Can China control the weather?

Weather control is being looked at by Chinese officials as a way of ensuring clear skies for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Read about weather modification methods and their efficacy.

Can I get struck by lightning when I'm indoors?

I've heard that if I'm inside my home during a lightning storm, on the phone or in the shower, I can get struck by lightning. Is this true?

How Acid Rain Works

Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants, cars and factories. Find out how acid rain is produced, how it affects natural and man-made objects and how governments aim to reduce it.

How Auroras Work

Auroras are stunning natural light shows that are visible only in certain parts of the world at certain times of the year. Where can you go to see one?

How could it rain for 45 straight days?

The Texas flood in the spring of 2007 caused billions of dollars in damage and took the lives of 13 people. Read all about the Texas flood of 2007.

How Rainbows Work

Rainbows are one of nature's most beautiful effects. Have you ever wondered how the colors end up in seemingly perfect bands? And, what about double rainbows -- how does that happen? Find out how rain and sun can align to put color in the sky.

How Storm Chasers Work

If a tornado was heading your way, you'd probably head for the hills. But for some people, it's just the beginning of a chase.

What if I were struck by lightning?

When you think of lightning striking, you probably see a flash of light come down from the sky and hit somone or something. But it's a little more complicated than that.

How far does ultraviolet light penetrate into the body?

Ultraviolet light waves can cause damage to our skin if we are exposed for an extended period of time. How does ultraviolet light waves affect our skin, and how far does it penetrate human skin when it is exposed? Find out in this article from HowStuffWorks.

If the temperature is 30 degrees F, why do we sometimes get snow and other times get freezing rain?

In the southeast United States, four different types of water can fall from the sky if the weather is close to freezing. Sometimes rain falls, sometimes freezing rain, sometimes sleet and then occasionally snow. What causes all of these different forms?

What causes a rainbow?

We can usually see rainbows right after a rainstorm on a warm Spring day. These giant colorful arcs stand out against the dark rain clouds. Have you ever wondered what causes this phenomena? Find out how rainbows are created in this article from HowStuffWorks.

What does it mean when a barometer is rising or falling?

Changes in air pressure can have a great effect on weather patterns. Meteorologists use a barometer to measure these changes in air pressure, but what, exactly, does it mean when they say a barometer is rising or falling? Find out in this article.

What is relative humidity and how does it affect how I feel outside?

We hear about humidity in just about every weather report on the nightly news. There are several different ways meteorologists measure humidity, but relative humidity is the most common measurement. What is relative humidity, though? Find out in this article.

Why are there more thunderstorms during the summer?

Around 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring on the Earth at any given time. However, they typically only occur in the warmer parts of the planet. Why does warm weather spawn more thunderstorms than colder weather? Find out in this article.

Why do they use salt to melt ice on the road in the winter?

During snowy conditions you may have noticed your local Department of Transportation sprinkling salt on the roads. Have you ever wondered why they do this? Find out why salt is used to melt the ice on roads in this article.