Weather 101: Explaining Everyday Phenomena 

Weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and monsoons are fascinating natural phenomena, but they can seem complex and overwhelming to understand. However, by breaking them down into simpler concepts, we can gain a clearer understanding of these remarkable weather events.

Heatwaves

Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, often associated with high humidity. They can pose health risks and impact agriculture, water resources, and energy consumption. Heatwaves occur due to persistent high-pressure systems and the influx of warm air.

Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is a large, low-pressure system that resides near the Earth’s poles. It weakens during summer and strengthens during winter, sometimes leading to outbreaks of extremely cold air from the Arctic regions into lower latitudes, resulting in severe winter weather events.

Droughts

Droughts are prolonged periods of abnormally low precipitation that can occur in various regions globally. They can have severe impacts on agriculture, water supplies, ecosystems, and local economies. Droughts are often associated with persistent high-pressure systems and lack of rainfall.

Storm Surge

Storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level caused by a combination of low atmospheric pressure, strong winds, and the push of water towards the shore during a storm, particularly during hurricanes. It poses a significant threat, leading to coastal flooding and erosion.