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)
A hot weather survival guide for dogs
August 9, 2018, 12:03 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
How to keep your furry best friend safe and happy when the temperatures soar.
How to help wildlife and pets during a heat wave
August 7, 2018, 10:11 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
Wild animals and your favorite four-legged friends may struggle to stay cool and hydrated during extreme heat, but there are actions you can take to help.
What causes a heat wave?
July 27, 2018, 8:27 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
Heat waves are all relative, but they know how to bring the high temperatures.
How to handle really hot weather
July 13, 2018, 11:17 a.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Extreme heat can be dangerous, but you don't have to stay inside until fall.
Heat wave in U.K., Ireland reveals ancient settlements
July 10, 2018, 8:07 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
Extreme conditions have aerial archeologists racing to document footprints of hidden monuments.
Blame the dew point, not the humidity
July 3, 2018, 10:13 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
It's not the heat, it's the humidity — or more specifically, the amount of moisture in the air and whether or not it's evaporating at a comfortable rate.
Dramatic video captures 'Tsunami from Heaven'
June 19, 2018, 10:04 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
Photographer Pete Maier captured this incredible time lapse of a microburst over a glacial lake in the Central Eastern Alps.
What are extratropical cyclones?
June 19, 2018, 8:18 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
Tropical cyclones may make more headlines, but extratropical cyclones in the Arctic are on the rise.
How coral reefs can help us endure climate change
June 13, 2018, 10:57 a.m. by Russell McLendon
Not only can coral reefs buffer humans from disasters, but protecting them is 15 times cheaper than building sea walls.
Are hurricanes linked to global warming?
June 7, 2018, 12:25 p.m. by Russell McLendon
Climate change doesn't cause tropical storms, scientists say, but it can be an increasingly significant factor in how they unfold.
Tornadoes are wreaking havoc — and not just in 'Tornado Alley'
June 2, 2018, 1:55 p.m. by Starre Vartan
Twisters can happen just about any time, anywhere.
Kilauea's blue flames spark fear of explosions
May 25, 2018, 11:34 a.m. by Jacqueline Gulledge
The flames are caused by methane gas from underground.
-
17 popsicle recipes
You only need a popsicle mold and a blender to get started.
-
Dogs that love the beach
With the water, the sand and the sea air, there's just so much to adore.
-
10 keys to a great vacation
To make sure it's the best time it can be, a little planning is in order.
-
Beaches with unique sand
Here are eight beaches where you can find exceptionally beautiful sand that strays from the norm.
-
5 smoothie recipes
Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create your own refreshing combo.
-
How to attract fireflies
Fireflies are like nature's fairy lights, and who doesn't want more of that?
-
8 places to escape the heat
You can ski, ice skate, play in snow or just enjoy the cool weather.
Flipboard