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger, Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Beryl, Helene and Milton retired from the list of Atlantic storm names

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    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee is retiring Beryl, Helene and Milton from the rotating list of Atlantic names.

    What You Need To Know

    • Beryl, Helene and Milton are being retired from the list of names

    • The WMO retires names if they cause exceptional death or damage

    • Brianna, Holly and Miguel will replace the names in 2030


    Beryl, Helene and Milton all caused significant death and destruction across the Caribbean, Mexico and United States during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.


    There were no Atlantic storm names retired during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Before Beryl, Helene and Milton, the most recent names retired were Ian and Fiona from 2022.

    The WMO names Atlantic storms and the list is recycled every six years. The list alternates between male and female names, and includes English, French and Spanish names to reflect the geographical coverage of Atlantic and Caribbean storms.

    If a storm is particularly deadly or costly, its name is retired and replaced by a new one for sensitivity reasons. The WMO has now retired 99 names from the Atlantic basin list since 1953.

    You can learn more about each storm below.

    Beryl

    Beryl was an early season, record-breaking storm that made three landfalls and strengthened into the earliest Category 5 storm in the Atlantic on record during its lifespan. 

    Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the year. It first became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record. 

    It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record. 

    It made its first of three landfalls on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.

    Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks. Beryl was also the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.

    It brushed past the south of Hispaniola, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands as a major hurricane before making its second landfall just northeast of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It moved inland on the morning of July 5, as a Category 2 hurricane with max winds of 110 mph.

    Its third and final landfall was near Matagorda, Texas, on July 8, as a Category 1 hurricane with max winds of 80 mph.

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Beryl is known to be responsible for at least 68 deaths. 34 were directly attributed to the storm’s winds, rain and tornadoes. 34 were indirectly caused by the storm in the U.S.

    NOAA estimates that Beryl’s damage to property in the U.S. was up to $7.2 billion and millions of dollars in the Caribbean and Mexico.

    Helene

    Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and became the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the fifth hurricane, the second major one (Category 3+) of the season.

    Helene developed from a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea, becoming a tropical storm as it approached the Yucatan Peninsula, and became a hurricane on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

    Helene rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday, Sept. 26 as it approached the southeastern Gulf of Mexico

    Helene reached peak intensity with winds of 140 mph before it made landfall near Perry, Fla., along the Big Bend region, maintaining winds of 140 mph and peak intensity. This was the strongest storm to ever made landfall along the Big Bend coast of Florida. 

    It devastated Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Tampa Bay area with storm surge inundation up to 6 to 9 feet above ground level.

    As Helene moved inland, it quickly weakened to a tropical storm and eventually became a post-tropical cyclone before stalling out and dissipating.

    An upper-level disturbance merged with the weakening Helene as it traversed Georgia and South Carolina, bringing catastrophic rainfall and flooding to areas in the Southeast.

    It brought widespread destruction across the southern Appalachians and inundated the Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina border area with flooding, landslides and strong wind gusts. 

    Rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 inches occurred over a large area within the mountainous region of western North Carolina. 

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Helene was the deadliest hurricane for the contiguous U.S. since Katrina in 2005, with at least 248 fatalities (including at least 175 direct deaths), and produced an estimated $78.7 billion in damage in the United States.

    Milton

    Milton formed into a tropical storm in the Bay of Campeche on Saturday, Oct. 5, and quickly intensified into a hurricane on Sunday, Oct. 6, becoming the ninth hurricane of the season. 

    By the morning of Oct. 7, Milton was a Category 3 hurricane, making it the fourth major hurricane of the season. By the late afternoon of that same day, Milton underwent rapid intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with maximum winds of 180 mph as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico. It solidified itself in the record books before making landfall.

    It fluctuated in strength over the next two days from a high-end Category 4 storm to a low-end Category 5 hurricane. As it approached the western coast of the Florida peninsula, it interacted with a front and weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. 

    Prior to landfall on Oct. 7, the outer rainbands spawned tornadoes in central and southern Florida. A total of 126 tornado warnings were issued in Florida, the second most tornado warnings ever issued in one day, and the most ever in Florida or from a tropical system. 

    Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph on the evening of Oct. 9 near Siesta Key, Florida. It weakened to a Category 2 hurricane shortly after landfall and eventually became a Category 1 storm. It maintained hurricane status as it crossed the Florida peninsula. 

    As Milton moved inland, heavy rain created a flash flood emergency north of the center of circulation, including the cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. The maximum reported rainfall was 20.4″ in St. Petersburg.

    It is the fifth Gulf Coast landfalling hurricane this year, joining Beryl, Debby, Francine and Helene. It ties 2005 and 2020 for the second most Gulf hurricane landfalls on record, trailing only 1886, where six Gulf hurricanes made landfall.

    According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton is currently known to be responsible for 15 direct deaths – 12 in the United States (all in Florida) and 3 in Mexico. Milton caused 27 indirect deaths in the United States, all in Florida.

    NOAA estimates that Milton caused $34.3 billion in damage in the United States, almost exclusively in Florida.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • National Weather Service cuts back weather balloon launches

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that it is eliminating or reducing weather balloon launches across multiple offices around the country. This comes in response to NOAA layoffs and a lack of staffing necessary to continue regular launches.

    What You Need To Know

    • The National Weather Service is cutting back its weather balloon launches

    • Data from weather balloon launches helps improve model forecasts

    • Less data could harm forecast accuracy for severe, winter and tropical weather


    The NWS launches weather balloons twice daily from more than 100 upper air sites across the United States, Caribbean and Pacific Basin. These balloons reach up to 100,000 feet in the atmosphere with a radiosonde attached to each balloon.

    A radiosonde is an instrument that measures atmospheric data, including temperature, dew point, relative humidity, barometric pressure and wind speed and direction. The weather data that a radiosonde collects is just one piece of the puzzle that goes into weather models to help improve forecasts.

    A press release from the NWS confirmed that it is temporarily suspending all weather balloon launches in Omaha, Neb., and Rapid City, S.D. due to a lack of Weather Forecast Office (WFO) staffing, effective immediately.

    Along with eliminating launches from those two locations, the NWS is reducing its weather balloon launches down to one flight per day from multiple other sites, including Aberdeen, S.D., Grand Junction, Colo., Green Bay, Wis., Gaylord, Mich., North Platte, Neb. and Riverton, Wyo.

    These cuts come in addition to NWS announcements earlier this year that it was reducing weather balloon launches in Albany, N.Y. and Gray, Maine because of staff shortages.

    The NWS offices in Boulder, Colo. and Tallahassee, Fla. aren’t launching balloons because of a nationwide helium shortage, and the weather balloon facility on Morris Island in Chatham, Mass. has suspended launches because the facility has been closed due to coastal erosion.

    Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay says, “these weather balloons may not seem important, but they are the basis for all the forecasts seen on apps, TV, everything from all weather sources. The more the better, we don’t need less data.”

    “It might be hard to understand, but a weather balloon launched in Montana can help us forecast where a hurricane in the Caribbean might go,” Mike Clay adds.

    It’s too soon to determine the impacts, but the reduction in launches across the Midwest and Great Plains is particularly concerning this time of year, as spring severe weather season ramps up in the coming months.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Heat alerts are changing

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) is simplifying and renaming its heat alerts ahead of the summer to make understanding of watches and warnings easier.

    Excessive Heat Watches will be renamed to Extreme Heat Watches.

    Excessive Heat Warnings will be renamed to Extreme Heat Warnings.

    No changes will be made to the Heat Advisory.

    NWS believes that the name change from ‘excessive’ to ‘extreme’ will improve communication and messaging that hazardous heat is dangerous. 

    This name change also aligns the terminology with Extreme Cold Watches and Warnings, which were implemented before this winter.

    These changes are already in effect, so you can expect to see them this summer.

    It’s part of the National Weather Service’s Hazard Simplification Project.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • See fog? It’s just sea fog

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    Sea fog is most common in Tampa Bay during the winter and spring

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • The snowiest day in every state

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    Snow can happen anywhere in the U.S., even in the south. But extreme snow that gets measured in feet? Those types of totals aren’t so common. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Alaska and Colorado have the snowiest 24-hour periods on record


    • The March 1993 “Storm of the Century” holds three states’ record snowfall


    • January may not see record snowfall very often, but holds the most record low temperature days


    Snowiest on record

    Alaska is not only home to the lowest temperature ever recorded in the U.S., but also holds the 24-hour snowfall record. On Feb. 9. 1963, a whopping 78 inches of snow fell at Mile 47 Camp in southern Alaska. That probably doesn’t come as a surprise.

    The only other states that have surpassed 60 inches of snowfall in a 24-hour span are Colorado, California and Washington. What do all those records have in common? They all occurred in the mountains at higher elevations of at least 7,000 feet. 

    Elsewhere, the Northeast and the Western U.S. are the only regions that have experienced 40 inches or more of snowfall in 24 hours.

    Florida and Hawaii round out the bottom of the list as the only two states that have never seen a foot of snow. Florida just recently broke its snowfall record, more than doubling the previous record with 9.8 inches in Milton.

    Hawaii’s 24-hour snowfall record is 6.5 inches in 1936, more than 23 years before it even became a U.S. state. 

    Extreme snow does not directly correlate with extreme cold

    When you look at every state’s record low temperature, half of them are in January. You might think that January would also hold the most 24-hour snowfall records, but that isn’t the case.

    Only six 24-hour snowfall records have happened in January, coming in behind February, December and March. 

    So, why do more big snows happen when it’s not as cold outside? There are a few reasons, but the main one is moisture.

    While January may be the coldest month with more frequent snowfall since temperatures are more likely to be below freezing, colder air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air.

    Later in winter and early in spring, temperatures are warmer than in the middle of winter. With warmer temperatures there are fewer snow storms, but when it happens temperatures are likely to be close to freezing, meaning the air can hold more moisture than bitter cold air, producing more snow under the right conditions.

    We can take older records with a grain of salt… or a flake of snow

    This part is where it gets a little tricky. While a lot of things in the weather world have remained constant for decades, snowfall measurement is not one of them.

    Not only have snowfall measuring techniques changed over the years, but we have to rely on people to measure snowfall, not automated devices, which can lead to inconsistencies.

    Nowadays, we measure snowfall on snow boards, and we take measurements every six hours. That practice became the standard in the 1950s, but later at some observation sites.

    Before that, early observers only took measurements every 12 or 24 hours, sometimes on the ground without a snow board. Another method was measuring the liquid after the snow melted, then applying a 10:1 snowfall ratio, which is no longer done anywhere. 

    Here is how you can measure snow at home. 

    Even though some of the older reports may have used different methods, NOAA’s State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) has reviewed and accepted all the records.

    What are some of the notable records? Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee’s 24-hour snowfall records were all set during the 1993 “Storm of the Century.”

    That powerful cyclone not only led to those snowfall records, but produced extreme cold, high winds, deadly tornadoes and devastating storm surge that brought impacts from Canada to Honduras.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Prescribed burns: Fighting fire with fire

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    Have you ever heard the expression “fighting fire with fire?” In its most literal sense, it can describe the practice of igniting prescribed fires to prevent future wildfires.

    We rarely think of fire as a good thing, but in this case, it is.

    What You Need To Know

    • Prescribed fires help maintain healthy forests and prevent future wildfires

    • The U.S. Forest Service ignites about 4,500 prescribed fires each year

    • Firefighters use natural barriers, control lines and pretreatments to control the flames


    A prescribed fire is a planned, low-intensity fire conducted by a team of trained professionals under specified weather conditions to restore health to ecosystems that depend on fire.

    Not only do prescribed fires reduce hazardous fuels that destructive wildfires feed on, but they could slow large wildfires and diminish their severity in the future.

    The goal? To restore and maintain healthy forests across the U.S.

    The U.S. Forest Service established a 10-year Wildlife Crisis Strategy to increase forest health treatments across the country. The Forest Service conducts these burns nationwide. While most of the focus is on treatment in the Western U.S., the plan includes forests in the South, Midwest and Northeast.   

    According to U.S. Forest Service Spokesperson Shayne Martin, “a healthy forecast is capable of self-renewal following drought, wildfire, beetle outbreaks, and other forest stresses and disturbances—much as a healthy person stands a good chance of recovering from a disease or injury.”

    The process

    The U.S. Forest Service conducts prescribed fires during the fall, winter and early spring. The weather has to be suitable for a prescribed fire, to ensure the safety of the crew and surroundings.

    Since dangerous fire weather is low humidity and gusty winds, the ideal conditions for a prescribed burn include high humidity and calm winds to lessen the threat for a prescribed fire going out of control. 


    During the prescribed fire, firefighters will use natural barriers, control lines and pretreatments to control the flames. The U.S. Forest Service says they routinely coordinate prescribed burning with the state or local air quality regulatory agency or state forestry agency to ensure that the smoke remains manageable.

    Along with the protection that prescribed fires provide for the land and people who live around it, it can also provide benefits for animals.

    Prescribed fires can provide forage for game and remove unwanted species that threaten the native species. It can also improve the habitat for threatened and endangered species.

    When things go wrong

    The benefits of prescribed fires far outweigh the negatives.

    On average, the U.S. Forest Service says that about 4,500 prescribed fires are lit every year, treating about 1.3 million acres across the National Forest System.

    Shayne Martin said, “almost all prescribed fires—99.84%—go according to plan. However, we cannot underestimate how destructive prescribed fire escapes can be.”

    Last spring, an escaped prescribed fire in New Mexico ended up becoming the largest and most destructive wildfire in state history.

    Satellite imagery of smoke plumes from the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire (right) and the Cerro Pelado Fire moving east during a wind event on April 29, 2022. (NOAA/GOES 16)

    The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire burned more than 341,000 acres in New Mexico after two separate wildfires merged.

    The Hermits Peak fire began when the U.S. Forest Service lost control of a prescribed burn on April 6, 2022. Later in April, it merged with a holdover fire from prescribed pile burn in January in Calf Canyon.

    The two fires burned into each other during a time of dangerous fire weather with strong winds a low humidity, allowing them to combine into one. 

    This case was an extreme outlier, and the U.S. Forest Service strives to continue to use prescribed fires as a key management tool that is necessary to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve the resiliency of forests.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Heating vs. cooling: Which one is costing you more?

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    Now that it’s winter, it’s time to prepare yourself to fork out some extra money each month on your energy bill. When it gets cold outside, turning on the heat is necessary, but it can become costly.

    It depends where you live, but most people see a spike in their energy bill during winter and summer when it’s time to heat and cool your home. But which is more expensive?

    What You Need To Know

    • Heating uses more energy than cooling


    • There is a bigger temperature difference between inside and outside during winter


    • There are various ways to help conserve energy and save money on your utility bill


    According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, making up almost 1/3 of your winter utility bill. Heating homes in the U.S. also uses more than four times as much energy as cooling.

    There are a few reasons for this. One of them? The temperature difference between the inside and the outside of your home during winter and summer. The bigger the temperature difference, the harder your HVAC system has to work.

    In the summer, that temperature difference in a warm-weather city between the inside and outside can be as high as 15 to 25 degrees on average, even higher in extreme cases. In the winter, the temperature difference in a cold-weather city between the inside and outside is much more significant than that.

    Take Louisville, Ky., for example, a city that sees cold winters and warm summers. You can see the average temperature difference between the inside and outside during winter and summer is a significant difference.

    Another reason is the process of heating versus cooling. Air conditioners remove heat from your home using electricity. It’s not creating cooler air, just displacing the excess heat from inside to outside.

    Electric heating systems have to create heat for your home, which takes more work to convert electrical energy to heat. Depending on your home, heating systems can also run on natural gas, fuel oil or propane. Those fuel options can become more expensive than the price of electricity.

    Everyone has a preference on what to set the thermostat at. It’s usually a balance between comfort inside your home versus conserving energy and saving money. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that the ideal thermostat setting in the winter is around the upper 60s, and the mid-to-upper 70s during the summer.

    One of the best ways to conserve energy and save money is to minimize the temperature difference between the inside and outside. In the winter, it may mean putting on some additional layers inside or lighting the fireplace. In the summer, it could mean turning on some fans to stay cool. 

    Here are some other tips on how to conserve energy and save some money on your utility bill during the winter and summer.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Your trees in the winter: Dead or dormant?

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    There is a different type of beauty during the winter. After months of seeing the luscious summer greenery and vibrant fall foliage, the colors fade and snow blankets the landscape in white.

    But what happens to trees after shedding their leaves and becoming covered in snow or ice for the winter? Are they dead or dormant?

    What You Need To Know

    • Not all trees are equally resistant to cold


    • Shedding leaves for the winter is a survival tactic


    • Trees’ dormancy is like an animal hibernating

    Trees have survival instincts just like people and animals. Depending on the type of tree, it will either shed its leaves or have protective measures to survive the winter without losing any of its greenery.

    Deciduous trees

    In the fall, deciduous trees shed their leaves as a protective measure to prepare for the upcoming winter cold. Deciduous trees include oaks, maples, birches and willows, and any other tree you see losing leaves during autumn.

    Losing leaves allows the tree to spend less energy in the winter. Instead of spending energy protecting its leaves during a cold and dry winter, it can protect itself, conserving moisture in the tree’s trunk, which keeps it from drying out.

    A person stands by a frozen pond during snow fall on in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

    Winter also produces powerful storms with strong winds. Without leaves, wind can blow through trees and branches easier without drag, meaning less stress on the tree.

    Even though trees can look dead in the winter, they’re probably just dormant. The dormancy period begins in the fall when leaves changes colors and fall off the trees and lasts through all of winter. 

    In the spring, trees come out of dormancy, reverse the internal processes, and begin growing leaves again.

    Evergreen trees

    Evergreen trees don’t shed their leaves or needles every winter like deciduous trees, hence the name ‘evergreen’. Instead, the leaves and needles have a waxy coating called cutin that helps protect the tree during the winter.

    Evergreen trees include fir, spruce and pine trees, which also make up the most popular Christmas tree types.

    Christmas trees laden with freshly fallen snow are displayed for sale at Boston Hill Farm, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, in North Andover, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

    Christmas trees laden with freshly fallen snow are displayed for sale at Boston Hill Farm, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, in North Andover, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

    The ground freezes in the winter in colder climates and trees can’t draw water through their roots anymore. The cutin helps prevent water loss during winter, which allows the tree to survive cold temperatures more easily.

    So, instead of the leaves acting as a liability and strain on the tree, evergreen leaves are their biggest assets. Evergreen trees don’t go completely dormant because of their natural protection.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Cold weather alerts are changing

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    The National Weather Service is simplifying cold weather messaging and alerts this winter to make watches and warnings easier to understand.

    What You Need To Know

    • NWS is consolidating cold weather alerts

    • Cold is cold and can be dangerous with or without wind

    • The changes are already in effect


    Hard Freeze and Wind Chill alerts will no longer be used and instead merged into existing alerts.

    Hard Freeze Watches and Warnings will now be combined with Freeze Watches and Warnings.

    Wind Chill Advisories, Watches and Warnings will be combined with Extreme Cold Advisories, Watches and Warnings.

    According to the National Weather Service, “cold is cold.” It can be dangerous with or without wind.

    It doesn’t matter whether it’s the wind chill or temperature that makes the cold particularly dangerous, so they don’t want to overshadow that messaging. This change will simplify and improve communication.

    Combining these products will also make maps easier to understand with fewer types of alerts in effect at the same time. These changes have already taken effect.

    It’s part of the National Weather Service’s hazard simplification initiative.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Afraid of the weather? These are the most common weather phobias

    Afraid of the weather? These are the most common weather phobias

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    A lot of us hate different types of weather. Someone from the south may hate the cold, while someone from up north might hate the heat and humidity. Those feelings are valid, but there is a difference between disliking the weather and having a genuine fear of it.

    What You Need To Know

    • A phobia is an anxiety disorder defined by an excessive fear of an object or situation

    • The best way to treat a phobia is by exposure therapy, counseling or medication

    • There are countless weather phobias, many of which stem from a prior trauma


    Weather phobias may not be common, but they’re real. People who experience these phobias can have debilitating anxiety and stress depending on what Mother Nature is throwing their way. And like other phobias, symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and more.

    Ombrophobia (Fear of rain)

    Most can probably agree that rain can be a nuisance if you’ve got outdoor plans or you’re trying to go out and run some errands and want to stay dry. For an ombrophobe, rain can cause significant stress or anxiety.

    (Getty Images)

    Whether that fear stems from germs in the rain, acid rain, flooding or even more significant dangers, even a light drizzle can trigger symptoms. Ombrophobes may totally avoid going outside if there is even the slightest chance of rain, whether it be a drizzle or a downpour.

    Astraphobia (Fear of thunder and lightning)

    The fear of thunder and lightning is more likely for children and pets, although adults can be astraphobes, as well. It’s one of the most common phobias, including non-weather related ones.

    Lightning strike

    (Susan Coppock Photography)

    People with sensory processing disorders or weather-related trauma are likely to have a fear of storms. Storms can happen year round, but are most common during the summer.

    The best way to deal with the fear of thunder and lightning is being in a safe place during a thunderstorm and finding distractions when the weather gets bad.

    Lilapsophobia (Fear of tornadoes or hurricanes)

    Adjacent to astraphobia, the fear of severe weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes, is known as lilapsophobia. It’s another phobia that can be brought on by previous traumatic experiences related to a hurricane or tornado, and is more common for children.

    Tornado

    (NOAA/Amanda Hill)

    Lilapsophobes can spend a lot of time tracking the forecast if a hurricane is coming or storms have some severe tornado potential, and assume the worst of any normal rain shower or thunderstorm.

    In popular culture, the main character in the 1996 film “Twister,” Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt), suffers from lilapsophobia after witnessing her father die from a tornado as a child. To fight her phobia, she follows her father’s footsteps and becomes a storm chaser (spoiler alert).

    Chionophobia (Fear of snow)

    The fear of snow isn’t exclusive to southern drivers, but for chionophobes as well. These are people who could have had a traumatic experience with snow, whether it be a snowboarding or skiing accident, or maybe a traffic accident driving in wintry weather.

    (FreeImages)

    Someone who fears the snow and lives up north or in the mountains would likely try to stay indoors throughout the winter when it’s cold out or if there is a chance of snow, and keep the curtains closed during a snow shower.

    A common fear of someone who suffers from chionophobia is getting buried in the snow or getting trapped in an avalanche. 

    Ancraophobia (Fear of wind)

    Ancraphobia is the fear of wind, whether it is a light breeze or a gust front. This is a phobia that would keep somebody inside on days there is any type of wind outside.

    (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

    Even something as simple as a wave crashing on a beach could remind someone of wind, making it a place to avoid. Traveling in mountains or higher elevations where winds are typically stronger is also a something an ancraophobe would steer clear of.

    Nephophobia (Fear of clouds)

    Have you ever laid outside in the grass, staring at the sky, trying to guess what the clouds look like? If so, you’re not a nephophobe. That is someone who has a fear of clouds.

    Clouds

    (Spectrum News/Justin Gehrts)

    Clouds can take on many forms, whether it’s a thin and wispy cirrus cloud on a pleasant day, or a bubbling cumulus cloud with the top shooting up as high as you can see before a thunderstorm.

    Nephophobia can cause someone to flee from the outside when they see clouds form in the sky, fearing something much worse is on the way. Being afraid of fair-weather clouds is much less common than storm clouds, which could be a harbinger of severe weather or a tornado. 

    Heliophobia (Fear of sunlight)

    If you’ve ever seen someone covered from head to toe in clothes on a sunny summer day, or carrying an umbrella around for shade, it’s likely for protection from the sun.

    Sun

    (FreeImages)

    A heliophobe likely wouldn’t take the risk of any sun exposure, even with those protections. Not only sunlight, but a heliophobe is probably afraid of bright, indoor light as well.

    Heliophobia can stem from the fear of getting skin cancer or aging quickly, since sunlight can lead to wrinkles.

    Thermophobia (Fear of heat)

    Thermophobia is another phobia not well suited for someone who lives in the desert or the South. It’s the fear of heat. A thermophobe could have an extreme fear of getting a heat illness, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, or could excessively sweat.

    (Getty Images)

    Nobody enjoys getting into their car on a hot day when it feels like the inside of an oven that can make you break a sweat in less than a minute. Not only does a thermophobe avoid hot air temperatures, but hot objects as well.

    The best way to avoid the heat? Living in cooler climates or staying inside in a cooler environment with air conditioning. 

    There are even more weather-related phobias out there, including the fear of air, humidity, fog and more. You can see the complete list here.

    If you’re a weather lover, then you probably have your own “phile.” Whether you love the snow or a thunderstorm, you can find that list here.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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  • EF1 tornado confirmed in Cocoa Beach; more damage surveys being completed

    EF1 tornado confirmed in Cocoa Beach; more damage surveys being completed

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    The National Weather Service is surveying possible tornado damage across Central Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

    An EF1 tornado has been confirmed in Cocoa Beach, and more surveys are underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • NWS is surveying possible tornado damage across Central Florida

    • An EF1 tornado was confirmed in Cocoa Beach

    • Additional surveys are being completed Friday and this weekend

    • 126 Tornado Warnings were issued across Florida as Milton moved onshore


    Based on the preliminary survey results, the EF1 tornado in Cocoa Beach had maximum winds around 85 to 95 mph. It began as a waterspout and moved inland near the Royale Towers.

    It moved west-northwest, crossing A1A and moving along S. Banana River Blvd. The tornado moved back into the Banana River near St. Croix Ave. and lifted back into a waterspout.

    It damaged multiple homes in Cocoa Beach, as seen by the viewer video below.


    There is no evidence that the tornado continued into Merritt Island.

    On Friday, NWS Melbourne survey teams have been assessing damage in St. Lucie County, specifically Fort Pierce, where some of the greatest damage occurred.

    This weekend, there will be additional surveys conducted in Okeechobee, Martin and Indian River counties.

    Hurricane Milton produced many tornadoes as it moved onshore into Florida, with 126 Tornado Warnings being issued in Florida, the most ever by a tropical system and second most in a single day.


    Here is a list of some of the other records from Milton.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • WATCH: Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Milton

    WATCH: Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Milton

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    Milton will make landfall in Florida late Wednesday into early Thursday.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

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    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

    When you step outside, do you ever wonder why it feels like summer in June, even though the calendar says it’s spring? Or why the chill of winter lingers into March, even as the days grow longer? 

    What You Need To Know

    • The seasons can be broken down by astronomical or climatological classifications

    • Astronomical seasons highlight the Earth’s position around the sun

    • Climatological seasons are aligned with our day-to-day weather and climate patterns


    The answer lies in the intriguing world of seasons, where two different systems—climatological and astronomical—help us make sense of the ever-changing weather. Let’s explore these two approaches to defining seasons and why they differ.

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

    Astronomical seasons are the ones most of us are familiar with, and they’re based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. These seasons follow the solstices and equinoxes, which are key moments in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

    Spring equinox (around March 20-21): This marks the start of spring in the astronomical calendar. On this day, the Earth’s tilt is such that the day and night are nearly equal.

    Summer solstice (around June 20-21): The longest day of the year marks the official beginning of summer. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in more daylight.

    Autumn equinox (around Sept. 22-23): As we head into autumn, day and night are again roughly equal in duration.

    Winter solstice (around Dec. 21-22): The shortest day of the year, this signals the start of winter. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days.

    Astronomical seasons are consistent and do not vary from year to year, making them a reliable way to track the progression of time. However, they don’t always match up with our everyday experiences of weather, which is where climatological seasons come into play.

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

    Climatological seasons are more closely aligned with our day-to-day experiences of weather. Instead of being based on celestial events, these seasons are defined by the typical weather patterns observed over a specific period in a particular region.

    Spring: In the climatological calendar, spring encompasses March, April and May. This makes it easier to relate to the blossoming flowers and warming temperatures we associate with springtime.

    Summer: June, July and August are the climatological summer months. This period captures the hottest days and summer vacations we plan.

    Autumn/Fall: September, October and November represent autumn in this system. The falling leaves and cooler temperatures align more closely with our autumnal experiences.

    Winter: December, January and February round out the climatological year with winter. It covers the coldest days and holiday season festivities.

    Why the difference?

    So, why do these two systems exist, and why don’t they sync up? The key reason is that astronomical seasons are universal, applying to the entire planet, while climatological seasons cater to regional variations in weather.

    Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses all play a part in shaping local climates. For example, Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia experience their hottest temperatures in December and January, which is their climatological summer, even though it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    So what “season” better lines up with my weather pattern?

    This is an interesting question. And one that a little data can answer.

    Brian Brettschneider, a climatologist in Alaska, put together some interesting graphs to highlight what season most represents what weather you feel. Most of the U.S. fits in with climatological summer, meaning you find your hottest temperatures between June 1 to Aug. 31.

    Only a small portion of Florida and much of the west coast find their summer pattern more closely aligned with the actual astronomical summer season.

    Just about everyone in North America finds winter to more closely align with climatological winter than astronomical. Meaning you’re more likely to find your coldest portion of the year between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

    In simpler terms, astronomical seasons are like the Earth’s big-picture calendar that’s the same for everyone, while climatological seasons are like your hometown’s special weather diary, tailored to what you feel and see around you.

    So, when someone tells you it’s still winter, even though the calendar claims it’s spring, it’s all about how our planet is tilting and what’s happening right outside your window.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

    When you step outside, do you ever wonder why it feels like summer in June, even though the calendar says it’s spring? Or why the chill of winter lingers into March, even as the days grow longer? 

    What You Need To Know

    • The seasons can be broken down by astronomical or climatological classifications

    • Astronomical seasons highlight the Earth’s position around the sun

    • Climatological seasons are aligned with our day-to-day weather and climate patterns


    The answer lies in the intriguing world of seasons, where two different systems—climatological and astronomical—help us make sense of the ever-changing weather. Let’s explore these two approaches to defining seasons and why they differ.

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

    Astronomical seasons are the ones most of us are familiar with, and they’re based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. These seasons follow the solstices and equinoxes, which are key moments in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

    Spring equinox (around March 20-21): This marks the start of spring in the astronomical calendar. On this day, the Earth’s tilt is such that the day and night are nearly equal.

    Summer solstice (around June 20-21): The longest day of the year marks the official beginning of summer. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in more daylight.

    Autumn equinox (around Sept. 22-23): As we head into autumn, day and night are again roughly equal in duration.

    Winter solstice (around Dec. 21-22): The shortest day of the year, this signals the start of winter. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days.

    Astronomical seasons are consistent and do not vary from year to year, making them a reliable way to track the progression of time. However, they don’t always match up with our everyday experiences of weather, which is where climatological seasons come into play.

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

    Climatological seasons are more closely aligned with our day-to-day experiences of weather. Instead of being based on celestial events, these seasons are defined by the typical weather patterns observed over a specific period in a particular region.

    Spring: In the climatological calendar, spring encompasses March, April and May. This makes it easier to relate to the blossoming flowers and warming temperatures we associate with springtime.

    Summer: June, July and August are the climatological summer months. This period captures the hottest days and summer vacations we plan.

    Autumn/Fall: September, October and November represent autumn in this system. The falling leaves and cooler temperatures align more closely with our autumnal experiences.

    Winter: December, January and February round out the climatological year with winter. It covers the coldest days and holiday season festivities.

    Why the difference?

    So, why do these two systems exist, and why don’t they sync up? The key reason is that astronomical seasons are universal, applying to the entire planet, while climatological seasons cater to regional variations in weather.

    Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses all play a part in shaping local climates. For example, Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia experience their hottest temperatures in December and January, which is their climatological summer, even though it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    So what “season” better lines up with my weather pattern?

    This is an interesting question. And one that a little data can answer.

    Brian Brettschneider, a climatologist in Alaska, put together some interesting graphs to highlight what season most represents what weather you feel. Most of the U.S. fits in with climatological summer, meaning you find your hottest temperatures between June 1 to Aug. 31.

    Only a small portion of Florida and much of the west coast find their summer pattern more closely aligned with the actual astronomical summer season.

    Just about everyone in North America finds winter to more closely align with climatological winter than astronomical. Meaning you’re more likely to find your coldest portion of the year between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

    In simpler terms, astronomical seasons are like the Earth’s big-picture calendar that’s the same for everyone, while climatological seasons are like your hometown’s special weather diary, tailored to what you feel and see around you.

    So, when someone tells you it’s still winter, even though the calendar claims it’s spring, it’s all about how our planet is tilting and what’s happening right outside your window.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    Climatological vs. Astronomical Seasons: What’s the difference?

    [ad_1]

    Today is the first day of astronomical fall.

    When you step outside, do you ever wonder why it feels like summer in June, even though the calendar says it’s spring? Or why the chill of winter lingers into March, even as the days grow longer? 

    What You Need To Know

    • The seasons can be broken down by astronomical or climatological classifications

    • Astronomical seasons highlight the Earth’s position around the sun

    • Climatological seasons are aligned with our day-to-day weather and climate patterns


    The answer lies in the intriguing world of seasons, where two different systems—climatological and astronomical—help us make sense of the ever-changing weather. Let’s explore these two approaches to defining seasons and why they differ.

    Astronomical seasons: Nature’s cosmic calendar

    Astronomical seasons are the ones most of us are familiar with, and they’re based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. These seasons follow the solstices and equinoxes, which are key moments in the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

    Spring equinox (around March 20-21): This marks the start of spring in the astronomical calendar. On this day, the Earth’s tilt is such that the day and night are nearly equal.

    Summer solstice (around June 20-21): The longest day of the year marks the official beginning of summer. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in more daylight.

    Autumn equinox (around Sept. 22-23): As we head into autumn, day and night are again roughly equal in duration.

    Winter solstice (around Dec. 21-22): The shortest day of the year, this signals the start of winter. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days.

    Astronomical seasons are consistent and do not vary from year to year, making them a reliable way to track the progression of time. However, they don’t always match up with our everyday experiences of weather, which is where climatological seasons come into play.

    Climatological seasons: Weather’s perspective

    Climatological seasons are more closely aligned with our day-to-day experiences of weather. Instead of being based on celestial events, these seasons are defined by the typical weather patterns observed over a specific period in a particular region.

    Spring: In the climatological calendar, spring encompasses March, April and May. This makes it easier to relate to the blossoming flowers and warming temperatures we associate with springtime.

    Summer: June, July and August are the climatological summer months. This period captures the hottest days and summer vacations we plan.

    Autumn/Fall: September, October and November represent autumn in this system. The falling leaves and cooler temperatures align more closely with our autumnal experiences.

    Winter: December, January and February round out the climatological year with winter. It covers the coldest days and holiday season festivities.

    Why the difference?

    So, why do these two systems exist, and why don’t they sync up? The key reason is that astronomical seasons are universal, applying to the entire planet, while climatological seasons cater to regional variations in weather.

    Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landmasses all play a part in shaping local climates. For example, Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia experience their hottest temperatures in December and January, which is their climatological summer, even though it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    So what “season” better lines up with my weather pattern?

    This is an interesting question. And one that a little data can answer.

    Brian Brettschneider, a climatologist in Alaska, put together some interesting graphs to highlight what season most represents what weather you feel. Most of the U.S. fits in with climatological summer, meaning you find your hottest temperatures between June 1 to Aug. 31.

    Only a small portion of Florida and much of the west coast find their summer pattern more closely aligned with the actual astronomical summer season.

    Just about everyone in North America finds winter to more closely align with climatological winter than astronomical. Meaning you’re more likely to find your coldest portion of the year between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

    In simpler terms, astronomical seasons are like the Earth’s big-picture calendar that’s the same for everyone, while climatological seasons are like your hometown’s special weather diary, tailored to what you feel and see around you.

    So, when someone tells you it’s still winter, even though the calendar claims it’s spring, it’s all about how our planet is tilting and what’s happening right outside your window.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

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    Every fall, people travel far and wide to go ‘leaf-peeping.’ The goal is to catch the leaves at peak color to see all the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that Mother Nature has to offer. Weather plays a primary role in knowing when and where to go.

    So what should you expect this year?

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

    The first step of successful leaf-peeping is being at the right place at the right time. All other factors aside, this is the average time of the year around the U.S. that you can see peak fall colors according to Explore Fall.

    Aside from the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast and parts of the desert Southwest, most of the continental U.S. sees color change during fall.

    Weather’s role

    The weather determines whether the fall foliage comes out early, on time or late every year, but what role does it play?

    Heat and moisture are the biggest factors that influence fall foliage. The summer weather helps give an idea of when colors will pop, but the weather during September and October are the biggest influencers.

    Here is how soil moisture and air temperature affect fall foliage.

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Courtesy: ExploreFall.com)

    A prolonged late-spring or severe summer drought that leads to dry soils in the fall not only affects the timing, but the quality of the colors. Drought and drier soil puts a higher stress on the trees, dulling down the colors and forcing them to lose their leaves sooner.

    Heavy rainfall and wet soils in the summer and fall can delay the colors’ arrival by a few days, or even weeks. The later arrival time can produce better fall colors.

    Colder and below-normal temperatures bring out fall colors early, while prolonged summer heat and above normal temperatures delay the colors.

    According to the USDA Forest Service, “a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays.” In other words… typical fall weather.

    2024 outlook

    Fall colors are already starting to pop across some parts of the country, most notably in the Rockies and interior New England, where there are extensive areas of moderate and low color.

    For a lot of these spots, it’s right on time. When can the rest of the country expect to see color? Tree stress gives us a good idea if foliage will come out early, on time or late.

    It takes those earlier factors into account – soil moisture and temperatures. Low stress areas are where the foliage is most likely to be on time. 

    High stress areas around Ohio, West Virginia and the Appalachians are also under extreme to exceptional drought. That could cause those areas to lose leaves early and mute some of the vibrant colors.

    Drought, along with the combination of above normal summer temperatures, are also leading to highly stressed trees in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

    Areas with low stress, like parts of New England and the Rockies where fall colors are already coming out, are more likely to see vibrant colors and foliage showing up right on time.

    You can check on Explore Fall for a current fall foliage map and forecast updated daily.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link

  • How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    How weather will influence this year’s fall foliage

    [ad_1]

    Every fall, people travel far and wide to go ‘leaf-peeping.’ The goal is to catch the leaves at peak color to see all the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that Mother Nature has to offer. Weather plays a primary role in knowing when and where to go.

    So what should you expect this year?

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather plays a significant role in fall foliage


    • Heat and soil moisture determine foliage timing and intensity


    • Stressed trees will lose leaves earlier or later than normal


    Right place at the right time

    The first step of successful leaf-peeping is being at the right place at the right time. All other factors aside, this is the average time of the year around the U.S. that you can see peak fall colors according to Explore Fall.

    Aside from the Florida peninsula, the Gulf Coast and parts of the desert Southwest, most of the continental U.S. sees color change during fall.

    Weather’s role

    The weather determines whether the fall foliage comes out early, on time or late every year, but what role does it play?

    Heat and moisture are the biggest factors that influence fall foliage. The summer weather helps give an idea of when colors will pop, but the weather during September and October are the biggest influencers.

    Here is how soil moisture and air temperature affect fall foliage.

    Weather impacts on fall foliage

    (Courtesy: ExploreFall.com)

    A prolonged late-spring or severe summer drought that leads to dry soils in the fall not only affects the timing, but the quality of the colors. Drought and drier soil puts a higher stress on the trees, dulling down the colors and forcing them to lose their leaves sooner.

    Heavy rainfall and wet soils in the summer and fall can delay the colors’ arrival by a few days, or even weeks. The later arrival time can produce better fall colors.

    Colder and below-normal temperatures bring out fall colors early, while prolonged summer heat and above normal temperatures delay the colors.

    According to the USDA Forest Service, “a succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays.” In other words… typical fall weather.

    2024 outlook

    Fall colors are already starting to pop across some parts of the country, most notably in the Rockies and interior New England, where there are extensive areas of moderate and low color.

    For a lot of these spots, it’s right on time. When can the rest of the country expect to see color? Tree stress gives us a good idea if foliage will come out early, on time or late.

    It takes those earlier factors into account – soil moisture and temperatures. Low stress areas are where the foliage is most likely to be on time. 

    High stress areas around Ohio, West Virginia and the Appalachians are also under extreme to exceptional drought. That could cause those areas to lose leaves early and mute some of the vibrant colors.

    Drought, along with the combination of above normal summer temperatures, are also leading to highly stressed trees in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico.

    Areas with low stress, like parts of New England and the Rockies where fall colors are already coming out, are more likely to see vibrant colors and foliage showing up right on time.

    You can check on Explore Fall for a current fall foliage map and forecast updated daily.

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Where to expect tropical activity in June

    Where to expect tropical activity in June

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    The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1.

    With above normal activity expected, it’s important to know where tropical systems could form.

    What You Need To Know

    • June tropical activity is most likely in the Gulf of Mexico

    • Storms that develop typically move northeastward

    • Only four June hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. since 1950

    Even though systems can form before hurricane season, June is still very early in hurricane season. Tropical systems typically struggle to develop, and those that do usually only strengthen into a disorganized system or weak hurricane.

    The most favorable areas for tropical development in June are the Gulf of Mexico, the northern Caribbean Sea and the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, just off the southeastern coast.

    Systems that develop typically take a northeastward track. 

    Since 1950, only four hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. during June, all of them along the Gulf Coast. Bonnie and Agnes made landfall as Category 1 hurricanes, while Audrey and Alma strengthened into major hurricanes. 

    Development zones expand and tropical activity increases as we get further into summer. 

    Read More About Hurricanes

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

    Source link