Dangerous meteorological phenomena with the capability to cause damage, disruption or death are often referred to under the blanket term of severe weather. Severe weather is also part of the larger umbrella term of natural disasters, which includes land, water, fire, health and space disasters.
These phenomena can occur over a vast swathe or in a relatively small area. High winds are a major cause of severe weather; they may take the form of tornadoes, downbursts, waterspouts, cyclones, etc. Other forms of severe weather include lightning, precipitation (e.g., snow, rain, sleet, hail), lack of preciptation (i.e., drought), extreme heat and extreme cold.
Excluding flash floods, the U.S. National Weather Service issues a warning across media whenever a severe weather event occurs. The photo here depicts a waterspout with lightning near a city. (Photo: Shutterstock)
What is thundersnow?
February 18, 2020, 12:33 p.m. by Laura Moss
Hearing thunder during a snowstorm is extremely uncommon. Here's what to expect if you witness the rare weather event.
What is a 'bombogenesis'?
January 16, 2020, 10:35 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
The ominous-sounding term is used to describe a storm that rapidly intensifies in a short period of time.
Australian wildfires spawn rarely seen weather phenomena
January 15, 2020, 3:27 p.m. by Starre Vartan
Fire-created thunderstorms, 'ember attacks,' high winds and fire clouds are all a part of the intense fires down under.
Why dogs love the cold and playing in the snow
December 18, 2019, 3:07 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
You might hibernate but your dog can't get enough of a winter wonderland.
Monster 75-foot wave loomed off the California coast during the holiday weekend
December 11, 2019, 5:47 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
It was one of the tallest waves ever recorded.
Meteorological winter arrives with a roar in North America
December 2, 2019, 4 p.m. by Russell McLendon
Early December snowstorms wreak havoc weeks ahead of the winter solstice.
Arctic blast shatters records across the country
November 13, 2019, 10:37 a.m. by Christian Cotroneo
Even so, autumn isn't quite finished yet.
What is a waterspout?
October 30, 2019, 2:52 p.m. by Ben Bolton
Waterspouts are tornadoes over water that are usually formed by developing rain clouds.
What is a stormquake?
October 17, 2019, 12:37 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Massive storms often trigger earthquake-like seismic activity on the sea floor.
Massive winter storm heads for the Plains
October 11, 2019, 1:51 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Record-setting blizzard forecasted to hit the Plains, from Colorado to Minnesota.
Why lightning is so much deadlier for animals than it is for humans
October 9, 2019, 8:42 a.m. by Christian Cotroneo
And maybe why your dog cringes whenever there's a storm.
Bizarre autumn snowstorm blasts western U.S.
September 30, 2019, 12:25 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Montana's governor declared a state of emergency to deal with the storm.
-
10 eye-opening benefits of walking
From your heart to your head, here's why you should lace up your sneakers.
-
Self-care matters more in stressful times
From sleeping and eating well to taking deep breaths, self-care is important when times are tough.
-
A guide to killing germs the right way
The pros and cons of a variety of germ-busting agents.
-
How often do you really need to shower?
Most people think showering once a day is the norm, but there are plenty of people who don't.
-
Everything you know about hand-washing is probably wrong
Forget the 'Happy Birthday' song. Get ready to spend way more time washing your hands.
-
What is mindfulness?
Defining it can be tricky, but once you have grasped the concept, we've got 5 ways to practice it.
