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326 Questions

Last Answer on December 24, 2019

Can an 81 story building, that is surrounded by 40 story buildings, and less, draw clouds and therefore more rain than other areas? I live in an area described above and there seems to always be rain clouds and rain surrounding this area.

Asked by Marty about 8 years ago

Thanks, Marty. Not really as you've described. I do know there is some evidence, and research, that shows that the heat island effect of cities can affect local weather. I remember one study showing the increased heat radiation from Atlanta on a hot summer day has been shown to create small thunderstorms just downstream. Buildings can certainly affect wind flow and some coastal buildings have been seen to create some small cloud or fog formation as air moves past them. Good question.

1017 Votes

It has just hailed but there is no storm in sight. It isn't even raining. How is this possible?

Asked by Irisj over 10 years ago

I'd need a little bit more information, including location and time. That said, if you think it was not hail there is something called "graupel". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graupel

1014 Votes

I've read meteorologists use a lot of math in their studies. How about the geometry? Would you say meteorologists use more Euclidean or more Non-Euclidean geometry, specifically when studying tornadoes? Thank you!

Asked by Courtney almost 9 years ago

Hi, Courtney. I’ll have to pitch that one to meteorologists in the research and numerical modeling fields. I certainly use their products but building them is out of my area. Thanks.

1014 Votes

When snow is forecast, how is it determined what the accumulation will be?

Asked by Richard Ferstandig over 8 years ago

Different computer forecast models will give guidance on the amount of liquid. Snow totals are variable based largely on the temperature profile of the atmosphere above the ground. A general rule is about 9-10 inches of snow per inch of liquid, variable based on several factors, including forecaster experience in the area. Great question.

1011 Votes

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We recently had a PVC waterline that “exploded” 3 feet underground during a bad thunderstorm. A tree near the line was struck then our water was lost. The pipe was found to have ruptured in 3 separate spots. Can lightning travel like this?

Asked by KCR about 8 years ago

So sorry about that! Yes, lightning can travel many feet away from the strike point as the energy dissipates. The explosion could have been a pressure build-up from the water boiling rapidly and increasing the pressure, the bolt can reach 50,000 degrees. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-ground-currents

1008 Votes

Why did the siren sound change form a long wail to shorter wails?

Asked by sdafdf over 7 years ago

Siren choice is up to each municipality. You might check with your local county emergency management office. Thanks!

1006 Votes

We tried measuring the amount of rain using many different sized containers. We brought our containers inside and measured the rain using a measuring cup and everyone collected a different amount of rain! Any tips for an accurate way to measure rain?

Asked by Mrs. Dumond's Class almost 10 years ago

I think I would do a search for rain gauge and buy one. It needs to be calibrated for the opening and bucket size. Have fun!

1004 Votes

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TV Meteorologist

Ask me anything!

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Can an 81 story building, that is surrounded by 40 story buildings, and less, draw clouds and therefore more rain than other areas? I live in an area described above and there seems to always be rain clouds and rain surrounding this area.

It has just hailed but there is no storm in sight. It isn't even raining. How is this possible?

I've read meteorologists use a lot of math in their studies. How about the geometry? Would you say meteorologists use more Euclidean or more Non-Euclidean geometry, specifically when studying tornadoes? Thank you!

When snow is forecast, how is it determined what the accumulation will be?

Also on Jobstr...

We recently had a PVC waterline that “exploded” 3 feet underground during a bad thunderstorm. A tree near the line was struck then our water was lost. The pipe was found to have ruptured in 3 separate spots. Can lightning travel like this?

Why did the siren sound change form a long wail to shorter wails?

We tried measuring the amount of rain using many different sized containers. We brought our containers inside and measured the rain using a measuring cup and everyone collected a different amount of rain! Any tips for an accurate way to measure rain?

TV Meteorologist

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Can an 81 story building, that is surrounded by 40 story buildings, and less, draw clouds and therefore more rain than other areas? I live in an area described above and there seems to always be rain clouds and rain surrounding this area.

It has just hailed but there is no storm in sight. It isn't even raining. How is this possible?

I've read meteorologists use *a lot* of math in their studies. How about the geometry? Would you say meteorologists use more Euclidean or more Non-Euclidean geometry, specifically when studying tornadoes? Thank you!

When snow is forecast, how is it determined what the accumulation will be?

Also on Jobstr...

We recently had a PVC waterline that “exploded” 3 feet underground during a bad thunderstorm. A tree near the line was struck then our water was lost. The pipe was found to have ruptured in 3 separate spots. Can lightning travel like this?

Why did the siren sound change form a long wail to shorter wails?

We tried measuring the amount of rain using many different sized containers. We brought our containers inside and measured the rain using a measuring cup and everyone collected a different amount of rain! Any tips for an accurate way to measure rain?

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I've read meteorologists use a lot of math in their studies. How about the geometry? Would you say meteorologists use more Euclidean or more Non-Euclidean geometry, specifically when studying tornadoes? Thank you!