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Last Answer on December 24, 2019

Hello. I would like to know the cause of all of the abnormal January 2019 rain and freezing temperatures in Yuma Az. and the area this year. Neither is normal for this area even during the dead of winter. What is the cause of this?

Msully

Asked by Msully53 about 6 years ago

Hi. Thanks for the question. "Abnormal" or "normal" is a tricky question sometimes. I usually prefer to use "average" since that is a closer description of what is used in the climate data. Specific to your question, this year is one where the overall patter is favoring storm systems, developed and driven across the country by the jet stream, moving in to the desert southwest from the Pacific, and the cooler weather is caused by that same pattern favoring cooler air toward Yuma.

562 Votes

Cozad Nebraska has generally been logged as the "meridian city" or near the 100th meridian where the dry arid air meets the eastern humid air. I understand over years this point has moved to the east because of clinate change. Where is that point now

Asked by Njk over 6 years ago

I'll admit to not being familiar with that term. I'll ask the other members of the podcast I co-host called WeatherBrains. Thanks!

562 Votes

What exactly is fog?

Asked by Dylan C about 6 years ago

Hi, Dylan. Water can be seen in the atmosphere in three states. Solid, liquid and gas. When water vapor (the gas) cools, visible liquid drops form by condensation. Think of putting ice in glass of water. Liquid water drops form on the outside because the air around the glass cools. Fog is drops of liquid water (there can be freezing fog too) that form on small particles in the air called condensation nuclei. An easier way to think about fog is a cloud in contact with the ground.

562 Votes

what does a meteorologist do? what kind of person do you have to be to become one?

Asked by Will almost 7 years ago

Well...we are all very nice people. An interest in science and math is helpful. Forecasters look at computer model data as well as satellite and radar data on a daily basis. Research meteorologists create computer models and sensing tools like radar, satellites and weather stations. Many meteorologists work for private companies like airlines, delivery services and power companies. For more information you can search for the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Service. Good luck, Will!

562 Votes

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Hi, weather teacher here. My students ask me this question, and I've tried researching to no avail. When naming clouds, how come sometimes the root comes before the name and sometimes after (example: nimostratus vs. cumulonimbus)

Asked by Melinda over 6 years ago

Excellent question, and honestly I don’t have an answer, but I know who does. Check out the Cloud Appreciation Society. They will know, and if they don’t they will like the question enough to find out. Let me know! https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/

561 Votes

I have observed many times lightning which is intracloud or intercloud that does not have thunder following the lightning. What is the explanation for the Silence?

Asked by gemeni over 6 years ago

Great question. The outer edge of the distance the sound of thunder will travel is about 15 miles. So you’re seeing lightning that is father away. Thanks!

561 Votes

Is there a name for the period of silence between the lightning strike and the thunder clap?

Asked by Shane Chuvalas almost 6 years ago

Great question! Not that I know of. The delay in hearing thunder is because light travels faster than sound. The lightning causes the air to heat and expand rapidly and that shockwave is the thunder. The visible flash gets to you faster. If you were standing right next to the bolt (not recommended) you would see and hear at the same time. Thanks!

560 Votes

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TV Meteorologist

Ask me anything!

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Hello. I would like to know the cause of all of the abnormal January 2019 rain and freezing temperatures in Yuma Az. and the area this year. Neither is normal for this area even during the dead of winter. What is the cause of this?

Msully

Cozad Nebraska has generally been logged as the "meridian city" or near the 100th meridian where the dry arid air meets the eastern humid air. I understand over years this point has moved to the east because of clinate change. Where is that point now

What exactly is fog?

what does a meteorologist do? what kind of person do you have to be to become one?

Also on Jobstr...

Hi, weather teacher here. My students ask me this question, and I've tried researching to no avail. When naming clouds, how come sometimes the root comes before the name and sometimes after (example: nimostratus vs. cumulonimbus)

I have observed many times lightning which is intracloud or intercloud that does not have thunder following the lightning. What is the explanation for the Silence?

Is there a name for the period of silence between the lightning strike and the thunder clap?

TV Meteorologist

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Hello. I would like to know the cause of all of the abnormal January 2019 rain and freezing temperatures in Yuma Az. and the area this year. Neither is normal for this area even during the dead of winter. What is the cause of this?Msully

Cozad Nebraska has generally been logged as the "meridian city" or near the 100th meridian where the dry arid air meets the eastern humid air. I understand over years this point has moved to the east because of clinate change. Where is that point now

What exactly is fog?

what does a meteorologist do? what kind of person do you have to be to become one?

Also on Jobstr...

Hi, weather teacher here. My students ask me this question, and I've tried researching to no avail. When naming clouds, how come sometimes the root comes before the name and sometimes after (example: nimostratus vs. cumulonimbus)

I have observed many times lightning which is intracloud or intercloud that does not have thunder following the lightning. What is the explanation for the Silence?

Is there a name for the period of silence between the lightning strike and the thunder clap?

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Hello. I would like to know the cause of all of the abnormal January 2019 rain and freezing temperatures in Yuma Az. and the area this year. Neither is normal for this area even during the dead of winter. What is the cause of this?

Msully