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Tag: Wisconsin Weather Blog

  • 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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  • The origin of the saying ‘in like a lion, out like a lamb’

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    The saying “March in like a lion, out like a lamb” is popular folklore, but is there any truth to this? And where did this saying come from?

    What You Need To Know

    • The first known reference to the saying is in 1732

    • There are possible links to astronomy

    • March is typically more active at the beginning of the month


    While the origins of this proverb aren’t quite clear, there is a reference to it in a 1732 volume of proverbs by English author Thomas Fuller. After that, it was in farmer’s almanacs.

    Some think it has links to astronomy with the locations of the constellations Leo (lion) and Aries (ram or lamb). At the start of the month, Leo is on the eastern horizon at sunset and at the end of the month, Aries is on the western horizon at sunset.

    Month of March meteorologically

    March itself is a transitional month, going from winter to spring. 

    It’s not uncommon for the beginning of the month to feature big storm systems, including snow and even severe weather. By the end of the month, milder weather spreads over much of the country.

    However, this is not always the case and can vary.

    The saying talks about balance. If the month comes in active, like a lion, it should go out docile, like a lamb. Or, if it comes in docile, it should go out active. Yet, meteorologically speaking, that doesn’t always happen.

    Other popular folklore masquerading as long-range weather forecasting includes the woolly bear caterpillars and their prediction of winter. 

    While most folklore is just that–lore–some hold water for short-term forecasting. 

    For example, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning,” is a useful rule of thumb. 

    Other March folklore

    According to the Farmer’s Almanac, here are some other March-related sayings:

    • “A dry March and a wet May; fill barns and bays with corn and hay.”
    • “As it rains in March, so it rains in June.”
    • “March winds and April showers, bring forth May flowers.”
    • “So many mists in March you see, so many frosts in May will be.”

    Will your early March forecast be lion or lamb like? Click here for your local weather.

    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 Stacy Lynn

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  • Meteorological spring vs astronomical spring: What is the difference?

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    As March rolls around every year, so does meteorological spring. Jump ahead a few weeks and suddenly astronomical spring begins.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteorological seasons are different from astronomical seasons

    • This is done for more consistency and record-keeping

    • Meteorological seasons are counted by full months


    So, what is the difference? Simply put, astronomical spring relates to the position of the earth in relation to the sun, while meteorological spring relates to the warming temperatures from March through May. For meteorologists and climatologists, spring begins March 1. Below, we will define why that is and how it may be more accurate to represent the seasons.  

    Astronomical spring

    People have observed seasonal changes around them (temperatures, color of leaves, animal migrations, etc.) for thousands of years. The natural rotation of the earth around the sun each year forms the basis of the astronomical calendar.  

    Seasons are defined by Earth’s tilt and the sun’s alignment over the equator. During the vernal equinox, the Earth passes directly over the equator. After the equinox, the northern hemisphere will see more daylight than darkness until the summer solstice.  

    Because earth’s travel around the sun takes 365.24 days, an extra day is needed every fourth year, called a Leap Year. This extra day causes the exact day of the equinoxes and solstices to vary. In addition, the elliptical orbit of the earth results in different lengths of astronomical seasons.  

    These changes make it difficult to achieve consistent data collection and compare seasons from one year to the next. Because of this, meteorological seasons came to be.

    Meteorological spring

    Meteorological seasons are split into three-month groups based on the annual temperature cycle and the calendar. Winter includes the coldest months of the year and summer has the warmest months.  

    Both spring and fall are transitional, where temperatures are rising (spring) or falling (fall). Meteorological observing and forecasting led to the creation of these seasons, and they are more tied to the monthly calendar we all use today than the astronomical seasons.  

    The consistency of the three-month seasons allows meteorologists and climatologists to more easily calculate seasonal statistics. This, along with monthly statistics, is very helpful for agriculture and commerce throughout the year.  

    Overall, meteorological seasons provide a simple, more common-sense way to describe temperature changes over the course of the year.

    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 Ian Cassette

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  • History-making meteorologist: The story of Charles E. Anderson

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    Charles E. Anderson paved the way for diversity in atmospheric sciences, starting with being a weather officer for the Tuskegee Airmen. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Charles E. Anderson was the first African American to earn a PhD in meteorology

    • Anderson served as the weather officer at several Army Air Force bases

    • He worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and North Carolina State University for decades

    One of Anderson’s most notable and recognized accomplishments in his lifetime was being the first African American to earn a PhD in meteorology. 

    This was no easy feat, and in doing so, opened a door for a more inclusive and diverse world of meteorology.

    Anderson’s background

    His background to getting his PhD in meteorology is quite interesting. 

    In 1941, Anderson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Lincoln University.

    Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was sent to study meteorology at the University of Chicago. It was there where he earned his master’s degree in meteorology in 1943.

    While serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Anderson was stationed as a weather officer in Tuskegee, Ala. Some of you may know of the Tuskegee Airmen that Anderson was a part of.

    He spent some time after as a squadron weather officer, training other fighter pilots.

    Listen to him share his experiences in the Air Corps:

    In 1960, Anderson received his PhD in meteorology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    After receiving his PhD, Anderson served as the Director of the Office of Federal Coordination in Meteorology in Environmental Science Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    Finally in 1966, Anderson was hired as a Professor of Meteorology at the University of Wisconsin. Although he started in this position, Anderson wore many hats during his time in Madison.

    From becoming the Professor of Afro-American Studies and Chairman of the Meteorology Department to being promoted to Associative Dean in 1978, he spent over two decades teaching young Wisconsinites the importance, science, and mechanics of meteorology. 

    Anderson finished his career at North Carolina State University as a professor in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, retiring in 1990.

    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 Brooke Brighton

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  • A snowy winter for some while others are searching for snow

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    There is no doubt about it, this winter has been cold at times. With that, has come quite a bit of snow for parts of the country that normally don’t see it.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some parts of the country are well above average with snowfall

    • The south has seen much more snow than normal

    • Parts of the Northeast and Midwest are below average


    The Gulf Coast has been the most recent place with accumulating snow. Although not unheard of, it is rare to see this type of event in any year. Places like Houston, New Orleans, Pensacola and southern Georgia all saw snow last week.

    Florida smashed its all-time previous snowfall record of 4 inches for the state. New Orleans also beat its record snowfall since 1895.

    People stop to take pictures at Jackson Square as snow falls in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    Take a look at some of the snow totals compared to the average for select southern cities. Most of these areas do not record a seasonal average snowfall, since snow is so rare. In fact, seeing snow all the way to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico may be considered a once-in-a-lifetime event.

    Many Gulf coastal areas are exceeding their neighbors to the north in terms of seasonal snowfall. In some cases, it is almost double the amount of snow so far this season.

    The snow this season shown on this map shows there is a void in snow for Iowa and Nebraska. Some areas have seen less than 1 inch of snow in these areas. Every single state this season has seen at least some snow. That is pretty incredible!

    Source: NOHRSC

    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 Alan Auglis

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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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  • Here comes the polar vortex, but what exactly is it?

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    January usually brings the coldest air of the season to much of the country, and this year has seen its fair share.  

    What You Need To Know

    • A polar vortex is not always responsible for the cold

    • Satellites can recognize a polar vortex event before the cold arrives

    • Climate change could enhance polar vortex events


    Whenever that mercury dips, the term “polar vortex” gets thrown around and inserted into conversations.

    But what is this phenomenon, and is this the reason for the chill this month?

    Polar vortex explained

    “The polar vortex is a core of extremely cold air that typically remains near the poles,” explains Spectrum News NY 1’s Chief Meteorologist John Davitt. “During the winter, shifts in the jet stream can send this arctic air spilling far to the south, bringing dangerously cold conditions.”

    Although it is not a new term, the media propelled it into the mainstream. “The polar vortex exists all year, but it’s winter when it gets stronger and larger. The lack of daylight during the winter months helps to build the pool of extremely cold air that makes up the polar vortex.” He adds the reason for the name has to do with the word vortex itself. “The word vortex refers to the counter-clockwise flow of the air.” 

    Within this area, frigid surface air typically remains near the pole throughout the winter. However, every few years, these fast westerlies weaken. The protective barrier around the cold air collapses, allowing warmer air to move north into the polar region and cold air to be pushed south into the mid-latitudes–places like the United States.

    This cold air can situate itself in the mid-latitudes for an extended period and that’s what is expected to happen Friday through midweek next week. 

    Polar vortex event of Feb. 2021

    Remember the extreme cold that unfolded in Feb. 2021? That was because of the polar vortex. 

    Several weeks before the cold ushered into the U.S., satellites tracked the warming in the stratosphere, showing the weakening in the vortex. 

    This cold air ushered as far south as Mexico and broke records all over the United States in February. Parts of Texas recorded their lowest readings in over 100 years, and with this cold came an immense strain on the power grid. 

    The polar vortex and climate change

    “The impacts of climate change on the polar vortex are complicated,” says Davitt. Climate change usually indicates a warming world; however, a warming world could enhance the polar vortex, thus pushing colder air south. But, experts expect a gradual easing in the intensity of the cold.

     Here’s the thinking… “The arctic air that makes up the polar vortex typically remains locked in place near the poles by fast-moving jet stream winds. When the jet stream winds weaken, this is when the polar vortex and its bitter cold surge south.”

    He adds that it is climate change that causes the jet stream to weaken. “The strength of the jet stream winds is related to the difference in temperatures between the air at the equator and the air at the poles. The larger the temperature difference, the faster the winds.”

    In a warming world, the temperature difference between the poles and the equator becomes less, giving way to weaker jet streams. “Weaker jet streams mean that the polar vortex is more likely to slide south at times, bringing arctic air and dangerous conditions.” With a warming Arctic region, more extreme and unusual weather patterns are in the realm of possibility. 

    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 Stacy Lynn

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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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  • The ways wildfire smoke affects your health

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    Wildfires do a great deal of damage not only to the environment but also to our health.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs

    • It can even get into your circulatory system

    • The smoke can also affect our pets

    • There are a few things you can do to protect your health

    What’s in wildfire smoke?

    Wildfire smoke isn’t just a mix of gases. It also contains burnt material from plants, building material, and anything else the fire burns.

    (Pixabay)

    Some particles are so small, they can penetrate deep into the lungs, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency states they can even get into our circulatory system.

    Wildfire smoke affects the entire body

    Smoke from wildfires can affect your health in many ways.

    The CDC says it can cause:

    • Coughing
    • Trouble breathing
    • Asthma attacks

    And wildfires don’t just affect the lungs. It can also cause:

    • Headaches
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Stinging eyes
    • Chest pains
    • Tiredness

    The people most prone to these effects are older adults, children, pregnant women and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

    (Pexels/Vlada Karpovich)

    However, everyone should be cautious, especially when Air Quality Alerts go into effect for your area.

    Pet risks

    Smoke affects not only people. It can also harm your pets.

    According to Dr. Colleen Lambo, a veterinarian with The Vets, your furry friend can also experience the same respiratory issues.

    Smoke can lead to coughing, difficulty breathing and even wheezing, so take care of your pets just as you would yourself. 

    What you can do to protect your health

    There are a few things you can do to help protect yourself. 

    Pay attention to your local weather and alerts that go into effect.

    Stay indoors as much as possible if the smoke is thick in your area and use an air filter to make sure the air in your home stays clean. 

    Wearing a mask will protect your lungs if you have to go outside, filtering out harmful wildfire smoke particles.

    Don’t use a vacuum as it can stir up dust in your house, and avoid burning anything that could pollute the air more, such as candles.

    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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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • January’s full moon has a unique name

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    Every month of the year has a full moon, and some even have more than one full moon, since the lunar cycle is 28 days.

    Various groups, including Native American tribes and early Colonial Americans, have nicknamed these celestial events.

    January’s name might surprise you.

    What You Need To Know

    • The first full moon of the year is Monday, Jan. 13

    • Each full moon has a unique name

    • Names have been passed on for generations


    The first full moon of the new year will happen Monday at 5:27 p.m. ET. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the first full moon of the year is the Full Wolf Moon.

    The name comes from various sources, including Native American tribes, early Colonial Americans and even some Europeans. 

    The thought is that during January, wolves howl loudly due to the lack of food in the heart of winter. 

    Alternative names

    Alternative full moon names include the Center Moon, used by the Assiniboine people of the Northern Great Plains. This name refers to the idea that this moon marked the middle of the cold season.

    Other traditional full moon names that emphasize the cold season include the Cold Moon, Frost Exploding Moon, Freeze Up Moon, Severe Moon and Hard Moon. 

    Canada Goose Moon, Great Moon, Greetings Moon and Spirit Moon have also been names for the January full moon.

    Moon phases

    There are eight different phases of the moon. What phase follows a full moon?

    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 Stacy Lynn

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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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  • How some of Santa’s little reindeer relate to the weather

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    We all know that Santa travels the world on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by eight… no, nine, reindeer! But are you aware of the weather tie-ins with Santa and his reindeer?

    What You Need To Know

    • Two reindeer are named after weather phenomena

    • Rudolph saved the day one Christmas Eve when fog covered most of the Earth

    • Santa uses forecasts from local meteorologists to plan his Christmas Eve flight

    (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

    We’ve all heard the tale of Rudolph, and we’ll cover that part of the story in a moment, but first, let’s start with two of Santa’s original reindeer.

    The original eight

    You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen, but did you know that two of the reindeer are named after weather phenomena?

    But which ones?

    If you guessed Donner and Blitzen, you are correct!

    Donner, also sometimes called Donder or Dunder, is named after thunder. The name comes from the Dutch word for thunder.

    Blitzen, also spelled Blixen and Blixem, is named after lightning. The name also comes from a Dutch word meaning lightning.

    Santa’s reindeer were never officially named until the 1823 release of the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore.

    (AP Photo/Malin Moberg)

    Here’s an interesting reindeer fact.

    In the story “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, the author listed ten reindeer. Flossie and Glossie are Santa’s lead reindeer, while Racer and Pacer, Fearless and Peerless, Ready and Steady, and Feckless and Speckless are the rest of the team. 

    None of these names are weather-related terms.

    No offense to L. Frank Baum, but I’m glad we stuck with Clement C. Moore’s names for Santa’s reindeer.

    Rudolph leads the way

    I think we all know the story of Rudolph.

    This iconic reindeer showed up in 1939. Looked upon as a misfit (aren’t we all in some way), the other reindeer rejected Rudolph and made fun of him because of his red, glowing nose. Though that “little” abnormality came in handy “one foggy Christmas Eve.”

    In an unprecedented weather event, one never seen before or seen since, an “outbreak” of fog blanketed most of the planet, and it became impossible for Santa to make his flight on Christmas Eve around the world. 

    All was lost until Santa realized that Rudolph and his incredible nose could lead the way.

    This was Rudolph’s time to shine. (Pun intended.)

    (File Photo)

    And the rest is history. From that time on, Rudolph has been Santa’s lead reindeer.

    Santa’s Christmas Eve forecast

    Something you may not know is Santa Claus has a weather forecasting team at the North Pole.

    Some elves specialize in forecasting the weather around the world. These meteorologists give Santa an overview of the weather around the globe on Christmas Eve, but Santa depends on local National Weather Service and TV meteorologists to provide him forecasts for cities along his flight path.

    My daughter found out about this during a visit with Santa when she was about six years old.

    I had taken her and her younger brother to see Santa a few days before Christmas. As we were next in line, Santa saw us, stood up, walked over to me and asked, “Gary, what kind of weather am I looking at on Christmas Eve?”

    I gave him a quick forecast, he thanked me, walked back over to his chair and sat down as the next child climbed on his lap.

    The expression on my daughter’s face was priceless.

    “Santa knows you?” she asked as she looked up at me with a look of shock, confusion and pride. “Well, of course he does. Who do you think he gets his forecast from for this area? I’m a pilot, and he’s a pilot. I’m the perfect person to give him a ‘flight weather briefing.’”

    Talk about a priceless memory that I will always remember.

    (Gary Stephenson)

    In the Christmas Eve sky

    So on Christmas Eve night, if your skies are clear, look to the sky. You might see a red light moving across the sky. More than likely, it’s the beacon on an airplane, but it might, just might, be the glow of Rudolph’s red nose.

    And if the weather is not so clear, rest well knowing that Santa’s got a well-trained team of reindeer pulling the sleigh and an accurate forecast so he can safely complete his Christmas Eve journey around the Earth.

    I’ll finish my story with these final words.

    My wish for all of you is to have a safe and Merry Christmas. And to Santa and the reindeer, have a good flight!

    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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    Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

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  • Christmas trees need good weather to ‘stand in splendid beauty’

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    O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches… as long as the weather stays off the naughty list.

    What You Need To Know

    • Christmas trees do well in moderate weather

    • Trees are more susceptible to drought early on

    • Harmful fungi grow in very wet conditions

    • Tree farmers may have to adjust their practices as climate changes

    Farmers grow Christmas trees in all 50 states. Unlike most crops, they’re not planted and harvested all in one season. It takes years for a tree to become ready, which can help fend off the problems of damaging weather.

    Growing trees

    Christmas trees are often spruces, pines or firs. Not surprisingly, farmers grow them in places where the climate allows them to have their best chance at becoming mature.

    The details vary from place to place, but trees generally do best with moderate temperatures, plentiful (but not excessive) rainfall and no extreme cold or heat.

    Damaging weather

    Like most crops, Christmas trees don’t like drought. Farmers who grow seedlings typically have to do quite a bit of irrigation, according to Doug Hundley from the National Christmas Tree Association.

    Irrigation isn’t as necessary once they’re about 12 inches tall and transplanted into fields, he adds, although they’re still vulnerable for the first year or two and will need some help during dry spells.

    In this photo taken Nov. 8, 2011, David Barfield checks one of his saplings at his Christmas tree farm in New Caney, Texas. Only a handful of the 500 saplings planted survived the drought. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

    Because these trees are a crop that can take ten years or longer to become ready for harvest, losses from drought usually don’t take as much of a toll as they would for single-season crops like corn or soybeans. Instead of losing 20% of an entire crop, farmers could confine their losses to just 20% of the younger trees, while the established trees survive.

    Excessive rainfall can harm any tree, though. “We always think that drought is the great enemy. But in all agriculture, rain and flooding and oversaturation of the soil does just as much damage as droughts do,” says Hundley.

    Wet conditions are good for fungi–which are bad for trees. They can kill the roots of a tree or cause needle cast, which is a disease that makes the older inner needles turn brown and fall off.

    Needle cast on a spruce tree. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

    These trees can face damage from out-of-season frosts and freezes. Those can damage or kill new growth, sometimes putting those trees back a year, even when farmers can prune the problem spots.

    Extreme heat can ruin new growth, too. Hundley says the Pacific Northwest lost 5% to 10% of marketable trees after its heat wave in June 2021.

    Climate change

    Farming practices are adapting as conditions change over the years. To deal with the increase in precipitation in the eastern U.S., Hundley says some farmers are planting trees farther apart or pruning them differently to allow better airflow.

    He also gives a specific example. “We grow a fir that’s native to only about a dozen mountain tops in the southern Appalachians. They grow naturally at about 6,000 feet. We can grow them on production farms, but only down to about 3,000 feet elevation. If you go lower than that, it becomes too warm, and the soil does not drain as well in flat land and they’re very susceptible to root rot.

    “So, as the planet warms, we’re going to have to move up the hill, possibly, or we’re going to have to use alternative conifers that are used to warmer climates.”

    Be green

    Hundley says that farmers replace the trees as they come out and make an effort to disturb the soil as little as possible. Integrated pest management also lets them avoid using pesticides.

    He also encourages people who buy real Christmas trees to recycle them if their community offers such a service. Often, the trees are chipped into mulch.

    This Jan. 14, 2013 photo shows free mulch strewn in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, N.Y., available for residents to take home and use in urban backyards. The mulch comes from Christmas trees that are collected and recycled in a program run by the New York City Department of Sanitation and the New York City Parks Department. The city collects about 150,000 trees each year and uses the mulch in parks, playing fields and community gardens in addition to making some of it available for personal use. (AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz)

    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 Justin Gehrts

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  • Final full moon of the year to be December’s ‘Cold Moon’

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    The final full moon of the year will appear in the night sky this week. The December full moon, commonly known as the “Cold Moon”, appears during the longest periods of darkness just before the Winter Solstice. It is also known as the “Moon Before Yule” and the “Long Night Moon”. 

    The Moon will appear fullest at 4:02 a.m. ET on Dec. 15, but it will be visible on both the night of the 14th and 15th.

    What You Need To Know

    • The final full moon of the year rises Saturday night

    • Will appear with the Geminid Meteor Shower

    • Next full moon will be the Wolf Moon on Jan. 13, 2025


    The “Cold Moon” will notably be the highest full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun will be at its lowest point of the sky, which means that the moon will be the opposite. That means that you will be able to see the bright “Cold Moon” for a longer period of time in the night sky.

    Other events in the night sky

    The Geminids, one of the more reliable meteor showers of the year, will be peaking around December 12th and 13th this year. While the shower is best viewed during the night and pre-dawn hours, activity typically begins around 9 or 10 p.m., according to NASA. It is important to note that the timing of the “Cold Moon” will make visibility of the meteor shower lower due to the brightness of the full moon.

    Moon phases

    There are eight different phases of the moon. What phase follows a full moon?

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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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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  • Hurricane Season 2024: a look at how well the models performed

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    The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season was expected to be one for the record books. Early forecasts had a record number of storms developing in the Atlantic basin because of favorable environmental conditions.

    What You Need To Know

    • The GFS model did well with several tropical systems this season from formation to dissipation

    • Hurricane Hunters happen to be at the right place to survey Hurricane Oscar

    • Models don’t do well with precursor small-scale tropical systems


    But no one could have predicted how the actual season would pan out, with five storms making landfall in the United States, three of them in Florida, with these storms causing fatalities and massive destruction.

    The forecast in May predicted “the highest number of named storms NOAA had ever issued” in its pre-season outlook.” Thanks to a waning El Niño transitioning to a La Niña during peak season, environmental conditions were expected to become conducive for development, and that it did.

    First half of the season

    The season officially began on June 19 with Tropical Storm Alberto. It was followed by Beryl, Chris, Debby and Ernesto.

    Beryl and Debby became the most notable storms during the first half of the season, as both made landfall in the U.S. Beryl made the history books, reaching Category 5 status earlier in the season than any other storm.

    Late summer lull

    After Ernesto dissipated on Aug. 20, there seemed to be a quiet period. With hurricane activity in the Atlantic subsiding near the peak of hurricane season, the validity of seasonal forecasts was in doubt. 

    It’s important to note that it’s not that there wasn’t any activity. Hurricane Francine developed in the Caribbean Sea and moved into the Gulf of Mexico before landfall in Louisiana on Sept. 11.

    “As is often the case with seasonal hurricane activity, there isn’t usually just one cause for it being active or quiet,” says Meteorologist Craig Setzer, a Certified Consulting Meteorologist and Hurricane Preparedness Specialist.

    He adds, “This year, it appeared to be a combination of very dry air and an increase in Saharan dust outbreaks along with warmer than normal air temperatures in the middle-and-upper parts of the atmosphere that created the mid-seasonal lull.” Less unstable conditions existed and tropical cyclones need instability for development.

    “The long range forecast tended to be right for all of the wrong reasons,” says Spectrum Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay. “A very active Cape Verde season was expected, which didn’t happen. Instead, the Central American Gyre was very active late in the season giving us several significant hurricanes.”

    Mid-September activity increases

    As soon as the climatological peak of hurricane season was reached (Sept. 10), tropical activity seemed to awaken. Tropical Storm Gordon formed on Sept. 13 in the central-eastern Atlantic, but remained over the open Atlantic and never surpassed tropical strom strength.

    Mid-Sept. also brought the formation of Helene, one of the costliest and deadliest storms this season. Helene would make landfall near Perry, Florida on Sept. 26.

    Models and forecast track cones

    From tropical storm to landfall was only a matter of days for Hurricane Helene, and knowing the track of the storm was vital to protect lives and property. Various data models assist meteorologists in forecasting, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) uses these models to create a forecast track cone.

    “The National Hurricane Center relies heavily on global and regional (hurricane) models, which they call ‘guidance’ or ‘aides’ to help create a forecast track,” says Setzer.

    National Hurricane Center

    One specific model did relatively well with several storms this season, from development to landfall. “The Global Forecast System or GFS is a global model which has shown improved skill in predicting tropical cyclone development well ahead of other models.” 

    However, just because it does well with one storm, doesn’t mean it will accurately predict all storms. Setzer says, “It has a high false alarm bias, so it also tends to overpredict development that ends up not happening.”

    In this age of social media, where folks might be heightened aware of tropical development, this bias could create a panic with the model showing a land-falling hurricane ten days out only for the storm to not develop or dissipate well before land.

    Regional forecasting models

    Another type of model the NHC uses to refine its forecast tracks is the regional hurricane model. Referred to as regional because, as Setzer says, “They don’t cover the whole globe, just the region of a hurricane.” This model became vital during Hurricane Milton.

    Adding, “The Hurricane Analysis Forecast System (HAFS) version B did a good job not only predicting Milton’s intensity but also predicting when it would strengthen and weaken based on internal storm dynamics.”

    However, that was after Milton had already formed. Before development, the models struggle. This was the case with both Hurricanes Milton and Oscar.

    Models aren’t exact

    The NHC releases outlooks every six hours during the season for the tropical basins, including the Atlantic. Those include both a two-day graphical tropical weather outlook and a seven-day graphical tropical weather outlook. This year, both Hurricanes Milton and Oscar precursor storms were given low odds of development, only to then form within 12 to 24 hours.

    An area of disturbed weather that would eventually become Milton was given low odds to develop two days before Milton formed. (NHC)

    “Milton was fairly well predicted after the area of convection started to consolidate in the western Gulf of Mexico. Prior to that, there were several areas the models seemed to focus on for development, but it didn’t occur,” explains Setzer.

    Adding, “Oscar was such a small system, it likely was underrepresented in the data going into the model, and then the model has difficulty in the handling of a very small atmospheric feature.”

    Oscar ended up being the smallest hurricane on record, with a hurricane wind field of five or six miles. The Hurricane Hunters, scientists and pilots who fly into tropical systems to investigate conditions happened to be at the right place at the right time. Due to its Oscar’s proximity to land, they flew into the storm.  

    Would the same designation have been given if the storm was in the far eastern Atlantic?

    “It’s a good question.”

    He explains. “While our satellites are very good, they currently cannot resolve small-scale storm intensity. It is likely Oscar would have been only designated a tropical storm had it remained in the open ocean away from aircraft reconnaissance. “

    Overall, the models did well with all 18 named storms this season. “I’m hopeful this trend in model improvement will bring us better predictions, resulting in more specific warnings and storm preparation areas in the near future,” says Setzer.

    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 Stacy Lynn

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  • How weather controls what’s on your Thanksgiving table

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    Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I’m already looking forward to the moist turkey, the apple pie, the wine and even the cranberry sauce!

    When you think about it, everything that we eat and drink on the holiday is affected by the weather.

    What You Need To Know

    • Weather affects many Thanksgiving Day favorites

    • Turkeys have a higher survival rate in warmer climates

    • Light winds and plenty of sunshine help grow the perfect grapes for wine

    • Farmers must watch apples throughout the entire season to get the best apple


    The centerpiece of your table, the turkey, heavily depends on the weather in which it is raised. The survival rate of turkeys is not as great in colder weather as it is in warmer weather.

    According to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), 55-60% of turkeys survive bitter cold and snow. Although that is much less than the 70-100% survival rate in warmer climates, it remains enough to feed us all on Thanksgiving while maintaining a healthy and safe population.

    Leading up to fall, the weather affects apples immensely. In the spring, it is important that the apple farmers monitor temperature, humidity and any precipitation, as the bugs and parasites that can ruin crops depend on those conditions.

    In the summer, if the temperature gets too hot and not enough rain falls, apple crops could be ruined. In the fall, cooler overnight temperatures help apples get their red color and help them ripen up. This, of course, allows for the perfect apple pie.

    A lot of sunshine helps create an better grape and, hence, wine flavor. Light winds help to keep fungus off of grapes and help them dry out. Frost and freeze is generally bad for grapes and wine production. However, ice wine can be created from the frozen fruit.

    Last, cranberries rely on temperature. In fact, they are typically grown in the southern part of our country as the temperature there stays warmer. Lots of sunshine helps keep the fruit sweet, and that means the best-tasting cranberry sauce.

    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 Kaylee Wendt

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  • Sara dissipates after bringing significant flooding to Central America

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    Sara was the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed into a tropical storm on Thursday, Nov. 14 in the western Caribbean Sea and brought heavy rainfall and significant flooding to Central America, specifically parts of Honduras and Belize.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sara was the 18th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

    • It made landfall in Belize as a tropical storm

    • It brought significant rainfall and flooding to Central America

    After forming in the Caribbean Sea, Sara slowly drifted westward toward Central America. As it approached Honduras, it stalled near the northern coast on Nov. 15. 

    As it sat stationary for a day just offshore, it brought extreme rainfall to parts of Honduras with rainfall totals almost up to 40 inches, causing significant flooding.

    Sara moved through the Bay Islands of Honduras, and eventually landfall in Belize on Sunday, Nov. 17 as a tropical storm with max winds of 40 mph.

    Portions of Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua and southern Mexico also saw some locally heavy rainfall and flooding from Sara. It weakened into a tropical depression after landfall, and dissipated as it moved through the Yucatan into the Bay of Campeche.

    Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Hurricane Rafael drifts westward in the Gulf of Mexico

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    Category 2 Hurricane Rafael is drifting westward in the Gulf after making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. Rafael made landfall in the Cuban province of Artemisa as a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph.

    Rafael became a tropical storm on Monday, Nov. 4 and strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday, Nov. 6

    • It made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane

    • Rafael will drift across the Gulf of Mexico into the weekend

    Rafael continues to drift westward in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a Category 2 hurricane with max winds of 105 mph. It’s becoming slightly better organized and stronger as it moves over the southeastern Gulf.


    As it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, it should gradually begin to weaken because of high wind shear and cooler waters. We expect further weakening over the Gulf, well west of Florida, through the weekend.

    The track has shifted and will pose no threat to Florida or most of the U.S. Gulf coast. At this time, a Mexico landfall is possible, but it could also dissipate over water.

    Winds and seas will be hazardous in the Gulf of Mexico. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Eastern Gulf waters through Friday morning with a high risk of rip currents along the Gulf Coast beaches. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect over the open Gulf of Mexico waters.

    Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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