climate international
What is the monsoon and what are its effects?
The monsoon is a large-scale air circulation that occurs in many regions of the tropics and subtropics. There, it provides precipitation that is partly essential for survival. In this MeteoBlog we take a closer look at this complex system and show typical characteristics of different monsoon regions of the world. Finally, we discuss some expected changes of this weather phenomenon in connection with climate change.
weather international
Atlantic 2023 hurricane season – initial forecasts
Although the Atlantic hurricane season does not officially start until June 1, it is already casting its shadow in terms of forecasts. It promises to be exciting, because various factors are coming together. As a result, it is not surprising that the forecasts of the various institutions differ considerably with regard to the course of the storm season.
astro
When does summer actually start?
Summer begins at different times, depending on the definition: Meteorologically always on June 1, calendrically or astronomically at the time of the summer solstice on June 20 or 21, or phenologically with the beginning of the blooming of the peonies and the black elder.
weather international
Cyclone Mocha threatens Myanmar and Bangladesh
In recent days, the formation of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal has already been announced. Today, the system has now shown clear structures for the first time and reached storm strength – criteria required to name a tropical storm. The storm has been christened Mocha and will move northward in the coming days, reaching the coast of Myanmar and Bangladesh by the turn of the week.
weather lexicon
Ice Saints – Quintet with a bad reputation
As sure as the amen in prayer, the Ice Saints become a topic of discussion every May. What are their origins? Do they really live up to their dubious reputation? And what about (ground) frost this year?
weather lexicon
The scent of rain – Petrichor
A warm summer day in the swimming pool, or a barbecue... and suddenly a downpour or thunderstorm. Sometimes it's over right away, and yet a certain smell rises to the nose. Everybody knows this special smell of rain, which falls on dry earth. For this smell there is also a name, and that again only few people know.
weather international
Heat records in Spain are pulverized!
While it is too cool for April in Switzerland today, Spain and Portugal have weather conditions that are clearly too hot. At several stations, previous April records are likely to be broken, in some cases even significantly!
weather international
The 2011 Super Outbreak
Especially during spring and early summer, severe thunderstorms with tornadoes form in North America with more or less regularity. While most of these events produce "merely" a handful of tornadoes, extreme events can occur if the constellation of pressure distribution, wind shear, and moisture is ideal for the storms. The most devastating and very deadly tornado outbreak to date occurred exactly 12 years ago. Within 4 days 362 tornadoes formed!
astro
Hybrid solar eclipse on April 20, 2023
Tomorrow, Thursday, a solar eclipse will take place in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. That alone is not too special, but in this case it is a special type – a hybrid solar eclipse. What is it all about?
climate international
Little sea ice at both poles
In Antarctica, a new record minimum sea ice extent of 2 million quadrad kilometers was reached on February 19; meanwhile, the ice area here is increasing again. On the other side of the world, in the Arctic, the annual maximum ice area was recorded on March 6.