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.
Tsunamis are triggered by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on the ocean's floor. But other massive waves are caused by wind and can come on suddenly and without warning.
The evidence is clear: Human activities — like the burning of fossil fuels — are the main driving force behind modern climate change.
The mercury soared to over 122 degrees Fahrenheit in Nawkwabash, Pakistan. It could be the highest April temp ever recorded on the planet.
Scientists across the globe attempt to forecast upcoming hurricane seasons in the Atlantic. But how — and are they right?
The danger to the iconic statues is now greater than ever due to erosion and higher-energy wave action caused by climate change.
Red snow? Yes. It totally exists. And while it might look cool, it's not exactly what you want to see from Mother Nature.
In the mid-20th century, lightning strikes killed hundreds of Americans each year. Now, that number's dropped to only a few dozen. What's changed?
As Earth's Climate Changes, Is It Time to Redefine the Four Seasons?
The four seasons experienced by Earth's midlatitude regions are being gradually altered by global warming — but a climate expert says they won't completely go away.
Scientists Develop Clearer Idea of How Dino-Killing Asteroid Changed Earth's Environment
A new model describes in more detail how the Chicxulub asteroid affected our planet, from dropping temperatures to pausing photosynthesis, with soot playing an integral part.
Knowing a Tornado's Strength Could Save More Lives Than Knowing Its Exact Path
Researchers studying tornadoes use a common theory of economics to determine casualty rates.
'Pilot's Glory': Why a Rainbow Encircles an Airplane Shadow on Clouds
Very specific atmospheric conditions and just the right perspective are necessary to see the phenomenon.
Weather Patterns Are Getting Stuck as Climate Changes Affect the Jet Stream
Polar temperatures are changing more rapidly than equatorial ones, making the jet stream slower and wider, and extreme events longer-lasting.
Becoming Better Solar Meteorologists, With Help From Some Monster Waves
Explosive solar events are bad news for Earth, so it's good to keep an eye on space weather. Newly discovered "Rossby-like" waves could help them out with that big job.
We've all seen shots of meteorologists fighting gale-force winds to report on storms. So just how high can the winds get before the reporters are knocked off their feet?
Earth's atmosphere used to be full of toxic hydrogen, but a brief period of methane smog cleared the way for valuable oxygen to set up shop.
Midwestern night owls got a meteoric surprise this week.
NASA Investigates Cosmic Ray Impact on High-altitude Travelers
The atmosphere protects those of us here on land from cosmic radiation. So what about those who spend time above the clouds?
As Hurricane Matthew continues its deadly tour of the East Coast, HowStuffWorks Now explore all the ways these mega-storms can take you out.
Weather bombs have produced some of the most destructive storms on record. So what is one exactly?
Herd animals stick together, but when there's a lightning storm, there may not be safety in numbers.
More than two centuries ago, the biggest volcanic explosion in human history occurred. And it had far-reaching effects.
You Haven't Seen Lightning Until You've Seen This Slow-motion Lightning
Florida Tech filmed lightning strikes with powerful cameras that show the strikes almost 30 times slower than real life.
Tiny Louisiana Community Is Rapidly Vanishing Due to Rising Seas
Once 5 miles wide, the Isle de Jean Charles has shrunk to be a spit of land barely a quarter mile wide. Soon it will no longer exist.
El Nino is anything but child's play when it comes to affecting the globe's weather — and, in turn, our economies, health and safety.
The Aurora as Seen From Space Is Prettier Than You Ever Imagined
Just because astronauts are in space doesn't mean they can't use Twitter. These images of the Northern Lights were shot by International Space Station crewmembers.
