Colorado River

Advancements in weather modification are providing water to drought-stricken areas downstream. But is it just a drop in the bucket?

Cloud Seeding in Colorado Could Make Waves in the West

In this map showing how sea surface temperatures departed from average on Oct. 14, 2021, a vast swath of anomalous chill extends along the equator west of South America. This is characteristic of the La Niña climate phenomenon. (Credit: Climate Reanalyzer)

Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies

How might it influence our winter weather? One thing's for sure: It's bad news for the drought-stricken West.

The Second La Niña in Two Years is Upon Us

Hurricane Sam churns in Atlantic Ocean early on October 3rd, 2021, as seen by the GOES-16 weather satellite. (Credit: RAMMB/CIRA)

Sam GOES16 10-03-21

Powerful and long-lived, Sam is heading for a dramatic encounter as it moves further north.

Hurricane Sam: What a Long, Strong Trip It's Been

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Climate-change deniers often exploit confusion about these terms to muddy the waters about the science of global warming. Here’s what you need to know.

Climate vs. Weather: What’s the Difference? 

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In India, around 2,000 people are killed by lightning annually, but international efforts to reduce the toll may be paying off. 

Why India Experiences a High Rate of Lightning Deaths

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What might seem like small changes, like a degree of warming, can have big consequences. 

IPCC Climate Report: Profound Changes Are Underway in Earth’s Oceans and Ice – a Lead Author Explains What the Warnings Mean

Flooding on the Boston Harborwalk from a Wicked High Tide event in October 2019. (Credit: Janine Myszka)

boston flooding king high tide

King tides happen when the Earth, Sun and moon align, sometimes creating "sunny day flooding." To understand how sea level rise will change future flood patterns, researchers and citizen scientists are teaming up to map areas that are already impacted.

Wicked High Tides: Citizen Scientists Plan for Sea-Level Rise

A massive thunderstorm system boiling up over Texas starting on April 28, 2021 and continuing on the 29th. The image consists of weather satellite data from the visible and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. See below for an animation of the storm as it grew and moved to the northeast. (Credit: RAMMB/CIRA)

Satellite Image of Severe Thunderstorms Over Texas

The storms boiled up on the Mexico-Texas border and pelted more than 10,000 square miles with hail.

Dramatic Satellite Video Follows Along as Supercell Thunderstorms Dump Softball-Sized Hail

On March 25, 2021, a family of six managed to survive in a closet of this house as it was torn apart by a tornado in Calhoun County Alabama. (Credit: National Weather Service Birmingham, Alabama via Facebook)

Tornado Damage in Alabama

From a loopy jet stream to climate change, an in-depth look at the factors that have shaped U.S. weather so far this year.

What's Up With 2021's Weather?

cherry trees in Japan

 An exceptionally warm spring has led to the early arrival of cherry blossoms in Japan, causing researchers to draw patterns between local temperature increases and global warming. 

Japan Just Had Its Earliest Peak Bloom of Cherry Blossoms in 1,200 Years. Is Climate Change to Blame?

Green sky

But not always — so make sure you're relying on official warnings about potential twisters

Yes, Skies Sometimes Really Turn Green Before Tornadoes

Spring Showers

Ah, springtime: The sun is finally out, birds are chirping, buds are blooming — and your plans are likely getting rained on. Here’s why the onset of spring is followed by months of rain.