Differential heating
What causes weather? Weather happens because of differences in temperature. We know that the Sun is our main source of heat, but why isn’t that heat evenly distributed across the …
Course: Learn About Weather
What Are Thunderstorms and Spanish Plumes?
Thunderstorms come from cumulonimbus clouds, which are convective clouds. They can occur all year around, and in the winter can bring snow as well as thunder and lightning, an event …
How to read a synoptic chart
Find out what the lines, arrows and letters mean on synoptic weather charts. The word ‘synoptic’ simply means a summary of the current situation. In weather terms this means the …
Strong wind
Foehn effect When air passes over mountains, the valleys on the downwind side (or ‘lee’ side) often experience strong and gusty downslope winds accompanied by abrupt warming and drying. These …
Thunderstorms and Spanish Plume: What Are They?
Thunderstorms Let’s remind ourselves how thunderstorms develop. They come from cumulonimbus clouds, which are convective clouds. Thunderstorms can occur all year around, and in the winter can bring snow as …