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About Donald Rosenfeld
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Any questions (except private) answered from the 1st grade level on up pertaining to any aspect of Weather. I am a 20 year member of the American Meteorological society and a long time forecaster of eastern United States snow storms and Hurricanes.

   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Weather > Meteorology (Weather)

Questions Answered By Expert  Donald Rosenfeld 
In Category  Meteorology (Weather)

SubjectDate Asked

To calibrat A PRH gauge10/11/2008
  Q: I would like to know how to properly calibrate my percent relative humidity Indicator.
  A: If you mean mechanically I'd need to know the manufacturer and model number. If you mean where to ...
wedding10/6/2008
  Q: I am planning to get married on the beach in Sunny Isles, Florida and would like to know which would ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
future weather forcast10/6/2008
  Q: Getting married in may 2009 (24th or 30th. Traveling to vermilion,Ohio for the ceremony,that will be ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. At this point I would say that both ...
Storms10/2/2008
  Q: Is there a general direction in which storms come from, and why?
  A: Excluding local storms like thunderstorms, fifty or so percent of large scale low pressure areas ...
metorology9/29/2008
  Q: I am 12 and I want to be a meteorologist. What do I have to do like go to collage or what to be one. ...
  A: Some storm chasers are meteorologists, maybe 30 or so percent. The rest are amateur meteorologists ...
Waves and sea state9/27/2008
  Q: Where can I find figures about the sea state and waves and wind, including statistics, in the Gulf ...
  A: See if any of these help: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/maps/WestGulf.shtml ...
metorology9/27/2008
  Q: I am 12 and I want to be a meteorologist. What do I have to do like go to collage or what to be one. ...
  A: Well, if you want to be a weather forecaster or a research meteorologist you would need to go to ...
reddish brown dust9/22/2008
  Q: Last October I started seeing a reddish brown dust everywhere especially on the trees. It only goes ...
  A: My guess is red soil drying out and being blown some distance from a farm; or, red ash from a ...
cruising to hawaii Sept 24, 20089/21/2008
  Q: We are leaving this friday to cruise to hawaii from san diego. Can you tell me average sea day ...
  A: The sea surface temps for Hawaii this week are around 27 degrees Celsius: ...
Blank Weather Charts9/20/2008
  Q: I am looking for CONUS Plotting charts so I can plot upper-air obs. Also looking for Skew-T diagrams ...
  A: The internet has made printed blank weather maps a thing of the past. However, see if these links ...
Rainfall in IL9/19/2008
  Q: I have been searching the internet endlessly and cannot find the following answer to theAbout how ...
  A: The 13th: 2.82" ...
hurricanes9/12/2008
  Q: do hurricanes strengthen or down grade when they make landfall?
  A: Typically they decrease in intensity for two reasons, the hilliness of land compared to ocean ...
Clouds9/10/2008
  Q: Why don't clouds disperse into the sky, but instead stay within a clear boundary. I would expect ...
  A: A very good question! The formation of a cloud is due to a vertical updraft with cooling of the ...
rainfall measurement9/8/2008
  Q: Can you please explain how total rainfall is calculated in inches? I always believed you just had ...
  A: Different containers are used but with straight side containers you can use just a ruler to get an ...
clouds9/1/2008
  Q: Why do clouds have flat bottoms?
  A: There is moisture in the form of water vapor in the air; when water vapor condenses into water ...
Weather on 10.5.089/1/2008
  Q: My wedding is Oct 5, 2008 in New Rochelle NY. What will the weather be? Please advise. Thank you.
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
mexico8/30/2008
  Q: we r going to cancun on the 8th of sept for 2 wks, can u tell me if there are any reports on ...
  A: The Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico have become active with respect to hurricanes. That said, the mean ...
tropical storms / hurricanes8/29/2008
  Q: Recently, 'Fay' moved from land to ocean several times. If storms pick up moisture and energy while ...
  A: All rain drops have a nuclei that the water vapor condenses on. Rain from the ocean has a greater ...
Meteorology8/27/2008
  Q: I am leaving for Cuba soon and I am worried that due to hurricane Gustav I will not see any sun for ...
  A: It looks like Gustava will be near Havana on the 30th so flights may be cancelled. From the 31st on ...
altitude8/25/2008
  Q: why is it colder at high altitudes?
  A: As you go higher the molecular action of colliding molecules decreases as the air thins out ...
MOON PHASES8/25/2008
  Q: My son is in the 4th grade, and for his science fair project he is looking at the phases of the moon ...
  A: Personally, I do not believe phases of the moon have any impact on the weather. But, here are some ...
jason banjo barometer, Hydrometer8/21/2008
  Q: I just moved and the house we bought has this Jason Barometer, hydrometer. it doesn't seem to be ...
  A: First, it's not a bother! The association with the wording on a barometer and the actual weather is ...
SO CLOUDY 28/21/2008
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: does lighting come with thunder? Thanks ANSWER: Hi ...
  A: Lightning is an equalization of electrical charges of different polarity; i.e., a cloud may have a ...
30% Chance of Rain8/18/2008
  Q: I know you provided an explanation of this, but I want to verify. In layman terms. I was informed by ...
  A: Here's the deal on this: To me, a "40% chance of precipitation" means the following: 1. If you are ...
cold fronts8/15/2008
  Q: What is the definition of a "cold front"?
  A: A cold front is the dividing line between a colder air mass and a less cold air mass. A front is ...
furrow clouds mackarel sky8/14/2008
  Q: Can you advise how this cloud formation relates to Queensland Australia. The site you refer to ...
  A: Mackerel sky refers to altocumulus clouds that orients into "streets". It is a precursor cloud to ...
WX Trends8/10/2008
  Q: It seems to me that this has been an exceptionally cool summer for this part of the country ...
  A: Here's how the weather bureau in Taunton MA describes it: Excerpts from: FXUS61 KBOX 100220 AFDBOX ...
light rays in east during sunset!8/8/2008
  Q: The sun was setting in the west & there were light rays emanating from the mountains in the east. ...
  A: Looking at your photo I was sure that the sun was behind those mountains and that the sun was ...
WX Trends8/8/2008
  Q: It seems to me that this has been an exceptionally cool summer for this part of the country ...
  A: You are correct that parts of the east coast have been cooler than normal. The cause has been a pool ...
light rays in east during sunset!8/7/2008
  Q: The sun was setting in the west & there were light rays emanating from the mountains in the east. ...
  A: Your photo: http://www.playzar.com/panos/EastRays9sm.jpg shows Crepuscular rays! Here's more info ...
Meteorology8/6/2008
  Q: What are the main advantages of an infrared satellite image versus a visible satellite image for ...
  A: A very good question! Infrared gives a meteorologist cloud & sea temperatures and the visible gives ...
30% Chance of Rain8/6/2008
  Q: I know you provided an explanation of this, but I want to verify. In layman terms. I was informed by ...
  A: Here's the deal on this: To me, a "40% chance of precipitation" means the following: 1. If you are ...
Sunset time8/4/2008
  Q: I am getting married on Oct. 18, 2008 and I was wondering if you could tell me when the sun would ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Past world climate changes8/1/2008
  Q: I am interested in the history of climate change and looking for resources which explain, for ...
  A: Here's a time line of temperature change: ...
force of wind7/28/2008
  Q: I have a question about the force of wind. Is there an equation that factors in air pressure in ...
  A: See if these help: http://tinyurl.com/wind-pressure ...
8-9-08 will it rain7/21/2008
  Q: trying to plan an outdoor party on 8-9-08 will it rain or shine
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Meteorology7/20/2008
  Q: It seems to be acknowledged that with global warming storms will be more severe. I presume that ...
  A: First of all, only a minority of meteorologists ascribe to the belief that tropical storms will be ...
Lightning7/14/2008
  Q: As a photographer in the Tampa Florida area, I have always wanted to capture a great lightning shot. ...
  A: Barometric pressure is not an advance or even within-the-event indicator in that the thunderstorm is ...
Lightning7/14/2008
  Q: As a photographer in the Tampa Florida area, I have always wanted to capture a great lightning shot. ...
  A: There are more lightning strikes in the front and mid parts of a thunderstorm. The higher the ...
lightning7/11/2008
  Q: How many different kinds of lightening are there? Thank you
  A: Here's a list: cloud to cloud cloud to ground ground to cloud heat lightning ball lightning sprites ...
Hurricanes7/11/2008
  Q: I am a lay weather speaker, focusing primarily on weather folklore, mythology, and weather humor, on ...
  A: Looks like the Britannica info came from: ...
lightning7/10/2008
  Q: Is it possible to have lightening without thunder? Is it possible to have thunder without ...
  A: There is a form of lightning call "heat lightning" which is lightning at a great distance that can ...
East River winds7/8/2008
  Q: I am an author. As part of my research, I need to understand the wind patterns along the East River ...
  A: Wind patterns at the surface? Or, aloft? If aloft, what level. Also, a specific date, all days or ...
July 19th, 2008 Wedding7/7/2008
  Q: I am getting married on Saturday, July 19th in the evening in the Boston Area (zip 01810). We have ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Surface Analysis7/3/2008
  Q: I am studying meteorology as an undergraduate, and I just wanted to ask how I can improve my skills ...
  A: The more you practice the better you'll get! Here are some resources: ...
Weather in water world7/1/2008
  Q: Good day. I've been studying weather systems for a "world building" project and I started wondering ...
  A: Very good questions! If the earth had no land the surface would be flat water and winds would blow ...
Weather7/1/2008
  Q: I am wanting to hold my sons birthday party in our garden with his water park out but am worried it ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
weather watches6/28/2008
  Q: I have always wanted to know how meteorologists decide whether to issue a severe thunderstorm watch ...
  A: A very good question! Take a look at: http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/287/ ...
lenticular cloud formation6/24/2008
  Q: In reading about lenticular clouds, I get the impression that they only form in areas where there ...
  A: Personally, I think the ground view is more serene but the air craft view can be more dramatic. As ...
storms6/23/2008
  Q: I'm Mark. I was wondering what the weather, precip and temp outlook for the southeast and South ...
  A: It looks like continued drought conditions. The following links will give you more info: ...
wet depressing weather6/21/2008
  Q: we had a brief week or two in may and so far we havent had a summer. will we get decent weather we ...
  A: Take a look at: http://www.weatherknowledge.com/long_range_forecast.html and choose "World ...
lenticular cloud formation6/21/2008
  Q: In reading about lenticular clouds, I get the impression that they only form in areas where there ...
  A: Some times an atmospheric gravity wave can cause the type of clouds you describe: ...
meteorology/Forecasting6/20/2008
  Q: Mr. Rosenfeld, I would like to know if,when you are forecasting,there is a set pattern? For example, ...
  A: I would say that I always use upper air info but I do forecast different type weather events ...
Barometric Changes and Electromagnetism6/15/2008
  Q: As with many others, I experience substantial discomfort as the barometer makes rapid changes. I ...
  A: It is known, as you point out, that changes in atmospheric pressure do effect discomfort levels in ...
Weather6/9/2008
  Q: can you give me your prediction of weather for June 21, 2008 for Hartford, CT
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
South Ontario6/5/2008
  Q: Hey, my friend recently told me that the Great Lakes prevents tornadoes in South Ontario. I am in ...
  A: Generally speaking there are less tornadoes near large bodies of water. Why? Because the water acts ...
forecast for Eskridge, KS 6/5/086/5/2008
  Q: We currently have our roof uncovered and we need to know how severe the weather will be in the next ...
  A: Here is a technical discussion from NOAA Topeka office and they are forecasting thunderstorms ...
time weather to travel across USA6/3/2008
  Q: How long does weather take to travel across the USA from west to east coast?
  A: Depends upon the season, the jet stream and the part of the country. Winter is faster because the ...
Severe Weather5/29/2008
  Q: 1) How does a forecaster distinguish between linear storms and super cells. On a SPC discussion ...
  A: Linear storms are straight moving and smaller than super cells. Storms convert to different types ...
July 19th5/28/2008
  Q: I was just curious as to what the weather will be like on July 19th, 2008 in central PA. Thanks!
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
storms innNew England5/27/2008
  Q: I thought all wind was described as a westerly if it comes ou of the west, a southeasterly of the ...
  A: Winds are described by the direction they are coming from- as an example, northwesterly or westerly. ...
June 10th5/27/2008
  Q: I am going to the prom on June 10th, would you be able to predict the weather for this day so that I ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Reno/Nevada5/24/2008
  Q: I am planning a wedding June 7, 2008 and while it has been rather stormy here (Reno NV) the past few ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Raindrop size5/23/2008
  Q: Is that true rain drops sizes are different in different areas for example fine drops in cold ...
  A: It is true that different parts of the world have different raindrop sizes on average. There are ...
prediction of weather June 21, 20085/20/2008
  Q: How does it look for riverside county, california on that day, specically Lake Elsinore? Thanks
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Upper & Lower Lows/Highs5/19/2008
  Q: I read frequently about Upper Lows etc. Looking at 500, 700 Mb charts, I do not see Lows, but the ...
  A: The simplest way to find a low pressure at elevation is to look for a closed isopleth ...
Global warming5/16/2008
  Q: I'm Mark. I was wondering what the weather, precip and temp outlook for the southeast and South ...
  A: South Carolina is still in a drought in the western sections of the state: ...
Projected weather forcast for 6/13-6/14, 2008 for Lewes DE5/15/2008
  Q: 2008 in Lewes De. Any forcast projections? Thanks
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
weather for June 1, 20085/14/2008
  Q: Any way you can tell what the weather will be for Sunday, June 1, 2008. Thanks, BS
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
weather5/10/2008
  Q: I'm Mark. I was wondering what the weather, precip and temp outlook for the southeast and South ...
  A: I recently had a request that had similiar questions, here is how I responded:What is the May and ...
I know it's a long shot5/8/2008
  Q: I know it's a long shot but I was wondering if there is any way of predicting the weather for the ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Weather on July 24, 20085/7/2008
  Q: I am planning an outdoor wedding on July 24th in Centerport, Long Island. Can you tell me what to ...
  A: For sunset info, see: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php As to the weather forecast: ...
cyclone5/7/2008
  Q: What is a CYCLONE?? Is there a difference in a cyclone and a tornado?? Also.....I'm getting ...
  A: There are four different cyclones- all are low pressure areas (meaning that the atmospheric ...
weather patterns and predictions5/6/2008
  Q: What is the May and June outlook for the southeast united states? What about the Summer Months? Is ...
  A: May & June look warm and humid; the summer months just look warm. May should be stormier but June ...
weather4/28/2008
  Q: What is the May outlook for the southeast united states? What do you think is going on with global ...
  A: I think cooler & wetter than normal; here's what NOAA thinks: ...
future weather4/28/2008
  Q: i am getting married on the 24 of may 2008 in Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada i would like to have an ...
  A: The date is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Tornados4/26/2008
  Q: I like in Sheboygan,WI about a quarter mile from Lake Michigan, and we are in the storm season, ...
  A: Generally speaking there are less tornadoes near large bodies of water. Why? Because the water acts ...
Snow reflection of light4/23/2008
  Q: Why is it so light out at night when there is snow covering the ground?
  A: Snow being composed of crystals has high reflectivity which means any light hitting a snow surface ...
future weather4/21/2008
  Q: What will the weather be like June 7, 2008 in Stockton, CA?
  A: June 7th is too far in the future for an accurate forecast. Forecasts of between 4 and 7 days can ...
Hurricanes4/21/2008
  Q: How do hurricanes form, how can you track them and how can find the latest information?
  A: Hurricanes form from thunderstorm clusters in the tropical Atlantic which develop spin from coriolis ...
wedding weather4/19/2008
  Q: I'm getting married June 28, 2008. It will be a evening candelite ceremoney starting at 8pm. I ...
  A: An accurate forecast is only possible a few days in advance and if you re-ask a few days before the ...
May prediction4/7/2008
  Q: I am trying to plan an outdoor birthday party for my daughter for either May 10 or May 17. Trying ...
  A: Mid May is too far in the future for a good forecast; that's only possible several days in advance. ...
weather future forecast4/7/2008
  Q: I have an event morning till early afternoon May 10, 2008 in Pomfret Connecticut. Was wondering if ...
  A: Since the info is based on climatology data from Hartford and Pomfret is about 30 miles to the ...
elevated convection via radar imagery4/3/2008
  Q: Is there a different signature on WSR-88D reflectivity products pertaining to elevated/dynamic ...
  A: Well, there is the intensity difference at different elevations. There is also the degree of ...
Is the wet bulb temperature the same as the dew point?4/3/2008
  Q: Is wet bulb temperature the same as the dew point?
  A: A very good question! The answer is that it is not the same; see: ...
wedding weather4/3/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you could give me a BALL PARK figure on what the weather might look like for an ...
  A: Looking at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/people/wwang/cfs_fcst/images/usT2mMon.gif and ...
forecasting accuracy4/2/2008
  Q: I am trying to do a statistical analysis of the relative accuracy of modern forecasters compared to ...
  A: There are two types of forecasters: Private meteorologists who work for industry and the government ...
Weather prediction4/1/2008
  Q: A couple of questions about weather prediction (a subject I know nothing about). [1] I can imagine ...
  A: Your method under # 1 is called analog forecasting; it's based on actual weather patterns that have ...
clouds going up3/26/2008
  Q: Do individual clouds ever rise above the altitude where they formed? I don't mean like a thunderhead ...
  A: Clouds form when moisture is lifted into a cooler level of the atmosphere. But, your question is: Do ...
Thunderstorm down-draft temperatures3/23/2008
  Q: Sinking air warms, yet thuderstorm downdrafts are usually cold, why?
  A: There is a atmospheric process called "adiabatic heating" which occurs when air is forced to ...
What numbers denote high barometric pressure?3/20/2008
  Q: I suffer from migraines, some of which are caused by high barometric pressure. I live on the bay in ...
  A: Normal barometric pressure at sea level is 29.92 inches of mercury. Any pressure reading higher is ...
weather patterns3/18/2008
  Q: What is the spring and summer outlook for the southeast? Suppose you live in a certain area and you ...
  A: Is our climate becoming warmer or colder? In the recent past it has been getting warmer, recent ...
weather3/17/2008
  Q: What is the spring and summer outlook for the southeast? Suppose you live in a certain area and you ...
  A: NOAA has issued the following predictions for the SE US for this spring & summer: PRECIPITATION: ...
weather sayings3/14/2008
  Q: Can you tell me the meaning of these weather sayings for my grade 6 project and have to write 3 ...
  A: Ants run faster when the temperature increases- "Mercury" is, in this case, the mercury in a ...
Meteorological Question3/13/2008
  Q: When rain freezes, it is called sleet. When dew freezes, what is it called? This frozen dew has ...
  A: When rain falls on a surface that is below freezing the rain will freeze on that surface and is ...
weather pattern3/10/2008
  Q: what is the Bahamas weather pattern
  A: Right now there is a high pressure just to the north west causing northeast winds and cool ...
humidity3/9/2008
  Q: Sir, I have a project for school. I am in the fifth grade. I have done all my resarch and am looking ...
  A: One sentence is hard to do but, here's my attempt: Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture ...
Meteorologist3/5/2008
  Q: My name is Otis and I am in the sixth grade. I am doing a project for Science class. I would like to ...
  A: A meteorologist either studies the atmosphere (weather) or makes forecasts of what the weather will ...
Weather website2/26/2008
  Q: I am looking for a website in which I will see some temperature averages in a specific place, in ...
  A: I know a site that will gave average monthly temperatures but not for a given year: ...
Rain Shadow2/24/2008
  Q: under what circumstances can a rain shadow be formed on the western side of a mountain range?
  A: When the prevailing (average wind) brings moisture that rises on the the mountain side, the rain ...
coastal weather2/23/2008
  Q: i live in grand bay alabama. i hear alerts on the weather channel about inland freezes or coastal ...
  A: My definition would be anything "coastal" is at the coast (within 1/2 mile). Eight miles inland ...
lightning formation and clouds2/21/2008
  Q: My 8th graders have asked me, "if lightning is formed by the water droplets colliding and creating ...
  A: That is a good question! And, one that I've not heard before!! First of all, there is no lightning ...
Green light in a thunderstorm2/19/2008
  Q: I live in southeast Texas and earlier this evening a severe storm went through my area. We were ...
  A: Well, you have a few choices: A. If there were enough twilight, some times you can have the ...
equator, doldrums, hurricanes2/18/2008
  Q: While net surfing I ran across a page concerning weather patterns at zero degree latitude by a ...
  A: You must be talking about Gary Barnes: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/ASK/hurricanes.html ...
ring around moon2/16/2008
  Q: ring around moon distinct tonight in Vero Beach, FL, what is the phenomena?
  A: Looking at the water vapor satellite image: http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/data/g8/latest_g8wv.gif and ...
knowledge2/12/2008
  Q: what is the definition of weather!
  A: Weather is the short term variability of the earth's atmosphere. The dictionary defines it thusly: ...
humidity-dew point2/12/2008
  Q: what is the difference between humidity @ dew point @ how are they figured ANSWER: Hi Loretta ...
  A: There are tables and graphs available on the internet but to actually figure out the humidity or dew ...
Pacific Ocean2/10/2008
  Q: Rosenfeld, I am considering a cruise from either the Los Angeles or San Diego are to Hawaii. We ...
  A: October would be best but November should be ok while December is more prone to winter type storms ...
Can tornadoes occur in winter?2/10/2008
  Q: We live slightly northeast of Pittsburgh, PA, and we experience some windy weather, but what we ...
  A: Looking at the observation from Pittsburgh: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/obhistory/KPIT.html the ...
Weather2/8/2008
  Q: How does air temperature and air pressure affect weather?
  A: Your question is too general for a good answer. A general answer would be: Air temperature decides ...
Natural Disasters1/30/2008
  Q: Can tornadoes suck up people? Why don't hurricanes hit California? Does it get foggy when a tornado ...
  A: Tornado winds have lifted up people. The mean upper air flow is from east to west that takes the ...
Job in meteorology1/23/2008
  Q: Rosenfeld, I am writing on behalf of my brother, who got his masters degree in atmospheric science ...
  A: I don't know of any head hunters that specialize in meteorology jobs. I would look at: ...
Weather1/23/2008
  Q: My question deals with how hot and cold days are in relation to the length of the day. I am from ...
  A: Good question! The answer is that there is a overlap extension because of the thermal build-up of ...
future weather1/9/2008
  Q: Can you tell me what the weather will be in NSW Australia on 3rd February 2008?
  A: It's too early to give you an accurate forecast. If you ask again around the 20th of January and ...
Dew Point1/6/2008
  Q: When I go to weather dot com I get my local weather. It shows, dew point, humidity, chance of rain, ...
  A: Dew point is the temperature at which dew (condensation) would form on an object out-doors. For an ...
Wind-Chill factor1/3/2008
  Q: Let's sy that the temperature is x, the wind speed y, and the wind-chill z. If I understand, z is ...
  A: Wind chill is the effective (what you feel) temperature cause by evaporational cooling by the rate ...
Normals of SLP and Upper Winds12/29/2007
  Q: Kindly help me getting Normal Surface Pressure Pattern and Upper wind pattern at 850hPa, 700hPa, ...
  A: For surface pressure, take a look at: ...
precipitation12/27/2007
  Q: I visit this site quite often & I have few questions regarding weather details shown on most of the ...
  A: The 6 variables are: wind, temperature, precipitation, humidity, barometric pressure and geographic ...
Halo12/24/2007
  Q: How often do Halo's appear, Just saw one at about 1:38AM 12/24/2007. Beautiful
  A: Halos appear when there is a thin layer of ice crystals in line with your vision and the moon or ...
Much Fog in plain area rather than hills12/19/2007
  Q: Why there is too much fog in plain area or open area as compared to area which are very near to ...
  A: Mountains and hills have down drafts which bring drier air to the surface thus reducing fog. Fog in ...
Colder winters with more snow in NA?12/14/2007
  Q: My question is; As the Northern ice cap continues to melt more surface water is exposed, will this ...
  A: My opinion is that more melting with more evaporation will cause more clouds which will increase the ...
Barometric Preassure12/12/2007
  Q: I have been looking all over the web for an answer so maybe you can help. I work for a window manuf. ...
  A: If several homes in a given area are experiencing this type of breakage, it could mean a settlement ...
Weather12/12/2007
  Q: What would happen if a tornado, hurricane and thunderstorm hit a city at the same time for three ...
  A: Well, it has never happened as far as I know. A hurricane could stall for three days and spawn ...
protractor anemometer12/12/2007
  Q: I am working on a science project about anemometers. I have built a velocity anemometer that is a ...
  A: A protractor anemometer is based on wind force. The weight of air along with the speed of the air ...
Greenland12/11/2007
  Q: Living in Ireland I have studied the North atlantic surface pressure charts issued by the British ...
  A: Because of the very cold air from the ice sheet over Greenland: ...
First Grade Activity: Rain in a Bottle12/11/2007
  Q: Our first grade science book recommends an activity in which we put 1 tablespoon of water in a clear ...
  A: Some of the condensation may run back to the bottom or the temperature of the air in the bottle may ...
The smell of snow12/7/2007
  Q: I can smell approaching snow on the wind. Why does crystallized water have a smell? I grew up in ...
  A: You have a good sense of smell! Some of the chemicals that can be in snow are: Nitrogen dioxide, ...
fog12/6/2007
  Q: what is fog and how does it form
  A: Fog is composed of small water droplets, like a cloud, that is located near the ground. It forms by ...
water and atmospheric pressure12/3/2007
  Q: What is an fairly simples experiment that I can show 4th and 5th graders to help explain/demonstrate ...
  A: Water is on the earth and in the air via water vapor, water droplets, or rain/snow. These links ...
evaporation12/2/2007
  Q: ok i am doing a science fair research paper on evaporation.So i would greatly appreciate it if you ...
  A: The rate of evaporation is a function of temperature, humidity and wind speed. Higher temperature ...
safety of camping in thunderstorms11/30/2007
  Q: The question I have is about lightning and the safety of being outside during a thunderstorm. I am ...
  A: Machu Picchu is known for thunderstorms with lightning. July and August are considered the better ...
Tropical Cyclone forecasting11/30/2007
  Q: I am doing a report on tropical cyclone forecasting and I have a few questions on topic. 1) What ...
  A: The best way for meteorologists to forecast the future track of a tropical storm is to use upper air ...
Pressure and rain11/26/2007
  Q: Hey Donald, just wondering about this pressure thing. Did some reading and it seems that high ...
  A: Typically, rising atmospheric pressure is associated with high pressure areas (anti-cyclones) which ...
Future Forecast11/24/2007
  Q: My father and I are taking a trip to the Grand Canyon in the first of May 2008. We are riding our ...
  A: Based on: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/people/wwang/cfs_fcst/images/usT2mMon.gif and ...
Snowfall11/19/2007
  Q: Mr. Rosenfeld, Is it possible to have snowfall when land temperatures are above 32 degree F?
  A: The short answer is yes! The longer answer: While snow will melt when falling on above freezing ...
Frost Formation11/16/2007
  Q: How can I predict when forst will form on the golf course?
  A: The four ingredients for frost are: Calm winds, temperature below freezing at grass level, ...
El Nino11/5/2007
  Q: Can we predict El Nino using ocean observations?
  A: Yes; El Nino is caused by a warming of part of the Pacific ocean. Below are some good links to learn ...
weather11/2/2007
  Q: what does the weather have to do with math
  A: Math is very important because it's used in measurement of distance and in quantities of ...
Thermal lows10/31/2007
  Q: I just do not understand what a thermal low or high is. I just don't see these terms in the ...
  A: The term "thermal low" is used when the heat from the sun, over a desert area, creates a local low ...
Weather10/22/2007
  Q: I am doing a project for my social studies class and we have to make an island contenint. My island ...
  A: An island in the Gulf of Mexico would have tropical weather all year around with high humidity and ...
evenings, mornings10/19/2007
  Q: Mr Rosenfeld: Could you please tell me what is the approximate Time of Day AM and PM, for Early ...
  A: This is a guess for these because I don't believe there is a special phrase both 10 to 11 pm and ...
Precipitation Event Definitions10/19/2007
  Q: How much rainfall, over what period of time, is necessary for a rainfall to be classified as a 25 ...
  A: What you are referring to is major rain events that are classified, for a given location and ...
North South Links10/17/2007
  Q: Here (Manchester, UK, Northern Hemisphere) we have had variable summers or winters. Some hot, some ...
  A: The northern and southern hemisphere winters are different and never replicate each other. Here's ...
Magnetic Winter!10/14/2007
  Q: The Earth's magnetic field is largely responsible for our existence - mainly in diffusing the suns ...
  A: This is a question that is outside my expertise of synoptic meteorology. However, the following ...
Tropopause9/27/2007
  Q: I know I've seen the answer to this somewhere, but can't find it. Why does the wind speed decrease ...
  A: The wind speed does decrease at the tropopause. Why? Because there is very little vertical mixing in ...
sunsets in eastern North Carolina9/26/2007
  Q: I am a writer working on a memoir of years spent in eastern North Carolina. As I remember those ...
  A: I think that the sunsets are influenced by the water body to the west and the low hills west of ...
dew9/26/2007
  Q: Mr Rosenfeld:I'm a Co-Op Weather Observer and I would like to know how can I tell by looking at it, ...
  A: Light dew would be the grass or object with a minimal amount of dew deposited from condensation. ...
Day In The Life Of A Meteorologist9/25/2007
  Q: I was wondering just how a typical meteorologist, perhaps working for the NWS, performs his day to ...
  A: Typically they start with what the atmosphere is doing with charts that show surface isobars winds ...
Furrow Clouds9/24/2007
  Q: I'm wondering what causes furrow clouds to form or what is the why behind furrow clouds. They look ...
  A: What you are describing are probably Altocumulus Undulatus clouds: ...
do seasons affect from where a storm comes9/21/2007
  Q: My child would like to collect precipitation for the next 10 months and test the acidity for a ...
  A: Glad I was able to help. Seasons are not a predictor of where storms will form; however, in the ...
do seasons affect from where a storm comes9/20/2007
  Q: My child would like to collect precipitation for the next 10 months and test the acidity for a ...
  A: To see where the storm came from that caused your daily rain fall, take a look at these links: ...
air temperature & barometric prssure9/19/2007
  Q: How are air temperature and barometric pressure related? Where can I find information on this ...
  A: Both air and pressure are related in that they are descriptive elements of the atmosphere. In ...
Local Winds9/19/2007
  Q: Why do local winds along coast and mountains change daily? I've never understood this
  A: Local winds, sea breezes or land breezes are determined by the temperature over the water and over ...
ice pellets, hail & sleet9/16/2007
  Q: what is the diameter of an ice pellet
  A: An ice pellet is a frozen rain drop and NOT a hail stone. A hail stone has repeated trips up and ...
wind9/12/2007
  Q: Somewhere I read that if you turn your back to the wind the front will be either to your right or ...
  A: Winds go around high (fair) pressure areas (anti-cyclones) in the northern hemisphere clock wise and ...
I need help on a homeschooling question9/8/2007
  Q: I need to know the difference between a mountain breeze and a valley breeze. i would also like to ...
  A: A mountain breeze is a wind that descends a mountain due to radiational cooling at night- cool air ...
Weather question9/6/2007
  Q: Help! I thought that there are certain directions weather tends to flow on the North American ...
  A: Most of the time the winds are from a westerly direction unless a storm is involved. I presume that ...
Hurricane Tracks9/5/2007
  Q: I was wondering if a hurricane took a track that brought it over a narrow enough section of Central ...
  A: Looking at: http://www.weatheranswer.com/public/Global_tropical_cyclone_tracks_1985_to_2005__.bmp ...
southwest weather8/29/2007
  Q: Dea Donald hello, wondr if you can help. I am planning a slightly last inute tip to the US and it ...
  A: It is true that it has been quite a heatwave this summer in parts of the midwest this summer but by ...
school8/26/2007
  Q: i was just wondering if you could tell me some types of meteorology. I have a earth science project ...
  A: There are the following types: Synoptic meteorology which is forecasting the weather. Climatology ...
Weather8/26/2007
  Q: I read an article entitled "Its not the heat its the Dewpoint." This seems stupid to me when the ...
  A: The relationship of the temperature to the wet bulb temperature (dewpoint) determines the humidity ...
weather after hurricane8/24/2007
  Q: I am travelling to Negril, Jamaica tomorrow and am wondering if the daily thunderstorms forecast ...
  A: The tropics, especially in the summer, are prone to showers and thundershowers, especially in the ...
cause of thunder8/24/2007
  Q: When I was young I was tought thunder, was two clouds bumping into each other. Is this in any way ...
  A: Thunder is caused by the explosive heating of the air as a lightning bolt passes through the ...
hurricanes8/22/2007
  Q: Do hurricanes have the same effect under the ocean as they do above the ocean?
  A: On top of the ocean are wind driven waves. Below the surface are storm surges that cause water along ...
Early Winter Indicator ?8/19/2007
  Q: .. In view of the past several weeks of rain and cooler than normal temps in the S.Central ...
  A: The previous weather underground urls are for local observers who may have records going back into ...
Early Winter Indicator ?8/18/2007
  Q: .. In view of the past several weeks of rain and cooler than normal temps in the S.Central ...
  A: On the up coming winter for Texas I have no opinion yet but take a look at: ...
Is it St. Elmo's fire?8/15/2007
  Q: My grandfather was telling me a story about something he witnessed while watching a thunderstorm ...
  A: Sounds like an atmospheric mystery!! My guess is that since it occurred near a swamp it was NOT ...
Weather in tundra biomes8/14/2007
  Q: What is some of the weather information in cold tundra biomes? Namely temperature and precipitation ...
  A: Temperature, precipitation, humidity, barometric (atmospheric) pressure, and wind speed/direction. ...
How do you calculate the total volumn of annual rainfall?8/8/2007
  Q: Hope you can help me with my questions. I am trying to write an article for children regarding the ...
  A: Doing the bathtub calculation: My bathtub measures 5 feet long, 2 feet wide and a foot and a half ...
Who are Beijing trying to kid?8/7/2007
  Q: It is being reported that the authorities in Beijing are claiming that they intend to make it rain ...
  A: Cloud seeding is possible and works. I have not heard of a correlation of successful cloud seeding ...
July weather8/6/2007
  Q: Good Morning, Could you please tell me if there is a site in which I could access past daily weather ...
  A: Your daughter should be all set using this url: http://tinyurl.com/25lrjs and for other dates: ...
humidity7/27/2007
  Q: i am trying to design a hibernaculum for bats, and understand that the environment needs to be cold ...
  A: There are three choices: A. pans of water on the floor B. Daily sprinkling on the outside of the ...
climatic difference7/18/2007
  Q: Why... 1) Is our summer here in Redmond, Oregon (45th parallel and 2800 feet elevation)so much ...
  A: This summer the jet stream pattern is such that there is greater warmth in the mid part of the ...
clouds7/17/2007
  Q: My 5 year old son wants to know, "Why do clouds float when there is gravity?"
  A: Your son asks a good question! Clouds float because the individual moisture particles are so small ...
The end of a typhoon.7/15/2007
  Q: I was watching as the typhoon was going along the east coast of Japan (currently live in Yokosuka) ...
  A: All tropical storms do not like shear which jet streams create. Jet streams also steer storms. Cold ...
Thunderstorms7/13/2007
  Q: Is it true that thunderstorms that move to the right of the winds aloft tend to cut off the supply ...
  A: Since the right movers tend to be more severe, they probably would, through their high structure, ...
upper-level troughs7/11/2007
  Q: What direction will a surface low pressure area move if a deep upper-level trough is to the west of ...
  A: In the northern hemisphere the general direction most likely to occur is a movement from the ...
Weather in desert biomes7/2/2007
  Q: What is some of the weather information in hot desert biomes? Namely temperature and precipitation ...
  A: Hot desert biomes would be characterized as having high temps near 100 F, very low humidity and ...
satellites and reception7/2/2007
  Q: Not sure if you're the expert to ask - if not perhaps you could direct me elsewhere. There is NO ...
  A: I am not an expert on satellite reception however you are probably correct that there is a pattern ...
lightning6/28/2007
  Q: Is it safe to be on a motorcycle in a thunderstorm, provided your feet don't touch the ground? I ...
  A: Tires do insulate and make a car a safe place to be. A motorcycle does not have a steel cage around ...
Snow/Summer6/27/2007
  Q: Donald, 1)When forecast in snow events say that ratios/ or rates will increase due to strong ...
  A: # 1 When conditions are favorable for dendritic snow, the best level is around -15C. ...
people in dust devils, tornadoes6/26/2007
  Q: and one of my teachers told me that people can go in dust devils, and even showed me a video on ...
  A: Generally speaking, dust devils will not kill you but flying objects that blow into the air could ...
route 66 holiday6/25/2007
  Q: four people average age 60 would like to do route 66 next year and we wondered if May was a good ...
  A: Weatherwise late September would be best. The problem with May is that it is tornado season east of ...
atmosphere6/24/2007
  Q: I have a grade 5 project to do and one of the questions is "what causes weather ?" are you able to ...
  A: Differential heating causes pressure changes and wind and all those, with moisture, cause weather. ...
Cause of Lightning & Thunder6/22/2007
  Q: what causes lighting and thunder
  A: A build up of a positive charge of electrons compared to the object that is going to receive the ...
Paleo-meteorolgy6/10/2007
  Q: Doc Rosenfeld, This may fall outside your expertise, if it does tell me. I would encourage you to ...
  A: You're right, I'm more into current weather than climates of the past. But, see if these links help: ...
barometric pressure5/28/2007
  Q: I was wondering what is considered high pressure and what is considered to be low pressure? For ...
  A: Normal sea level pressure is 29.92 inches / 1013.2 pascals; so, anything below that would be ...
High Pressure5/22/2007
  Q: Why do swallows and flies tend to fly lower before the rain? I thought the air pressure was low ...
  A: Swallows follow the flies; in storms with strong air currents flies try to stay low to avoid the ...
PRECIPITATION AND ITS METHOD OF MEASUREMNTS5/16/2007
  Q:
  A: Precipitation is any form of moisture that falls from the sky. Rain, snow, fog, drizzle, etc. Take ...
Severe Weather5/9/2007
  Q: Hey Donald, It would be great if you can help me with these few questions that have been bothering ...
  A: Compared to normal convective thunderstorms MCV's have cold air aloft, vertical share at low levels, ...
Animal behavior and weather5/1/2007
  Q: I'm doing a science paper discussing animal behavior as it relates to significant changes in ...
  A: Animals smell changes in ozone level, sense changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity and ...
curious cloud formation4/26/2007
  Q: I'm wondering if I can get information about a cloud mass I saw. Standing directly under it, it ...
  A: It was probably a funnel aloft (i.e., a tornado not reaching the ground). For more info, see: ...
when prevailing wind swiches4/26/2007
  Q: I would like to know about the process of when the prevailing wind changes direction. I am focusing ...
  A: The name of the game when it comes to sea breezes are the following: 1. Air temperature over the ...
Barometric Pressure4/23/2007
  Q: If the barometric pressure is above one atmosphere, why does it precipitate more than a barometer ...
  A: High (fair) pressure areas are associated with less precipitation than low (stormy) pressure areas. ...
Air pressure and health4/18/2007
  Q: I am currently doing an earth science project that relates to air pressure. I was wondering what ...
  A: Since the weight of air can exert different levels of pressure on the body it can cause discomfort ...
rainfall in Jamaica in October4/16/2007
  Q: We are considering Jamaica as a honeymoon destination. Would this be advisable? We will be arriving ...
  A: It's still hurricane season in October for Jamaica. Any rainfall unrelated to hurricanes is ...
Rogue waves and strong storms4/15/2007
  Q: Do you think that rogue waves and strong storms that form and dissipate quickly could be fatal or ...
  A: Rogue waves are so high and abnormal that they have to be the result of powerful large scale storms ...
Snowpack4/14/2007
  Q: Mr Rosenfeld: This Winter I went 52 days with a continuous Snow cover on the ground. Is this the ...
  A: Snow pack generally means the snow that remains during the winter between storms. The term is used ...
water barometers and air pressure4/12/2007
  Q: please would you be able to tell me about the average changes in atmospheric pressure associated ...
  A: Actually, there is very little pressure change during a thunderstorm- they are considered small ...
temperature inversions4/12/2007
  Q: Rosenfeld, I am doing research on temperature inversions, and I read that they can be predicted a ...
  A: Good question! There is very little on forecasting inversions. Take a look at: ...
Barometric Pressure4/11/2007
  Q: I was wondering, what are the variables that influence (affect) barometric pressure?
  A: They are basically the same but barometric pressure is the amount of air pressure as shown on a ...
F1 F2 F3 F4 F54/10/2007
  Q: WHAT DOSE THE F IN F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 MEAN?
  A: The F series is used in rating the severity of tornadoes. F5 is the severest. The link below will ...
Lightning and humidity3/29/2007
  Q: I was wondering if it was possible for humidity to effect lightning, and if so, how?
  A: Since water is a conductor of electricity a higher moisture content in the atmosphere would be ...
debate3/26/2007
  Q: within the earths atmosphere, is it hotter the closer you get to the sun? If not, why?
  A: As you rise in the atmosphere you get to the thermosphere and that is much hotter than lower ...
Lightning, Phones and High-rise Buildings3/24/2007
  Q: Is it dangerous to use the phones in a high-rise building? I use a headset at a call center in ...
  A: Generally speaking, it is dangerous to use a phone (except cell phone) in any building during a ...
weather3/19/2007
  Q: how does the meteorology know when the weather will change
  A: Meteorologist use weather maps to forecast the weather. Weather maps show storm and fair weather ...
how does the seasons affect water evaporation3/15/2007
  Q: Rosenfeld, My name is Isaac and I'm doing a science fair project, and I want to find out how the ...
  A: The amount of sunshine and the closeness of the sun to the earth effects how much evaporation ...
Dock vs ocean temperature3/12/2007
  Q: can you please explain why the temperature on the west coast, (Canada) can be above freezing but a ...
  A: A lake or ocean is a large body of water that is associated with high humidity and slow change to ...
tornado power3/3/2007
  Q: How much "power" is associated with a tornado (like in watts or horsepower), say for an F0 or F1?
  A: How much power does the strongest tornado have? Answered by: Joe Schaefer, director, NOAA/NWS ...
Humidity and how you feel2/28/2007
  Q: Interesting, so that's probably why places like Seattle, Washington can have high relative humidity ...
  A: * my response Interesting, so that's probably why places like Seattle, Washington can have high ...
potatos and weather forcasting2/26/2007
  Q: Was a potato ever used to forecast the weather? My daughter told me she learned this in school she ...
  A: There is a saying: "It will be a bad winter if tree bark is heaviest on the north side. Bark on ...
Hurricane eye subsidence2/26/2007
  Q: I know that hurricanes are powerful low pressure areas in the tropics and that air rises at low ...
  A: The intense convection in the actual eye wall has components of descending air that occurs on the ...
Humidity and how you feel2/24/2007
  Q: So to make sure I'm understanding correctly, relative humidity is what makes you feel either dry or ...
  A: With the colder temperature you'd feel less clammy because at the same time of feeling the humidity ...
ice storms2/24/2007
  Q: How much Ice has to accumulate on Trees and Wires before they start falling? And does Wind play a ...
  A: Usually about an inch. Wind does play a big roll. If its windy, ice is broken up on the lines and ...
Question about humidity, dew point temperature, and relative humidity2/23/2007
  Q: Can you tell me how dew point temperature makes you feel vs. how relative humidity makes you feel? ...
  A: Relative humidity is a figure that is based on how close the wet bulb temperature is to the air ...
Weather questions from the class!2/22/2007
  Q: My group of high school life skills students are studying weather. At the end of the unit, I asked ...
  A: A good teacher makes good students which makes good questions from the class! Does the weather have ...
What's the story on "Dodge" tides?2/22/2007
  Q: could you please tell me where in the world 'dodge tides' occur, thank you.
  A: A very good question! I've never been asked that one. A "Dodge tide" is a term to describe a tide ...
To cold to snow?2/13/2007
  Q: I often hear people say that, "It's too cold to snow". I have also noticed that following snow it ...
  A: It's never to cold for snow. Snow flakes are smaller and more like ice crystals at very cold ...
Precipitation1/31/2007
  Q: My question may be worded in such a way that I might not know how to communicate it correctly. Not ...
  A: A 30 % chance of precipitation means either rain or snow will fall in one third of the forecast area ...
wind gusts1/19/2007
  Q: I like to develop a model of wind speed vs time for a typical wind gust. Lets say for example the ...
  A: Instantaneous wind speed measurements in their selves are quite complex from an instrumentation ...
weather/seasons/tilt/sun1/17/2007
  Q: if the earth is closer to the sun in summer we expect more heating the sea than in winter and more ...
  A: Let me be more accurate. The closesness is dependent upon the angle of the earth. Winter is when the ...
Earth tilt affecting weather1/5/2007
  Q: Okay, its no longer private, thanks MarkHi Donald, I am working on a piece of fiction based on an ...
  A: My guess, calmer weather but major change of temperature distribution south vs northern hemisphere. ...
Inter-action of weather elements1/5/2007
  Q: Could you please tell me how do temperature, humidity and pressure relate to each other and how ...
  A: Temperature, humidity and pressure are related especially in storm systems. Low atmospheric ...
What causes weather?12/21/2006
  Q: What causes weather to change? What can weather be affected by?
  A: Temperature differences cause all weather. But, those differences cause the lows and highs (storms ...
Cows / methane / global warming12/20/2006
  Q: Does methane from cows have a significant greenhouse gas effect that ultimately affects our weather? ...
  A: Yes- methane is a big contributor towards global warming. Take a look at: ...
Thermometer information11/30/2006
  Q: How is the Thermometer inportant to forecasting the weather,and who is the atual inventor and in ...
  A: The thermometer was invented by Santorio Santorio around 1590. ...
El nino and mild weather in the northeast11/27/2006
  Q: Could El Nino have anything to do with the mild weather so far in Massachusetts? By the end of ...
  A: Most meteorologists would say yes. However, looking at the jet stream pattern and temperatures in ...
Photographing snowflakes11/27/2006
  Q: I took a picture at nighttime in South Dakota and was wondering why the snowflakes on the picture ...
  A: You're probably correct as to the clear wet dots. The size does differ both by water content, flakes ...
Comparative climate data11/22/2006
  Q: Rosenfeld, I love Austin, but the heat, the bright sunshine w/ no clouds to help shade it in the ...
  A: First, Happy Thanksgiving! The short answer to your question is that Minneapolis is a continental ...
Weather forecasting by air pressure11/16/2006
  Q: How does the barometric pressure explain weather?
  A: Low barometric pressure is associated with storms and high pressure is associated with fair weather. ...
Sea level atmospheric pressure by latitude11/15/2006
  Q: How does sea level atmospheric pressure vary with latitude? I think it is higher at the equator and ...
  A: In the summer it is higher at the equator but in the winter it is not. Here's confirmation: ...
Hurricane Absurity11/13/2006
  Q: Several years ago a Hurricane went north to Maine then turned south to cross Florida and eventually ...
  A: It is not unusual for a tropical storm to make a loop or even move back aways on its own path. But, ...
How do high and low pressure systems form?11/11/2006
  Q: How are they formed?What causes them to even exist?
  A: Two flows of air, separated by a front, distort because of an upper air disturbance and this process ...
May 5, 200711/10/2006
  Q: I will be getting married on this date and I would like to know what kind of weather should I expect ...
  A: May is a good month weatherwise to get married! However, to be specific that far in advance would ...
Acid rain composition10/25/2006
  Q: I have been wondering if nanotechnogy could help neutralize acid rain in clouds. Do you have any ...
  A: I haven't heard of any role for nanotechnology in rain (or acid rain) modification. However, maybe ...
Reliability of a weather forecast10/24/2006
  Q: What determines the reliability of a weather forecast?
  A: A very good question! Accurate verification is by NOAA observers who measure with accurate ...
HOW TO CALCULATE POUNDS PER SQUAR FOOT10/18/2006
  Q: WHAT IS THE FORMULA,(IF ANY), TO CALCULATE PONDS OF PRESSURE PER SQUARE FOOT WITH A WIND VELOCITY OF ...
  A: I don't know what a "18 14" screen is but I assume it is either a 18 X 14 inch or foot screen over a ...
fire weather10/16/2006
  Q: I am a college student doing a presentation on the weather patterns both causing, and resulting from ...
  A: I'm not aware that the AMS has any special interest in fire weather. However, the following sites ...
Hail with stone centers10/15/2006
  Q: No one has been able to answer this in the last several weeks. What phenomenon could cause hail ...
  A: There are four possibilities which I will list in order of probability: 1. Ice being transported by ...
Why is late spring wettest season?10/15/2006
  Q: why are May and June the wettest months in the Plains and Midwest? If it's due to the clash of warm ...
  A: A quick guess would be that the sub tropical jet is more active in the spring. ...
What is the cause of a lightning stroke?10/14/2006
  Q: what causes lightning to strike between clouds or touch the earth?
  A: A lightning discharge occurs when there is a significant difference of electrical charge between a ...
Hurricane criteria as to strength and naming10/2/2006
  Q: What makes a storm a hurricane and why did they name the one in New Orleans Hurricane Katrina?
  A: A storm is considered a hurricane when the winds in the storm are at least 74 mph and the center of ...
White rain10/1/2006
  Q: A few years ago I was sitting in a car with my windows open watching it rain. Some rain drops came ...
  A: Back in 2002 the only thing that I concluded was that the whiteness showed up after mechanical ...
NHC advisory wind field forecasts9/17/2006
  Q: In NHC advisories on hurricanes, does the distance from the center of the storm that they report ...
  A: The wind field forecasts are based on distance from the center of the eye. The wind forecasts are ...
Climate information for Washington, DC9/14/2006
  Q: Good day to you, I am getting ready to move to Washington DC in November and I wanted to know what ...
  A: A forecast for November, 3 months in advance, would not be reliable. Though, looking at the jet ...
Sun's effect on weather9/14/2006
  Q: My son is doing a 'research' paper on the following criteria: How does the Earth's tilt effect the ...
  A: Sounds like a worthy research project!! The distance from the Earth to the Sun is important because ...
A 30% chance of rain means what??9/12/2006
  Q: Explain "30% Chance of rain". does this mean an area has a 30% chance that it will rain that day ...
  A: NOAA defines as: "Precipitation Probabilities (PoP): It is defined as the likelihood of occurrence ...
a question9/8/2006
  Q: I need to know what the weather forecast was in Daingerfield Texas which is located in Morris County ...
  A: I believe you're looking for what the observations were om March 6, 2006 at Daingerfield TX: ...
Lightning hit on a lake or ocean8/20/2006
  Q: I have often wondered if there can be lightning strikes in the lakes or oceans and what would the ...
  A: Lightning strikes into a water body can kill fish and people- depends upon many variables such as ...
Edgemere PA climatology8/18/2006
  Q: I am trying to determine the annual rainfall amount in inches for Edgemere, a town in Pike County ...
  A: The annual precip (rain & snow) averages around 41 inches: http://tinyurl.com/qboe8 You could try ...
Hurricane intensity rating scale8/14/2006
  Q: During Hurricane Wilma's stint as "the most powerful hurricane in Atlantic history" with a pressure ...
  A: There is a new measuring stick being used to rate hurricane seasons and individual storms; it's ...
Lightning in Hong Kong and lightning safety8/10/2006
  Q: I would like to ask for the Thunderstorm days per year in Hong Kong. Also I would like to ask if ...
  A: The average is about 49 days per year: http://www.hko.gov.hk/cis/statistic/lgday_statistic_e.htm ...
Can you make it rain inside a building?8/8/2006
  Q: Can a person make it rain inside his/her house? Why or why not? Thank you for your help.
  A: To get "rain" you must have several factors at work; one way is the Bergeron process: ...
Cause of seasonal weather patterns8/7/2006
  Q: what could be some reasons for experiencing strabnge weather patterns in los angeles, such as record ...
  A: The cause of seasonal weather patterns are the positioning of the jet stream. So, if the jet stream ...
Weather in Grand Cayman August 4th-12th 20068/3/2006
  Q: My family is traveling to the Cayman's from the US. Are trip is scheduled from Aug.4 - Aug.12. We ...
  A: Tropical storm Chris has been weakening but should impact the Cayman's on the 5th & 6th with showers ...
Weather forecast for a year in advance8/2/2006
  Q: I know this is a long time from now but I am planning a wedding for July 28, 2007. The wedding will ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate forecast beyond a couple of weeks. Your best bet would be ...
Lightning7/29/2006
  Q: what is the record for the most lightening strikes with in hour, and where was it.
  A: I don't believe anyone knows the answer to that question. However, the place with the most lighnting ...
Global Warming as it affects the ocean height7/27/2006
  Q: all the global warming weather people keep mentioning the expansion of the oceans due to heating. I ...
  A: A difficult question(s)! Before I try to figure out the answer let me say that glacial melting ...
drought and global warming7/25/2006
  Q: There is much concern about drought caused by global warming. Wouldn't there be more rain, though, ...
  A: A very good question! The answer is yes and no though. Why? As the evaporation increases, even ...
Green lightning7/24/2006
  Q: Yesterday my roommate and I observed a severe storm with bolts of lightning and also what looked ...
  A: Most likely you were seeing power lines shorting out with the ground as they fell and the flashes ...
weather for August 20077/23/2006
  Q: Hello I am getting married on August 18 2007 I live in Euclid Ohio and are weather is often very ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate forecast beyond a couple of weeks. Your best bet would be ...
weather July 20077/22/2006
  Q: Please give me all Sat. nights for 2007 in July where I will have good weather...I have had a party ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate forecast beyond a couple of weeks. Your best bet would be ...
Where does lightning come from?7/20/2006
  Q: Me and my boyfriend both have different oppinions on where lightening comes from, I say from the ...
  A: You're both right! Different lightning bolts can come from the ground to cloud, cloud to ground or ...
Antarctic peninsular - weather and daylight7/20/2006
  Q: I am writing a screenplay and a part of it is set on the Antarctic Peninsular from November to ...
  A: Here are a few links that should give you a good idea about the weather & climate of the Antarctic: ...
strange lightning7/19/2006
  Q: Last night (1am est) Our town of Eastham, MA was hit by a very strong thunderstorm. 10 minutes into ...
  A: You ask a hard question because many odd things happen when it comes to lightning! I watched the ...
Marine Air and Thunderstorms7/19/2006
  Q: Can marine that invades during a heat wave inhibit thunderstorms?
  A: Marine air is stable air which inhibits and/or diminishes the intensity of thunderstorms. However, ...
heat index7/19/2006
  Q: What is a heat index? what does it indicate?
  A: A heat index is composed of the interaction of temperature and humidity to give a measure of human ...
wedding weather7/18/2006
  Q: You must get alot of these. I am planning on having a wedding in Marblehead, MA- one of the most ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate forecast beyond a couple of weeks. Your best bet would be ...
power of the sun7/18/2006
  Q: On one day it can be 25oC, clear blue sky, no wind. And a week later it can be exactly the same ...
  A: While the conditions at the surface of the earth may be the same the difference is in changes at ...
Is global warming caused by people?7/17/2006
  Q: i was wondering how do we know that the global warming is caused by humans and not a natural earth ...
  A: Here is a link that shows there is global warming: http://tinyurl.com/mewlc and a link that shows ...
Force of wind7/8/2006
  Q: How could I convert wind speed, to show how much force it has, like in newtons? Like if the wind ...
  A: Here is a formula for "Newtons": http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7n.html ...
Does a Northerly wind come from the north?7/8/2006
  Q: My question is this: What does "northerly" mean? Every dictionary I have seen lists two definitions. ...
  A: A "Northerly" winds means a wind from a northerly direction- typically from the north but could be ...
Weather forecast for a year in advance7/6/2006
  Q: What kind of predictions are there for the weather on July 7, 2007 in Baltimore, MD? I have an ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate forecast beyond a couple of weeks. Your best bet would be ...
Traverse City Michigan Climatology information7/4/2006
  Q: Can you tell me what the average number of sunny days for Traverse City is? Also, how many tornado ...
  A: Take a look at the "cloudy day" chart at: http://www.city-data.com/city/Traverse-City-Michigan.html ...
Global warming - is it real? Other questions.6/28/2006
  Q: Do you believe global warming is actually occurring? What do you believe as the top factor ...
  A: A couple of weeks ago I was asked the same question, so I'm copying my answer here: The question of ...
Tropical Storm ocean smell6/28/2006
  Q: I live in central (near Charlotte) NC. Why does the air/rain from a so-called "tropical storm" ...
  A: Since tropical storms/hurricanes form over the ocean, they have their moisture derived from salt ...
How far away does lightning strike & I can still see it?6/27/2006
  Q: How far does ligtening strike? Is it true it can strike up to 10 miles away?
  A: Some types of lightning, such as heat-lightning and sprites can be seen 100's of miles away. Local ...
Weather (Week of 6/25/06) NJ6/24/2006
  Q: Mr. Rosenfeld, My family and I have slotted a week-long trip to Toms River, NJ (beginning Monday ...
  A: That forecast means that there are chances for afternoon showers or thunderstorms but they will be ...
hurricane season 20076/22/2006
  Q: Mr. Rosenfeld, My sisters are planning on taking me on a trip next Aug. for my 40th birthday. I ...
  A: A year in advance for hurricane forecasting is too far for accurate forecasting! However, August is ...
Pittsburgh Weather6/14/2006
  Q: Mr. Rosenfeld, I'm writing for The Pitt News this summer, and the current story I'm working on is ...
  A: All good questions! 1.) Do Pittsburgh's three rivers (Monongahela, Ohio and Allegheny) affect the ...
Hurricane scale6/14/2006
  Q: Do you think that they should add a Category 6 to the Saffir-Simpson scale?
  A: I think the Saffir-Simpson scale has worked well and people are used to it; so, my answer would be ...
Planning for Engagement Party6/7/2006
  Q: I live in Middle Village, which is in Queens, N.Y. I am planning an engagement party for 01/27/07. ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate one year forecast. Your best bet would be to look at the ...
wedding5/31/2006
  Q: i am planning a wedding for betweenmarch and may of 2007 in portland oregon, i have no clue if i ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate one year forecast. If I knew the city the great! event was ...
cooler at the coast?5/30/2006
  Q: I had a bit of an argument with friends over this: When we were going to the beach over the ...
  A: You're right! Water temperature does not change as fast as seasonal atmospheric temperature. What ...
Rain temperature5/29/2006
  Q: I live in West palm beach, florida. Prior to a sudden, severe thunderstorm this afternoon, the ...
  A: Rain falling from higher elevations is always cooler. It is true that lower elevation temperatures ...
weather for 20075/27/2006
  Q: i am planning a wedding for april 21, 2007, i was wondering if you could tell me the best way to get ...
  A: It is not possible to give an accurate one year forecast. If I knew the city the great! event was ...
seasonal temperatures5/23/2006
  Q: My Son has a weather test this week and they need to know the ranges of temperature for each season. ...
  A: More: Winter – December, January, February Spring – March, April, May Summer – June, July, August ...
hurricanes5/14/2006
  Q: how do they forecast hurricanes?
  A: Meteorologist forecast hurricanes basically the same way they forecast other large scale storms. ...
Wedding Weather!5/11/2006
  Q: My fiance and I are planning to have our wedding on August 11, 2007 outside his parents' home in ...
  A: Over a year in advance is too far in the future for exact weather forecasts. Indiana can have ...
Hurricanes causing early labor?5/6/2006
  Q: What are the real facts surrounding the theory that hurricanes (barometric pressure) can cause early ...
  A: It is true that extreme drops in barometric pressure (atmospheric pressure) can cause early labor, ...
Army Signal Corps weather5/3/2006
  Q: My great grandfather, Thorpe Butolf Jennings (the family called him TB) was dispatched to Kansas ...
  A: One of these links might help: http://www.gordon.army.mil/ocos/Museum/ ...
Doppler5/1/2006
  Q: Well a few weeks back we had a twister just north of my town i was GLUED to my Doppler there was no ...
  A: Probably the tornado was hidden by the strong treturn from the hail. When you say: :How could I ...
global warming4/23/2006
  Q: Mr. Rosenfield, I am a journalism student at SDSU in California. I am writing a story on global ...
  A: A couple of weeks ago I was asked the same question, so I'm copying my answer here along with ...
tornadoes4/9/2006
  Q: Why are tornadoes more common in certain areas of the country like the Midwest?
  A: There is a confluence of factors: Topography (flat land), moisture source (Gulf of Mexico), ...
Global Warming/Cooling Scare4/9/2006
  Q: I've always been leery of the endless media scares, such as bird flu, E Coli/Salmonella etc., which ...
  A: The question of global warming has been settled; there is global warming. The questions not settled ...
air temperature and water temperature...4/6/2006
  Q: does air temperature affect water temperature (temperature of the creek or stream)? od does the ...
  A: Good question! Both affect each other. There is a transfer of warmness/coolness to each body by the ...
lighting4/3/2006
  Q: questions about lighting
  A: I didn't see your question so I'm going to guess: You have 3 questions: 1. How does lightning ...
Weather Report Chance of Rain3/29/2006
  Q: I have heard different answers from different people about what it means when the weather report ...
  A: "A 30% chance of rain" means that a person standing at the location of where the forecast covers ...
2007 forecasts3/27/2006
  Q: Anyone care to take a stab at weather conditions around Destin, Florida the later part of April ...
  A: A forecast of a year is kind of risky!! :) However, take a look at: Temperature: ...
offshore breeze3/23/2006
  Q: can you tell me why the term "offshore" breeze, means a breeze blowing FROM land to sea, whereas ...
  A: The reason is that it is a local wind that is derived from a difference between the land and water ...
air stability3/20/2006
  Q: Mr. Rosenfeld: I am interested in learning more about how I can classify air stability using the ...
  A: Take a look at: http://www.eglin.af.mil/weather/Pasquills.html ...
Tornado's3/19/2006
  Q: My question is this: If i were to live on a rock bluff approx. 250 ft. above the next lower level ...
  A: A tornado is water vapor and dust with winds that are very strong (150 mph or more) and when it hits ...
high pressure vs low pressure3/19/2006
  Q: My 10 year old son is doing a project about the weather. What is present during heavy snow falls, ...
  A: Low pressure; high pressure is associated with fair weather. For more, see: ...
precipitation3/9/2006
  Q: is there any relationship between the amount of precipitation and air temperature? does air ...
  A: Well, with snow, 1" of rain would be about 10" of snow at 32 F but at 20 degrees you'd get around ...
weather history3/1/2006
  Q: i'm doing a university project on the spanish armada and need info on specific meterological ...
  A: More info: http://tinyurl.com/gxg97 http://tinyurl.com/gxg97 ...
Weather2/26/2006
  Q: Why do we have weather?
  A: Well, the earth has an atmosphere, a sun shining into it, oceans and land to provide differential ...
tornadoes2/19/2006
  Q: I need to ask an expert how tornadoes start. It is for my science fair experiment at school. It is ...
  A: Tornadoes form in unstable air and from a pre-existing thunderstorm- most of the time associated ...
Why is it so windy in SF?2/14/2006
  Q: Has it always been windy in San Francisco?
  A: Any location that is next to the ocean tends to have average higher wind speeds compared to inland ...
meteorologist2/13/2006
  Q: what are meteorologists and what tools do they use to predict the weather
  A: Meteorologists are weather people who try to predict what the atmosphere will do at time and ...
Northern lights2/12/2006
  Q: Strictly speaking a travel query rather than a meteorology one, but I can't find a travel expert who ...
  A: See if these links help: http://www.spacew.com/www/aurora.php http://www.auroraborealisyukon.com/ ...
meteorology2/8/2006
  Q: You hear a weather forecast in the middle of the summer that predicts a warm front moving in. Do you ...
  A: Depends upon what part of the country you're in; however, generally a warm frontal passage means ...
Weather Predictions2/8/2006
  Q: How does a meteorologist determine that there is a "percent" chance of precipitation? (i.e. 70% ...
  A: Basically, there are two ways: The most common is that the Meteorologist bases his probability ...
meteorolgy2/6/2006
  Q: What is a result of high and low pressure activity? Needle lik snowflakes are called------ where ...
  A: High pressure bring fair weather and low pressure brings stormy weather. ...
weather movement2/4/2006
  Q: i ve heard that weather cant move east to west i live in ohio and i was wondering if it was possible ...
  A: Generally speaking the weather systems move from west to east or some variation of same. But, there ...