Climate & Weather
Atmospheric sciences help us understand and predict the weather. Learn about topics such as the seasons, why it snows, and how rainbows are formed.
7 of the 10 Hottest Countries in the World Are on 1 Continent
Why Ice Usually Freezes Cloudy, Not Clear
1816 Was the Year Without a Summer
How Is Barometric Pressure Measured and Why?
How a Weather Balloon Works?
How the Tornado Intercept Vehicle Works
Can China control the weather?
HowStuffWorks Illustrated: Hurricane Categories
10 Myths About Lightning
10 Ways Animals Supposedly Predict the Weather
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Did you know that some places on Earth can get so hot that local wildlife has evolved specifically to survive the extreme conditions? In these regions, the heat isn't just a summer wave; it's a constant presence.
Hurricanes can range in strength from Category 1 all the way to Category 5. Learn more about hurricane categories in this HowStuffWorks Illustrated video.
Ice cubes usually look cloudy and opaque in the middle, despite the fact that water is clear. What's the deal?
By Mark Mancini
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More than two centuries ago, the biggest volcanic explosion in human history occurred. And it had far-reaching effects.
There's a thunderstorm brewing with some serious lightning. Fortunately you're safe in your car because of its rubber wheels. Or are you? And let's not get started on your rubber-soled sneakers!
By Chris Opfer
Next time the cat starts sneezing, should you look for your umbrella or check her out for allergies? There are many superstitions out there about animals and weather prediction. Which ones hold water, and which ones are for the birds?
By Alia Hoyt
There are certain steps you should take to protect yourself, your family and your home during a disaster. These are not those steps.
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The most damaging hurricanes usually have female names. Is this a case of gender bias, or is some other force at work?
Nothing ruins a good hair day like humidity, especially if your hair is dry and overprocessed. What's the science behind the frizz?
A very strong storm doesn't automatically mean death or destruction. You can improve the odds of surviving intact with reinforcements to your home. Plus, scientists are improving their forecast methods. Let's look at high-tech and low-tech storm alerts.
What makes a nor'easter different from your run-of-the-mill winter storm? And which ones have done the most damage?
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Auroras themselves aren't rare, but spotting one can be tricky: You need a clear, dark sky within one of the auroral zones. What are 10 spots that up the odds a bit?
By Julia Layton
When climate variations mix with unsustainable agriculture and urbanization, vast swaths of once-fertile lands transform into deserts. Is the U.S. in danger of becoming a dried-up wasteland?
We all know it's a little cooler under a shady tree. But do trees have an effect on the five-day forecast, or even the global climate?
Thunderstorms are impressive and destructive elements of nature. This collection of images highlights some of the most spectacular features of storms.
By Rick Mayda
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Can Fido predict an incoming tornado? If animals can predict the weather, do we stop trusting the weatherman and start visiting the zoo to get tomorrow's forecast?
As a dominant world power, there's not much that China doesn't affect or control outright these days, including the weather. How did the superpower produce flawless skies for the biggest party of the year?
You may have noticed signs on the highway that warn "Bridge Ices Before Road." What causes this to happen?
Snow is nothing more than frozen water, and water is clear, not white. But snow is bright white. How?
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What is "wind chill"? Does it have any effect on inanimate objects?
They're an odd enough sight in the sky to make you do a double take. Ready for the "super cool" explanation behind hole-punch clouds?
Iceland? The North Pole? Antarctica? There are a lot of super cold places on this planet, but which one can claim bragging rights as the coldest place on Earth?
By Mark Mancini
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.
By Tom Harris
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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?
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.