What’s the difference between Weather and Climate?

Weather is a short term change in atmospheric (sky) conditions. It is caused by uneven heating of the earth’s surface.

Climate is the average weather conditions over a long period of time.

Weather conditions can change from day… …to day…

Weather conditions can change from day… …to day… …or even hour to hour.

Weather conditions can change from day… …to day… …or even hour to hour. Climate doesn’t change much.

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather.

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather. Atmospheric variables include:

temperature thermometer

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather. Atmospheric variables include: temperature humidity hygrometer

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather. Atmospheric variables include: temperature humidity wind speed & direction anemometer & wind vane

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather. Atmospheric variables include: temperature humidity wind speed & direction air pressure barometer

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather. Atmospheric variables include: temperature humidity wind speed & direction air pressure sky conditions

Meteorologists measure the conditions that vary within the atmosphere and describe this as our weather. Atmospheric variables include: temperature humidity wind speed & direction air pressure sky conditions and more.

There are many weather instruments they use:

thermometers,

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes,

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes, hygrometers,

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes, hygrometers, barometers,

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes, hygrometers, barometers, and many “high tech” things such as

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes, hygrometers, barometers, and many “high tech” things such as Doppler Radar

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes, hygrometers, barometers, and many “high tech” things such as Doppler Radar and

There are many weather instruments they use: thermometers, anemometers & wind vanes, hygrometers, barometers, and many “high tech” things such as Doppler Radar and satellites.

Forecasts are based on these measurements.

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables,

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables, and they help us to understand (and hopefully predict) weather changes.

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables, and they help us to understand (and hopefully predict) weather changes. Long-range studies have allowed us to see that certain combinations of weather conditions usually lead to certain other conditions at a later time.

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables, and they help us to understand (and hopefully predict) weather changes. Long-range studies have allowed us to see that certain combinations of weather conditions usually lead to certain other conditions at a later time. E.g. a drop in air pressure and a rise in humidity usually precede precipitation.

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables, and they help us to understand (and hopefully predict) weather changes. Long-range studies have allowed us to see that certain combinations of weather conditions usually lead to certain other conditions at a later time. E.g. a drop in air pressure and a rise in humidity usually precede precipitation. Therefore, we can state the Probability of Occurrence of changes in the weather

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables, and they help us to understand (and hopefully predict) weather changes. Long-range studies have allowed us to see that certain combinations of weather conditions usually lead to certain other conditions at a later time. E.g. a drop in air pressure and a rise in humidity usually precede precipitation. Therefore, we can state the Probability of Occurrence of changes in the weather (e.g. “a 70% chance of snow” means

There are certain relationships that occur between atmospheric variables, and they help us to understand (and hopefully predict) weather changes. Long-range studies have allowed us to see that certain combinations of weather conditions usually lead to certain other conditions at a later time. E.g. a drop in air pressure and a rise in humidity usually precede precipitation. Therefore, we can state the Probability of Occurrence of changes in the weather (e.g. “a 70% chance of snow” means that in 70% of the times before when the conditions were like this, it snowed).

These weather relationships include:

A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases.

More concentrated Summer sun

Less concentrated Winter sun

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure_______

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.)

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C. As moisture content (_______) of the air increases,

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C. As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure _______

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C. As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure decreases.

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C. As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure decreases. (Water vapor is less dense than dry air.)

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C.As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure decreases. (Water vapor is less dense than dry air.) D.Relative Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the air compared to

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C.As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure decreases. (Water vapor is less dense than dry air.) D.Relative Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount it could hold

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C.As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure decreases. (Water vapor is less dense than dry air.) D.Relative Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount it could hold at that temperature.

These weather relationships include: A. As the sunlight gets more direct, and duration lasts longer, the higher the temperature increases. B. As temperature increases, air pressure decreases. (Hot air is less dense than cold air.) C.As moisture content (humidity) of the air increases, air pressure decreases. (Water vapor is less dense than dry air.) D.Relative Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount it could hold at that temperature. It is affected by temperature and moisture content:

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down.

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up.

E.Dew point - the temp. at which the air becomes saturated,

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point - the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms.

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air.

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air. 1. As humidity increases, dew point goes up.

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air. 1.As humidity increases, dew point goes up. 2.As the dew point and air temperature get closer to each other, the chance of precip. gets _____

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air. 1.As humidity increases, dew point goes up. 2.As the dew point and air temperature get closer to each other, the chance of precip. gets higher.

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air. 1.As humidity increases, dew point goes up. 2.As the dew point and air temperature get closer to each other, the chance of precip. gets higher. This can happen in 2 ways:

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air. 1.As humidity increases, dew point goes up. 2.As the dew point and air temperature get closer to each other, the chance of precip. gets higher. This can happen in 2 ways: more water being added to the air;

- As temperature increases, the air could hold more vapor, so the relative humidity goes down. - As moisture content increases, rel. humidity goes up. E.Dew point, the temp. at which the air becomes saturated, so that condensation (dew) forms. It is a very common way to describe the moisture content (humidity) of the air. 1.As humidity increases, dew point goes up. 2.As the dew point and air temperature get closer to each other, the chance of precip. gets higher. This can happen in 2 ways: more water being added to the air; or the temp. dropping.

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface)

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere.

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others.

Which letter best represents a place of highest air pressure?

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. In which general direction is the wind blowing at location A? A

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1. Winds always blow away from “highs”

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.)

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows”

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows” (counterclockwise in the northern hemis.).

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows” (counterclockwise in the northern hemis.). 2.As the gradient between highs and lows increases, wind speed _________.

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows” (counterclockwise in the northern hemis.). 2.As the gradient between highs and lows increases, wind speed increases.

A B C D E At which location are the winds blowing the strongest?

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows” (counterclockwise in the northern hemis.). 2.As the gradient between highs and lows increases, wind speed increases. G.As atmospheric transparency increases, radiation (for both heating and cooling) ________.

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows” (counterclockwise in the northern hemis.). 2.As the gradient between highs and lows increases, wind speed increases. G.As atmospheric transparency increases, radiation (for both heating and cooling) increases.

F.Wind (the horizontal flow of air over the earth’s surface) is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere. This causes some places to have higher air pressure than others. 1.Winds always blow away from “highs” (clockwise in the northern hemis.) and toward “lows” (counterclockwise in the northern hemis.). 2.As the gradient between highs and lows increases, wind speed increases. G.As atmospheric transparency increases, radiation (for both heating and cooling) increases. - The atmosphere is periodically cleaned through the processes of cloud formation and precipitation.

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way.

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way. E.g. “lake effect” snow caused by wind blowing over large lakes and then onto land again.

5 o C 0 o C 5 o C Lake Ontario NYS east of Lake Ontario

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way. E.g. “lake effect” snow caused by wind blowing over large lakes and then onto land again. 5 o C 0 o C 5 o C -3 o C Lake Ontario NYS east of Lake Ontario

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way. E.g. “lake effect” snow caused by wind blowing over large lakes and then onto land again. 5 o C 0 o C 5 o C -3 o C -5 o C Lake Ontario NYS east of Lake Ontario

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way. E.g. “lake effect” snow caused by wind blowing over large lakes and then onto land again. 5 o C 0 o C 5 o C -3 o C -5 o C Lake Ontario NYS east of Lake Ontario Winds flowing over the water have picked up heat and moisture from the lake.

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way. E.g. “lake effect” snow caused by wind blowing over large lakes and then onto land again. 5 o C 0 o C 5 o C -3 o C -5 o C Lake Ontario NYS east of Lake Ontario Winds flowing over the water have picked up heat and moisture from the lake. Going over the land it cools and vapor starts to condense into clouds.

H.Local conditions (geographical, topographical, etc.) can affect weather conditions in a more complex way. E.g. “lake effect” snow caused by wind blowing over large lakes and then onto land again. 5 o C 0 o C 5 o C -3 o C -5 o C Lake Ontario NYS east of Lake Ontario Winds flowing over the water have picked up heat and moisture from the lake. More cooling so more vapor condenses, providing snow * * * * * **

The United States has a prevailing wind that generally blows from west to east,

The United States has a prevailing wind that generally blows from west to east, carrying weather systems with it.

AIR MASSES AND FRONTAL SYSTEMS

Air masses are large units of air which have formed over certain parts of the earth… Air Mass

AIR MASSES AND FRONTAL SYSTEMS Air masses are large units of air which have formed over certain parts of the earth Cool, dry air …and have picked up the weather conditions (temp. & humidity) of their source regions. Land very far north

There are 4 basic types of air masses:

cP – continental Polar - dry & cold (central Canada) cP

There are 4 basic types of air masses: cT - continental Tropical - dry & warm (Mexico) cT

There are 4 basic types of air masses: mP - maritime Polar - humid & cold (North Atlantic) mP

There are 4 basic air masses: mT - maritime Tropical - humid & warm (Gulf of Mexico) mT

Air Masses that can affect the U.S.

The highest pressure will form in the middle of the air mass, ground 1036 mb

The highest pressure will form in the middle of the air mass, ground 1036 mb 1005 mb1006 mb

The highest pressure will form in the middle of the air mass, ground 1036 mb 1005 mb1006 mb

The highest pressure will form in the middle of the air mass, so a “HIGH” on a weather map generally shows the middle of an air mass.

Air Mass

The highest pressure will form in the middle of the air mass, so a “HIGH” on a weather map generally shows the middle of an air mass. High pressure systems tend to have fair weather associated with them; they are cooler and drier.

The lowest pressure will form at the edges of the air mass, ground 1036 mb1005 mb1006 mb

The lowest pressure will form at the edges of the air mass, so a “LOW” on a weather map generally shows where two air masses meet. ground 1036 mb1005 mb1006 mb

The lowest pressure will form at the edges of the air mass, so a “LOW” on a weather map generally shows where two air masses meet.

The lowest pressure will form at the edges of the air mass, so a “LOW” on a weather map generally shows where two air masses meet. Low pressure systems tend to have stormy weather, and tend to be warmer and more humid.

The interface (boundary) where two air masses meet is called a ____.

The interface (boundary) where two air masses meet is called a front.

front

The interface (boundary) where two air masses meet is called a front. The interface is fairly distinct, with not much mixing of the two types of air.

The interface (boundary) where two air masses meet is called a front. The interface is fairly distinct, with not much mixing of the two types of air. Generally, a front forms when one air mass overruns another air mass

The interface (boundary) where two air masses meet is called a front. The interface is fairly distinct, with not much mixing of the two types of air. Generally, a front forms when one air mass overruns another air mass and pushes it out of the way.

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually mT).

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually mT). Being more dense, the __ air mass stays closer to the ground

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually mT). Being more dense, the cP air mass stays closer to the ground

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually mT). Being more dense, the cP air mass stays closer to the ground and forces the mT air mass upward.

Cross sectional view

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually mT). Being more dense, the cP air mass stays closer to the ground and forces the mT air mass upward. Cross sectional view Map symbol

A cold front forms when a cold air mass (usually cP) overtakes a warm air mass (usually mT). Being more dense, the cP air mass stays closer to the ground and forces the mT air mass upward. Cross sectional view Map symbol Cold air Warm air

When a cold front approaches, the barometer _____ rapidly.

When a cold front approaches, the barometer falls rapidly.

When a cold front approaches, the barometer falls rapidly. Expect quick changes in the weather:

When a cold front approaches, the barometer falls rapidly. Expect quick changes in the weather: sudden storms, strong winds

When a cold front approaches, the barometer falls rapidly. Expect quick changes in the weather: sudden storms, strong winds (and a shift in the direction),

When a cold front approaches, the barometer falls rapidly. Expect quick changes in the weather: sudden storms, strong winds (and a shift in the direction), temp drop,

When a cold front approaches, the barometer falls rapidly. Expect quick changes in the weather: sudden storms, strong winds (and a shift in the direction), temp drop, cumulonimbus clouds form.

Cumulonimbus clouds:

After the front passes, the barometer ____ fairly quickly

After the front passes, the barometer rises fairly quickly

After the front passes, the barometer rises fairly quickly and the skies clear up. The temp

After the front passes, the barometer rises fairly quickly and the skies clear up. The temp remains cooler.

Cold Warm

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way.

Cross sectional view

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol Cold air mass Warm air mass

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer Cold air mass Warm air mass

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs Cold air mass Warm air mass

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs before the front reaches the area. Cold air mass Warm air mass

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs before the front reaches the area. Long periods of precipitation occur with milder winds; there are stratus and nimbostratus clouds. Cold air mass Warm air mass

Examples of stratus clouds: nimbostratus

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs before the front reaches the area. Long periods of precipitation occur with milder winds; there are stratus and nimbostratus clouds. After it passes, the barometer

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs before the front reaches the area. Long periods of precipitation occur with milder winds; there are stratus and nimbostratus clouds. After it passes, the barometer rises slowly, temp

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs before the front reaches the area. Long periods of precipitation occur with milder winds; there are stratus and nimbostratus clouds. After it passes, the barometer rises slowly, temp rises, skies are clearer but still partly cloudy,

A warm front forms when a warm air mass (mT) pushes a cold air mass out of the way. Cross sectional view Map symbol While the warm front approaches, the barometer falls slowly, but the bad weather occurs before the front reaches the area. Long periods of precipitation occur with milder winds; there are stratus and nimbostratus clouds. After it passes, the barometer rises slowly, temp rises, skies are clearer but still partly cloudy, humid.

Cold Warm

A stationary front forms when two opposing air masses meet, but

A stationary front forms when two opposing air masses meet, but neither one pushes the other out of the way.

Cross sectional viewMap symbol

A stationary front forms when two opposing air masses meet, but neither one pushes the other out of the way. Cross sectional viewMap symbol Cold air Warm air

A stationary front forms when two opposing air masses meet, but neither one pushes the other out of the way. Cross sectional viewMap symbol The weather associated with a stationary front is similar to that of a warm front. Cold air Warm air

A stationary front forms when two opposing air masses meet, but neither one pushes the other out of the way. Cross sectional viewMap symbol The weather associated with a stationary front is similar to that of a warm front. Once it starts moving, it becomes some other kind of front. Cold air Warm air

An occluded front occurs when a cold front overruns a warm front.

Cross sectional view

Map symbol

Cross sectional viewMap symbol Cool air

Cross sectional viewMap symbol Cool air Colder air

Cross sectional viewMap symbol Cool air Colder air The weather associated with an occluded front is much like that of a warm front followed by a cold front, except the location would not get into the warm air.

STORMS

Hurricanes start off as

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator.

As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator. As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a tropical storm.

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator. As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a tropical storm. When the sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is then classified as a hurricane.

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator. As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a tropical storm. When the sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is then classified as a hurricane. When it makes land fall, it brings with it strong winds, heavy rains, and a storm surge,

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator. As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a tropical storm. When the sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is then classified as a hurricane. When it makes land fall, it brings with it strong winds, heavy rains, and a storm surge, which causes flooding.

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator. As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a tropical storm. When the sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is then classified as a hurricane. When it makes land fall, it brings with it strong winds, heavy rains, and a storm surge, which causes flooding. A few hours after land fall, it weakens drastically, becoming

Hurricanes start off as tropical depressions. They usually begin in the warm waters just north or south of the equator. As it moves westward over the ocean, it gains strength. It then becomes a tropical storm. When the sustained winds reach 74 mph, it is then classified as a hurricane. When it makes land fall, it brings with it strong winds, heavy rains, and a storm surge, which causes flooding. A few hours after land fall, it weakens drastically, becoming a series of thunderstorms.

A typical North Atlantic hurricane follows an irregular path

A typical North Atlantic hurricane follows an irregular path that usually brings it to North America. It may then follow the coast and go back out to sea.

Cloud Types:

1 2

1 2 cirrus

Cloud Types: 1 2 cirrus cumulus

stratus

cumulonimbus nimbostratus

altocumulus altostratus cirrus cumulus

cumulostratus cirrocumulus

cirrostratus

funnel cloud

Lenticular clouds

cirrus stratus cirrocumulus stratus jet exhaust stratus