What is a Haboob? What is a Haboob? Share | Your eyes are not deceiving you. A haboob is an actual meteorological phenomena that occurs during the monsoon season across the southwestern United States. Haboobs are characterized by a wall of blowing dust and dirt that typically form from the outflow of a strong shower or thunderstorm. Similar to a dust storm, haboobs can cause a rapid drop in visibility down to near 0 miles in a matter of a few minutes or even less. The word "Haboob" originated in Sudan where intense dust storms occur over the Saharan Dessert and other arid regions nearby and are more common than in any other part of the world. Haboobs can grow to be up to around 10,000 feet high as they propagate from a thunderstorm and typically only last about 10-30 minutes. Some of the stronger haboobs can last up to a few hours and travel over 100 miles. Given such durations and heights, haboobs can make for some spectacular photo opportunities, but they can also be quite dangerous if motorists and anyone outside gets caught in one.

In the United States, haboobs are most common during the summer months of July and August when the Southwest monsoon kicks into gear. The months of dry weather from the springtime create a ripe environment for monsoon thunderstorms to stir up dust, sand and other tiny particles during the summer. Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas are the most common areas in the U.S. to experience such intense dust storms during a given year. Major cities such as Phoenix, Ariz., typically have about 1-3 haboobs per year, and across that state the National Climate Data Center has recorded more than 100 dust storms over a 10-year period. Sep 27 2013 05:15 PM EDT weather.com Haboobs are dust storms caused by strong winds flowing downward and outward from thunderstorms. All thunderstorms produce these gusty winds, so for a haboob to form, the storm needs to be in a location where the winds can pick up small particles of dirt or sand in a dry desert area. According to severe weather expert Dr.

Greg Forbes of The Weather Channel, upward motion on the leading edge of the gusty winds and turbulent motions within the strong winds stirs up the dust into a layer several thousand feet thick. This then creates images of huge walls of dust in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona. Haboobs are a big danger for motorists. Visibility can be reduced to near zero in a matter of seconds, resulting in the potential for deadly highway accidents. The strong thunderstorm winds that cause haboobs can also cause tree damage and knock out power. Due to the hazards produced by haboobs, the National Weather Service issues dust storm advisories and dust storm warnings to warn the public when one is in progress. The National Weather Service recommends that you pull off to the side of the road immediately if you encounter a dust storm. After doing so, place your vehicle in PARK, turn headlights and taillights off, and take your foot off the brake. This is because other vehicles may try to follow taillights in a dust storm to get through it, causing them to potentially crash into your vehicle from behind. The word haboob comes from parts of the world where dust storms are common: the Middle East and northern Africa.

According to the American Meteorological Society glossary, the term is derived from the Arabic word habb, which means wind. What is a haboob? FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest What is a haboob? A wall of dust hundreds of feet high, called a haboob, rolled into the Phoenix area with gusts of wind up to 62 mph Monday evening. Post to Facebook What is a haboob? A wall of dust hundreds of feet high, called a haboob, rolled into the Phoenix area with gusts of wind up to 62 mph Monday evening. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 4 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs What is a haboob? x Share A dust storm covered the Phoenix metropolitan area late Monday. Dust storms known as 'haboobs' have occurred during Arizona's monsoon season in recent years. (Aug. 27) AP A wall of dust hundreds of feet high rolled into the Phoenix area.

A dust storm approaches Phoenix before the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. (Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images) A wall of dust, hundreds of feet high, rolled into the Phoenix area with gusts of wind up to 62 mph on Monday evening. Haboobs, as the dust-walls are known, only happen in Arizona, the Sahara desert and parts of the Middle East because of dry conditions and large amounts of sand, weather officials say. The storms are known to halt airline flights, knock out power and turn swimming pools into mud pits. Monday's haboob was part of a massive monsoon storm that downed trees and power lines, flooded roadways and left nearly 14,000 customers without power. With a little over a month left before the official end of Arizona's monsoon season, storms like Monday's aren't unusual, but this one was much more widespread than others this summer, according to an official with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. Arizona dust storms were called haboobs as far back as the October 1972 issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society.

The article, An American Haboob, written by Sherwood Idso of Tempe, examined a July 16, 1971, Valley dust storm that had the same characteristics as the ones in the Sudan. The name comes from the Arabic word habb, meaning, "wind." It has many spellings, including: bub, habub, haboub, hubbob, and hubbub. Contributing: Doyle Rice, The Associated Press, The Arizona Republic 1244 CONNECT TWEET 1 LINKEDIN 4 COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: Haboob - definition of haboob by The Free Dictionary Haboob - definition of haboob by The Free Dictionary Related to haboob: valley fever , monsoon ha·boob (hə-bo͞ob′) n. A penetrating sandstorm or dust storm with violent winds, occurring chiefly in Arabia, North Africa, and India.

[Arabic habūb, strong wind, from habba, to rush, blow; see hbb in the Appendix of Semitic roots.] haboob (hɑːˈbuːb) n (Physical Geography) (in Africa and India) a storm of strong winds that whips up sand and dust from the desert haboob AccuWeather.com - What are the Differences Between Sandstorms, Dust Storms and Haboobs? What are the Differences Between Sandstorms, Dust Storms and Haboobs? August 19, 2014; 5:43 AM You may have heard these terms before, but do they all mean the same thing? All three are similar, but with some minor differences. Before going into what a haboob is, which may sound made up, let's go over sandstorms and dust storms. As defined by the National haboobWeather Service, a sandstorm is particles of sand carried aloft by strong winds; they are mostly confined to the lowest ten feet and rarely rise more than fifty feet above the ground. Sand particles are larger than dust particles, are not launched far and fall out of the air faster.

A dust storm is a severe weather condition characterized by strong winds and dust-filled air over an extensive area. The particles in a dust storm are smaller in size than particles in a sandstorm and can be launched higher and farther. Dust storms can be broken down into three categories: localized and channelized dust storms, winter to early spring gradient dust storms and monsoonal convective dust storms. Localized and channelized dust storms are formed by winds over disturbed areas (i.e. where agricultural crops go fallow) with small scale blinding dust. These are difficult to predict and detect, and are short and sudden. Winter to early spring gradient dust storms are formed by high winds over a large area. These storms are more widespread and create a cloud causing hazy days. Finally, monsoonal dust storms are produced from downbursts in severe thunderstorm development. This creates a blast that lifts dust as high as 5,000 feet generating very large scale, high and dense dust storms. This type of dust storm has been known to be called a haboob. Monsoonal dust storms tend to be the largest and thickest type of dust storms.

They can travel as fast as 30 to 60 miles per hour, be as wide as 30 to 100 miles and travel as long as 100 to 200 miles! Each one of these types of dust storms, no matter the size or duration, can produce hazardous conditions for both transportation and human health. The south/southwest United States is where most dust storms occur, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, Oklahoma and Colorado. During dust storms, visibility can be reduced significantly causing dangerous driving conditions. And, unsafe levels of particles in the air can rise making it unhealthy to breathe. A noxious mix of fungi, pollutants, heavy metals, chemicals and bacteria, including the fungi that cause valley fever, can be picked up and transported by dust storms. These substances can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions and other illnesses. It is important to know how to protect yourself and others before and during a dust storm. Pay attention to local forecasts for dust storm warnings and follow the tips below to stay safe. When driving: If you see a dust storm ahead, never drive into one.

If you encounter a dust storm while driving and can't avoid it: Check the traffic around you and begin to slow down. Pull off the road as soon as possible and as far away from travel lanes as you can. Turn off lights, take your foot off the gas and set the emergency brake. NEVER stop in a travel lane. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and wait until the storm passes. Just remember, "Pull aside, stay alive." When outside: If you see a dust storm coming, seek shelter immediately. If you are already inside a home or other building, stay inside and keep windows closed. If you are caught outside in a dust storm, protect your ears, nose, mouth and eyes with any kind of clothing you may have. Arabic weather term 'haboob' scares Texans more than dust Arabic weather term 'haboob' scares Texans more than dust People seemed more concerned with the term “haboob” than the apocalyptic tidal wave of dust. Post to Facebook Arabic weather term 'haboob' scares Texans more than dust People seemed more concerned with the term “haboob” than the apocalyptic tidal wave of dust.

Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 75 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Arabic weather term 'haboob' scares Texans more than dust USA Today Network Ashley May , USA TODAY Published 2:29 p.m. ET June 1, 2016 | Updated 2:30 p.m. ET June 1, 2016 CLOSE x Share On May 29, 2016 the National Weather Service's Lubbock station posted on Facebook about a wall of dust that was approaching the city. The wall of dust is called a haboob, which is the same of a dust storm. USA TODAY US National Weather Service Lubbock, Texas posted a photo of an incoming haboob on Facebook. (Photo: Facebook) Texas is used to sandstorms, but not haboobs. When the U.S.

National Weather Service of Lubbock, Texas, posted a photo on Facebook saying “A Haboob is rapidly approaching the Lubbock airport and may affect the city as well,” people seemed more concerned with the term “haboob” than the incoming dust. ‪Charyl Espeseth Price: This is The USA.. speak that way. You haboob. ‪Sharla Southerland Hamil: In over 50 yrs of my life that had been a sand storm. We live in Texas which is in the US not the middle east ‪Kathleen Barron: A haboob?? Curious word for the northwest😊😊 Two other comments, that have since been deleted ignited much of the conversation: John Fulbright: Haboob!?! I’m a Texan. Not a foreigner from Iraq or Afghanistan. They might have haboobs but around here in the Panhandle of TEXAS, we have Dust Storms. So would you mind stating it that way. I’ll find another weather service Brenda Daffern: In Texas, nimrod, this is called a sandstorm. We’ve had them for years!

If you would like to move to the Middle East you can call this a haboob. While you reside here, call it a sandstorm. We Texans will appreciate you. A haboob is different than a sandstorm because it’s caused by strong thunderstorm winds and can lift dust as high as 5,000, according to AccuWeather . The name comes from the Arabic word habb, meaning, "wind." You might also see it spelled: bub, habub, haboub, hubbob and hubbub. Other social media users came to the rescue of the National Weather Service, citing other commonly used Arabic words and the Arabic number system. Many were ashamed of the conversation overall. Charles Russell : To all of you people complaining about a word. Do you all realize how stupid y'all look? I mean, the rest of the country and the world is laughing at y'all. Lmao stop getting offended over nothing. It's super annoying to the civilized world. We work too hard to make humanity modern and non-draconian to allow this sort of BS. Thanks. Another commenter had another bone to pick. ‪Dustin Shomer: And somehow everyone missed the real assault on language.

Why is "haboob" capitalized? It's not a proper noun!!! 515 CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN 75 COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: NEVER MISS OUT The Short List Let us bring the headlines to you every night. Stay current and catch up on the biggest stories of the day. Arabic weather term ‘haboob’ is apparently troubling for some Texans - The Washington Post Arabic weather term ‘haboob’ is apparently troubling for some Texans The inside track on Washington politics. Be the first to know about new stories from PowerPost. Sign up to follow, and we’ll e-mail you free updates as they’re published. You’ll receive free e-mail news updates each time a new story is published. You’re all set! By Jason Samenow May 31, 2016 Follow @capitalweather On Sunday evening, a haboob — like the one shown here — rolled through Lubbock, Tex., but some Texans were more upset by the terminology than the storm itself. (Daniel Bryant) A wall of dust raced toward Lubbock, Tex., on Sunday, and the National Weather Service threw out a word of caution on its Facebook page.

“A haboob is rapidly approaching the Lubbock airport and may affect the city as well,” the meteorologists wrote. The use of the meteorological term “haboob,” a word with Arabic roots, didn’t sit well with some residents. Reader John Fullbright wrote : Haboob!?! I’m a Texan. Not a foreigner from Iraq or Afghanistan. They might have haboobs but around here in the Panhandle of TEXAS, we have Dust Storms. So would you mind stating it that way. I’ll find another weather service Brenda Daffern added: In Texas, nimrod, this is called a sandstorm. We’ve had them for years! If you would like to move to the Middle East you can call this a haboob. While you reside here, call it a sandstorm. We Texans will appreciate you. To be clear, the Weather Service’s use of ‘haboob’ was entirely appropriate. It describes a situation in which a collapsing thunderstorm exhales a burst of wind. This burst of wind, or outflow, collects dust in the surrounding arid environment.

The dust can grow into a towering dark cloud, the so-called haboob, that sweeps across the landscape, cutting visibility to near zero. Haboobs are common in the desert Southwest and the Middle East, where the term originated. It’s also true that many weather and Earth science terms we use are derived from other languages — hurricane, tornado and derecho are all Spanish in origin, not to mention El Niño and La Niña. There’s also the Japanese term tsunami. In fact, there is very little in the English language that doesn’t have roots somewhere else in the world. The National Weather Service released this footage of a haboob, a type of dust storm, engulfing Lubbock International Airport on May 29. (Facebook/US National Weather Service Lubbock Texas) At Weather Underground, meteorologist Bob Henson clarified the difference between haboobs, very localized phenomena, and dust storms and sand storms, which tend to cover more territory: Extreme blowing dust episodes, or duststorms, typically cover a large area, as opposed to the narrow zone of a haboob. Sandstorms occur when sand grains are blown across the lowest few feet of the landscape, usually in true deserts rather than semiarid regions.

The term haboob has been around for decades. As Henson notes, “‘[H]aboob’ is hardly a new term in the meteorological literature. As noted by Maryland weathercaster and AGU blogger Dan Satterfield , a 1925 paper in the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society was titled ‘Haboobs’.” Objections to the use of haboob are not unique to Texas. The New York Times wrote about an uproar over the term in Arizona in 2011, when Don Yonts of Gilbert, Ariz., told the Arizona Republic : “I am insulted that local TV news crews are now calling this kind of storm a haboob, How do they think our soldiers feel coming back to Arizona and hearing some Middle Eastern term?” Of course, the actions of a few shouldn’t color all Texans and Arizonans as prejudiced. The Times quoted David Wilson of Goodyear, Ariz.

, who said: “Let’s not become so ‘xenophobic’ that we forget to remember that we are citizens of the world, nor fail to recognize the contributions of all cultures to the richness of our language.” Meanwhile, on Facebook, a number of readers posted strongly worded retorts to those who posted complaints about the Weather Service’s use of the term in Lubbock: Reader Trent Spencer said: “I keep forgetting how ignorant the people of the Panhandle can be.” And Charles Russell added: “To all of you people complaining about a word. Do you all realize how stupid y’all look? I mean, the rest of the country and the world is laughing at y’all. … [S]top getting offended over nothing. It’s super annoying to the civilized world.” Angela Fritz contributed to this post. Arabic weather term ‘haboob’ is apparently troubling for some Texans : news (21 children) I wouldn't object to it on the fact that it is a Middle Eastern term. As mentioned, we already use foreign-origin terms for things like tsunamis and tornadoes.

I would object to it's use based on the idea that the vast majority of the target audience very likely has no idea what a 'haboob' is. The article claims weather has used the term for decades. In my 3 decades on the planet, I've never heard this term used, ever, much less by American meteorologists. I'd hazard to guess that most Americans haven't. I'm sure everyone who saw or heard the term ran to their Google to find out what the word meant. Not necessarily a bad thing, but, what's the purpose? It makes much more sense to use the common terminology; sandstorm. When I turn on the weather or check my app, I want to know what I'm actually reading. I don't want to have to look up unfamiliar and obscure (to the majority) terms on the internet when I'm simply looking for the weather forecast. You might call a chair a fleeble-flooble, but, 99% of the country does not, so why not use the word 'chair'? Weather Glossary – Terms & Definitions Home Weather Weather Glossary – Terms & Definitions Weather Glossary – Terms & Definitions Below is a list of weather terms that are described in weather reports, forecasts and readings.

This data is collected from: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service; the Met Office in the United Kingdom; Canada’s Weather Office; and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology. Top Acid rain Cloud or rain droplets containing pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, to make them acidic (eg. pH < 5.6). Afternoon Noon to sunset. Arctic air A mass of very cold, dry air that usually originates over the Arctic Ocean north of Canada and Alaska. Arctic high Top Ball lightning A relatively rarely seen form of lightning, generally consisting of an orange or reddish ball of the order of a few cm to 30cm in diameter and of moderate luminosity, which may move up to 1 m/s horizontally with a lifetime of a second or two. Barber pole A thunderstorm updraft with a visual appearance including cloud striations that are curved in a manner similar to the stripes of a barber pole. The structure typically is most pronounced on the leading edge of the updraft, while drier air from the rear flank downdraft often erodes the clouds on the trailing side of the updraft. Barometer An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Barometric pressure The actual pressure value indicated by a pressure sensor. Bitterly cold In winter, bitterly cold or very cold, refers to more than seven degrees Celsius below normal. Black ice Thin, new ice that forms on fresh water or dew covered surfaces; it is common on roadways during the fall and early winter and appears "black" because of its transparency. Blizzard Includes winter storm conditions of sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more that cause major blowing and drifting of snow, reducing visibility to less than one-quarter mile for 3 or more hours. Extremely cold temperatures often are associated with dangerous blizzard conditions. In Canada, a blizzard described as a severe storm that lasts three or more hours, and brings low temperatures, strong winds and poor visibility due to blowing snow. In Australia, it is described as a violent and very cold wind which is loaded with snow, some of which has been raised from snow covered ground. Blocking high A high pressure area (anticyclone), often aloft, that remains nearly stationary or moves slowly compared to west-to-east motion. It blocks the movement eastward movement of low pressure areas (cyclones) at its latitude.

Blowing Dust Dust that is raised by the wind to moderate heights above the ground to a degree that horizontal visibility decreases to less than seven miles. Visibilities of 1/8 mile or less over a widespread area are criteria for a Blowing Dust Advisory. Blowing sand Sand particles picked up from the surface of the earth by the wind to moderate heights above the ground, reducing the reported horizontal visibility to less than seven statute miles. Blowing snow Wind driven snow that reduces visibility to six miles or less causing significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind. In Canada, it is described as snow that is lifted by the wind from the earth's surface to a height of two meters or more. Blowing spray Water droplets torn by the wind from a body of water, generally from the crests of waves, and carried up into the air in such quantities that they reduce the reported horizontal visibility to less than seven statute miles. Blustery Descriptive term for gusty winds that accompany cold weather. Breezy Wind in the range of 15 miles per hour to 25 mile per hour with mild or warm temperatures.

Brisk Wind in the range of 15 to 25 miles per hour when the temperature is cold. Broken clouds The absence of apparent motion in the air. Celsius A temperature scale in which zero is the freezing point of water and one hundred is the boiling point. Chinook A Chinook is a warm, dry, gusty wind that occasionally occurs to the leeward side of a mountain range, particularly the Rocky Mountains. Cirrus cloud High cloud, delicate, hair-like and feathery looking. Clear Sky condition of less than 1/10 cloud coverage. In the United Kingdom, clear is defined as “No cloud”, and in Australia, it is defined as “Virtually cloud-free”. Clear slot A local region of clearing skies or reduced cloud cover, indicating an intrusion of drier air; often seen as a bright area with higher cloud bases on the west or southwest side of a wall cloud. Climate The prevalent long term weather conditions in a particular area. Climatic elements include precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine and wind velocity and phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail storms. Climate cannot be considered a satisfactory indicator of actual conditions since it is based upon a vast number of elements taken as an average.

Cloudburst A sudden, intense rainfall that is normally of short duration. Cloudy Cloudy means that clouds cover more than 60 percent of the sky. Coastal flood warning Issued when there is widespread coastal flooding expected within 12 hours, more than just a typical overwash. Cold In the winter, cold refers to four to seven degrees Celsius below normal. Cold Advection (CAA) Transport of cold air into a region by horizontal winds. Cold front A narrow transition zone separating advancing colder air from retreating warmer air. The air behind a cold front is cooler and typically drier than the air it is replacing. Cold low A low pressure system with cold air mass from near the surface to all vertical levels (also called a cold core low). Cold-air-funnel A funnel cloud or (rarely) a small, relatively weak tornado that can develop from a small shower or thunderstorm when the air aloft is unusually cold (hence the name). They are much less violent than other types of tornadoes. Collar cloud Frequently used as a synonym for wall cloud, although it actually is a generally circular ring of cloud surrounding the upper portion of a wall cloud. Combined seas The combined height of swell and wind waves.

Condensation The process by which water vapor becomes a liquid; the opposite of evaporation, which is the conversion of liquid to vapor. In Australia, it is described as a change from a gas to a liquid. Confluence A pattern of wind flow in which air flows inward toward an axis oriented parallel to the general direction of flow. It is the opposite of difluence. Confluence is not the same as convergence. Winds often accelerate as they enter a confluent zone, resulting in speed divergence which offsets the (apparent) converging effect of the confluent flow. Congestus (or Cumulus congestus) A large cumulus cloud with great vertical development, usually with a cauliflower-like appearance, but lacking the characteristic anvil shaped top of a Cb (Cumulonimbus cloud). Continental air mass A dry air mass originating over a large land area. Convection The transfer of heat within the air by its movement. The term is used specifically to describe vertical transport of heat and moisture, especially by updrafts and downdrafts in an unstable atmosphere. Convergence An atmospheric condition that exists when the winds cause a horizontal net inflow of air into a specified region.

Divergence is the opposite, where winds cause a horizontal net outflow of air from a specified region. Cumulonimbus Cloud A vertically developed cloud, often capped by an anvil shaped cloud. Also called a thunderstorm cloud, it is frequently accompanied by heavy showers, lightning, thunder, and sometimes hail or gusty winds. In Australia, it is described as a heavy, puffy, heaped, dark cloud of great vertical depth, often bringing rain. Some have a distinctive anvil shaped head. Cumulus cloud A cloud in the shape of individual detached domes, with a flat base and a bulging upper portion resembling cauliflower. In Australia, it is described as a cloud with a woolly, heaped appearance that often produces rain. Cumulus congestus A large cumulus cloud with great vertical development, usually with a cauliflower-like appearance, but lacking the characteristic anvil shaped top of a Cb (Cumulonimbus cloud). Cyclone An area of low pressure around which winds blow counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. Also the term used for a hurricane in the Indian Ocean and in the Western Pacific Ocean.

In Australia, it is described as atmospheric circulations that rotate clockwise in the southern hemisphere, and anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere. Cyclones are areas of lower pressure and generally associated with stronger winds, unsettled conditions, cloudiness and rainfall. Day of the week (eg. Monday) Midnight to midnight. Debris cloud A rotating "cloud" of dust or debris, near or on the ground, often appearing beneath a condensation funnel and surrounding the base of a tornado. Dense fog A fog in which the visibility is less than one-quarter mile. Depression A region of low atmospheric pressure that is usually accompanied by low clouds and precipitation. Dew point The temperature to which the air must be cooled for water vapor to condense and form fog or clouds. Diamond dust A fall of non-branched (snow crystals are branched) ice crystals in the form of needles, columns, or plates. Difluence A pattern of wind flow in which air moves outward (in a "fan-out" pattern) away from a central axis that is oriented parallel to the general direction of the flow. It is the opposite of confluence.

Disturbance A disruption of the atmosphere that usually refers to a low pressure area, cool air and inclement weather. Downburst A strong downdraft resulting in an outward burst of damaging winds on or near the ground. Downburst winds can produce damage similar to a strong tornado. Downdraft A column of generally cool air that rapidly sinks to the ground, usually accompanied by precipitation as in a shower or thunderstorm. Downslope wind Air that descends an elevated plain and consequently warms and dries. Occurs when prevailing wind direction is from the same direction as the elevated terrain and often produces fair weather conditions. Draft A draft is a small gusty air current that moves upward or downward abruptly; hence the terms updraft and downdraft. Drifting snow Uneven distribution of snowfall caused by strong surface winds. Drifting snow does not reduce visibility. In Canada, it is defined as snow blown to a height of less than two meters. Drizzle Small, slowly falling water droplets, with diameters between .2 and .5 millimeters. In Australia, it is defined as fairly uniform precipitation (rain) composed exclusively of very small water droplets (less than 0.5 mm in diameter) very close to one another.

Drought Abnormally dry weather in a region over an extended period sufficient to cause a serious hydrological (water cycle) imbalance in the affected area. This can cause such problems as crop damage and water-supply shortage. In Australia, it is defined as the prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation (rain). Dry Free from rain. Normally used when preceding weather has also been relatively dry and dry weather is expected to continue for a day or so. Dust storm An area where high surface winds have picked up loose dust, reducing visibility to less than one-half mile. In Australia, it is described as a storm which carries large amounts of dust into the atmosphere. A basic forecast of general weather conditions three to five days in the future. Extratropical cyclone A storm that forms outside the tropics, sometimes as a tropical storm or hurricane changes. See table below for differences between extratropical and tropical cyclones. Top Fahrenheit The standard scale used to measure temperature in the United States; in which the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point is 212 degrees.

Fair Describes weather in which there is less than 4/10ths of opaque cloud cover, no precipitation, and there is no extreme visibility, wind or temperature conditions. Fall wind A strong, cold, downslope wind. Fine No rain or other precipitation (hail, snow etc.). The use of fine is generally avoided in excessively cloudy, windy, foggy or dusty conditions. In particular note that fine means the absence of rain or other precipitation such as hail or snow - not 'good' or 'pleasant' weather. Flash flood A flood that occurs within a few hours (usually less than six) of heavy or excessive rainfall, dam or levee failure or water released from an ice jam. Flood A condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or river; the water also may accumulate by drainage over low-lying areas. Flood crest The highest stage or flow occurring in a flood. Flurry A flurry or snow shower is a snowfall that suddenly stops and starts and changes rapidly in intensity; the accumulation and extent of the snow are limited.

Fog Water that has condensed close to ground level, producing a cloud of very small droplets that reduces visibility to less than one km (three thousand and three hundred feet). In Canada, fog is defined as a cloud at ground level, and occurs when air is cooled to its dew point and below, or when atmospheric moisture increases through evaporation from water that is warmer than the air. In the United Kingdom, fog is described to occur when visibility less than one kilometer. In Australia, it is defined as a dense mass of small water droplets or particles in the lower atmosphere. Fogbow A rainbow that has a white band that appears in fog, and is fringed with red on the outside and blue on the inside. Forecast A forecast provides a description of the most significant weather conditions expected during the current and following days. The exact content depends upon the intended user, such as the Public or Marine forecast audiences. Freeze Occurs when the surface air temperature is expected to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below over a widespread area for a significant period of time. In Australia, the term “freeze” is defined as the change from a liquid to a solid. Freezing The change in a substance from a liquid to a solid state.

Freezing drizzle Drizzle that falls in liquid form and then freezes upon impact with the ground or an item with a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, possibly producing a thin coating of ice. Even in small amounts, freezing drizzle may cause traveling problems. Freezing fog A suspension of numerous minute ice crystals in the air, or water droplets at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, based at the Earth's surface, which reduces horizontal visibility; also called ice fog. Freezing level The altitude in the atmosphere where the temperature drops to 32F. Freezing rain Rain that freezes on objects such as trees, cars and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Temperatures at higher levels are warm enough for rain to form, but surface temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the rain to freeze on impact. In Canada, freezing rain is described to occur when the air temperature is below zero Celsius near the ground but above zero Celsius higher up. Front The boundary or transition zone between two different air masses. The basic frontal types are cold fronts, warm fronts and occluded fronts. Frost The formation of thin ice crystals on the ground or other surfaces.

Frost develops when the temperature of the exposed surface falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and water vapor is deposited as a solid. Frost point When the temperature to which air must be cooled to in order to be saturated is below freezing. Fujita scale System developed by Dr Theodore Fujita to classify tornadoes based on wind damage. Scale is from F0 for weakest to F5 for strongest tornadoes. Fujiwhara effect The Fujiwhara effect describes the rotation of two storms around each other. Funnel cloud A rotating, cone-shaped column of air extending downward from the base of a thunderstorm but not touching the ground. When it reaches the ground it is called a tornado. Sustained wind speeds from 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 mph). Glaze a layer or coating of ice that is generally smooth and clear, and forms on exposed objects by the freezing of liquid raindrops. Global warming A theory that increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are causing an elevation in the Earth's surface temperature. Good visibility More than 10 kilometers. Greenhouse effect The warming of the atmosphere by the trapping of longwave radiation (heat) being radiated to space.

The gases most responsible for this effect are water vapor and carbon dioxide. Ground fog Shallow fog (less than twenty feet deep) produced over the land by the cooling of the lower atmosphere as it comes in contact with the ground. Also known as radiation fog. Gust A brief sudden increase in wind speed. Generally the duration is less than 20 seconds and the fluctuation greater than 10 miles per hour. In Canada, gust is defined as a sudden, brief increase in wind speed that generally lasts less than 20 seconds. In Australia, gust is defined as any sudden increase of wind of short duration, usually a few seconds. Gustnado Gust front tornado. A small tornado, usually weak and short-lived, that occurs along the gust front of a thunderstorm. Often it is visible only as a debris cloud or dust whirl near the ground. Top Hail Precipitation in the form of balls or irregular lumps of ice produced by liquid precipitation, freezing and being coated by layers of ice as it is lifted and cooled in strong updrafts of thunderstorms. Haze Fine dust or salt particles in the air that reduce visibility.

In Canada, haze is defined to consist of fine particles of dust and pollution suspended in the atmosphere, and is distinguished from fog by its bluish or yellowish tinge. Heat balance The equilibrium existing between the radiation received and emitted by a planetary system. Heat index An index that combines air temperature and humidity to give an apparent temperature (how hot it feels). Heat island A dome of elevated temperatures over an urban area caused by the heat absorbed by structures and pavement. Heat lightning Lightning that can be seen, but is too far away for the thunder to be heard. Heat wave A period of abnormally hot weather lasting several days. Heavy snow Depending on the region of the USA, this generally means that four or more inches of snow has accumulated in 12 hours, or six or more inches of snow in 24 hours. Heavy snow warning Older terminology replaced by winter storm warning for heavy snow. Issued when seven or more inches of snow or sleet is expected in the next 24 hours. A warning is used for winter weather conditions posing a threat to life and property. Heavy surf the result of large waves breaking on or near the shore resulting from swells or produced by a distant storm.

High An area of high pressure, usually accompanied by anticyclonic and outward wind flow. Also known as an anticyclone. In Canada, a high is described as an area of high atmospheric pressure with a closed, clockwise movement of air. High cloud High risk (of severe thunderstorm) Severe weather is expected to affect more than 10 percent of the area. High wind warning Issued when sustained winds from 40 to 73 mph are expected for at least one hour; or any wind gusts are expected to reach 58 miles per hour or more. High wind watch Issued when conditions are favorable for the development of high winds over all of or part of the forecast area but the occurrence is still uncertain. The criteria of a high wind watch are listed under the high wind warning and should include the area affected, the reason for the watch and the potential impact of the winds. Hot or very warm In summer, hot or very warm means more than seven degrees Celsius above normal. Hot spot Typically large areas of pavement, these "hot spots" are heated much quicker by the sun than surrounding grasses and forests.

As a result, air rises upwards from the relatively hot surface of the pavement, reaches its condensation level, condenses, and forms a cloud above the "hot spot". Humidity The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. In Canada, it is described as the amount of moisture in the air. Hurricane A severe tropical cyclone with sustained winds over 74 miles per hour (64 knots). Normally applied to such storms in the Atlantic Basin and the Pacific Ocean east of the International Date Line. Hygrometer Top Ice crystals Ice crystals are tiny sprinkles that sparkle in the sunshine like diamond dust and hang in the air. Ice fog A suspension of numerous minute ice crystals in the air, or water droplets at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, based at the Earth's surface, which reduces horizontal visibility. Usually occurs at -20 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Ice pellets Precipitation of transparent or translucent pellets of ice, which are round or irregular, rarely conical, and which have a diameter of 0.2 inch (five millimeters), or less. There are two main types. Hard grains of ice consisting of frozen raindrops and pellets of snow encased in a thin layer of ice.

Ice storm Liquid rain falling and freezing on contact with cold objects creating ice build-ups of 1/4th inch or more that can cause severe damage. Ice storm warning Older terminology replaced by winter storm warning for severe icing. Issued when 1/2 inch or more of accretion of freezing rain is expected. This may lead to dangerous walking or driving conditions and the pulling down of power lines and trees. A warning is used for winter weather conditions posing a threat to life and property. Indian summer An unseasonably warm period near the middle of autumn, usually following a substantial period of cool weather. Inflow bands (or feeder bands) Bands of low clouds, arranged parallel to the low-level winds and moving into or toward a thunderstorm. Insolation Incoming solar radiation. Solar heating; sunshine. Instability A state of the atmosphere in which convection takes place spontaneously, leading to cloud formation and precipitation. Intermittent rain Intermittent rain stops and starts repeatedly, although not as abruptly or as frequently as showers. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) The region where the northeasterly and southeasterly trade winds converge, forming an often continuous band of clouds or thunderstorms near the equator.

Inversion An increase in temperature with height. The reverse of the normal cooling with height in the atmosphere. Temperature inversions trap atmospheric pollutants in the lower troposphere, resulting in higher concentrations of pollutants at ground levels than would usually be experienced. Iridescence Brilliant patches of green or pink sometimes seen near the edges of high- or medium-level clouds. Isentropic lift Lifting of air that is traveling along an upward-sloping isentropic surface. Situations involving isentropic lift often are characterized by widespread stratiform clouds and precipitation. Top Jet stream Strong winds concentrated within a narrow band in the upper atmosphere. It normally refers to horizontal, high-altitude winds. The jet stream often "steers" surface features such as front and low pressure systems. Wind blowing down an incline, such as down a hillside; downslope wind. Katafront A front (usually a cold front) at which the warm air descents the frontal surface. Killing frost Frost severe enough to end the growing season. This usually occurs at temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Canada, a killing frost is described as a frost severe enough to destroy annual plants and new growth on trees (in the spring) or to end the growing season (in the fall). Knot A measure of speed. It is one nautical mile per hour (1.15 miles per hour). A nautical mile is one minute of one degree of latitude. A cooling of the equatorial waters in the Pacific Ocean. Land breeze A wind that blows from the land towards a body of water. Also known as an offshore breeze. It occurs when the land is cooler than the water. Late From sunset (winter), from two hours before sunset (summer). Leeward Situated away from the wind; downwind - opposite of windward. Left Mover A thunderstorm which moves to the left relative to the steering winds and to other nearby thunderstorms; often the northern part of a splitting storm. Lifting The forcing of air in a vertical direction by an upslope in terrain or by the movement of a denser air mass. Lifting condensation level The level in the atmosphere where a lifted air parcel reaches its saturation point, and as a result, the water vapor within condenses into water droplets.

Lightning Any form of visible electrical discharges produced by thunderstorms. Likely In probability of precipitation statements, the equivalent of a 60 or 70 percent chance. Low An area of low pressure, usually accompanied by cyclonic and inward wind flow. Also known as a cyclone. Low cloud Stratus, stratocumulus, cumulus and cumulonimbus. Low-level jet Top Mainly cloudy More than half cloud cover but with some breaks in the cloud. It can also be described as cloudy with some sunny periods. Mainly sunny Mainly sunny means sunny with some cloudy periods. Mammatus (or mamma clouds) These clouds appear as hanging, rounded protuberances or pouches on the under-surface of a cloud. With thunderstorms, mammatus are seen on the underside of the anvil. These clouds do not produce tornadoes, funnels, hail, or any other type of severe weather, although they often accompany severe thunderstorms. Maritime air mass An air mass that forms over water. It is usually humid, and may be cold or warm. Maximum temperature The highest temperature during a specified time period.

Mean temperature The average of a series of temperatures taken over a period of time, such as a day or a month. Medium cloud Altostratus, altocumulus and nimbostratus. Meteorology The study of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere and the direct effects of the atmosphere upon the Earth's surface, the oceans, and life in general. Mild In winter, mild refers to four to seven degrees Celsius above normal. Minimum temperature The lowest temperature during a specified time period. Mist Consists of microscopic water droplets suspended in the air, which produces a thin grayish veil over the landscape. It reduces visibility to a lesser extent than fog. In Australia, it is described as similar to fog, but visibility remains more than a kilometer. Moderate risk Severe thunderstorms are expected to affect between five and 10 percent of the area. Moderate visibility Five to 10 kilometers’ visibility. Monsoon A persistent seasonal wind, often responsible for seasonal precipitation regime. It is most commonly used to describe meteorological changes in southern and eastern Asia. Morning Sunrise to noon or midnight to noon depending on context. Mountain breeze System of winds that blow downhill during the night.

Muggy Colloquially descriptive of warm and especially humid weather. Multivortex tornado A tornado in which two or more condensation funnels or debris clouds are present at the same time, often rotating about a common center or about each other. Multiple-vortex tornadoes can be especially damaging. Mushroom No weather information available for this time slot. Normal The long-term average value of a meteorological element for a certain area. For example, "temperatures are normal for this time of year" Usually averaged over 30 years. Top Offshore breeze A wind that blows from the land towards a body of water. Also known as a land breeze. Offshore forecast A marine weather forecast for the waters between 60 and 250 miles off the coast. Onshore breeze A wind that blows from a body of water towards the land. Also known as a sea breeze. Outflow Air that flows outward from a thunderstorm. Outflow winds Winds that blow down fjords and inlets from the land to the sea. Overcast Sky condition when greater than 9/10ths of the sky is covered by clouds. In Canada overcast means grey and dull skies, with extensive cloud cover.

Overrunning A condition that exists when a relatively warm air mass moves up and over a colder and denser air mass on the surface. The result is usually low clouds, fog and steady, light precipitation. Ozone A form of oxygen in which the molecule is made of three atoms instead of the usual two. Ozone is usually found in the stratosphere, and responsible for filtering out much of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. It is also a primary component of smog. Ozone hole Top Partly cloudy Sky condition when between 3/10ths and 7/10ths of the sky is covered. Used more frequently at night. In the United Kingdom, it is defined as less than half cloud cover. Partly sunny Similar to partly cloudy. Used to emphasize daytime sunshine. Permafrost A soil layer below the surface of tundra regions that remains frozen permanently. Polar air A mass of very cold, very dry air that forms in polar regions. Polar front The semi-permanent, semi-continuous front that encircles the northern hemisphere separating air masses of tropical and polar origin. Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) High altitude clouds that form in the stratosphere above Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere winter.

Their presence seems to initiate the ozone loss experienced during the ensuing southern hemisphere spring. Polar vortex A circumpolar wind circulation which isolates the Antarctic continent during the cold Southern Hemisphere winter, heightening ozone depletion. Poor visibility One to five kilometers’ visibility. POP Probability of Precipitation. Probability forecasts are subjective estimates of the chances of encountering measurable precipitation at some time during the forecast period. Popcorn convection Clouds, showers and thundershowers that form on a scattered basis with little or no apparent organization, usually during the afternoon in response to diurnal heating. Precipitation Liquid or solid water that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground. Pressure The force exerted by the interaction of the atmosphere and gravity. Also known as atmospheric pressure. Pressure change The net difference between pressure readings at the beginning and ending of a specified interval of time. Pressure falling rapidly A decrease in station pressure at a rate of 0.06 inch of mercury or more per hour which totals 0.02 inches or more. Pressure rising rapidly An increase in station pressure at a rate of 0.06 inch of mercury or more per hour which totals 0.02 inches or more.

Pressure tendency The character and amount of atmospheric pressure change during a specified period of time, usually the three-hour period preceding an observation. Prevailing westerlies Winds in the middle latitudes (approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees) that generally blow from west to east. Prevailing wind The direction from which the wind blows most frequently in any location. Pulse storm A thunderstorm within which a brief period (pulse) of strong updraft occurs, during and immediately after which the storm produces a short episode of severe weather. These storms generally are not tornado producers, but often produce large hail and/or damaging winds. See overshooting top, cyclic storm. Top Qualitative forecasts Forecasts that provide only a categorical value for the predicted variable. Examples of this include “rain/no rain” and “cloudy/partly cloudy”. Quantitative forecasts Forecasts in which the “amount” of the forecast variable is specified. Quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) A forecast of rainfall, snowfall or liquid equivalent of snowfall. Quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) Periodic variation in the direction, either easterly or westerly, of tropical lower stratospheric winds. The direction changes every 26 months.

Quasi-nonhydrostatic (QNH) Pilots, air traffic control (ATC) and low frequency weather beacons use this pressure setting to refer to the barometric altimeter setting that causes the altimeter to read altitude above mean sea level within a certain defined region. Quasi-stationary front A front which is nearly stationary or moves very little since the last synoptic position. Also known as a stationary front. Top Radar An instrument used to detect precipitation by measuring the strength of the electromagnetic signal reflected back. (RADAR= Radio Detection and Ranging). Radiation Energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Radiation has differing characteristics depending upon the wavelength. Radiation from the Sun has a short wavelength (ultra-violet) while energy re-radiated from the Earth's surface and the atmosphere has a long wavelength (infra-red). Radiation fog Fog produced over the land by the cooling of the lower atmosphere as it comes in contact with the ground. Also known as ground fog. Rain Liquid water droplets that fall from the atmosphere, having diameters greater than drizzle (0.5 mm). In Canada the term "rain", used alone, means liquid precipitation of significant duration and extent. Rain gauge An instrument used to measure rainfall amounts.

Rain showers Rain showers stop and start suddenly and vary widely in intensity, and are gone in less than an hour. Rainbow Optical phenomena when light is refracted and reflected by moisture in the air into concentric arcs of color. Raindrops act like prisms, breaking the light into the colors of a rainbow, with red on the outer, and blue on the inner edge. Relative humidity The amount of water vapor in the air, compared to the amount the air could hold if it was totally saturated. It is expressed as a percentage. Return flow South winds on the back (west) side of an eastward-moving surface high pressure system. Return flow over the central and eastern United States typically results in a return of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico (or the Atlantic Ocean). Ridge An elongated area of high pressure in the atmosphere. Opposite of a trough. River flood warning Issued when main stem rivers are expected to reach a level above flood stage. Roll cloud A relatively rare, low-level horizontal, tube-shaped accessory cloud completely detached from the cumulonimbus base. When present, it is located along the gust front and most frequently observed on the leading edge of a line of thunderstorms.

The roll cloud will appear to be slowly "rolling" about its horizontal axis. Roll clouds are not and do not produce tornadoes. Top Sandstorm Particles of sand carried aloft by a strong wind. The sand particles are mostly confined to the lowest ten feet, and rarely rise more than fifty feet above the ground. Saturation A condition of the atmosphere in which a certain volume of air holds the maximum water vapor it can hold at a specific temperature. Scattered A cloud layer that covers between 3/8ths and 1/2 of the sky. Scud clouds Small, ragged, low cloud fragments that are unattached to a larger cloud base and often seen with and behind cold fronts and thunderstorm gust fronts. Such clouds generally are associated with cool moist air, such as thunderstorm outflow. Sea breeze A wind that blows from a sea or ocean towards a land mass. Also known as an onshore breeze. It occurs when the land is warmer than the water. Sea-level pressure The pressure value obtained by the theoretical reduction or increase of barometric pressure to sea-level. Secondary cold front A front that follows a primary cold front and ushers in even colder air.

Severe thunderstorm A strong thunderstorm with wind gusts in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) and/or hail with a diameter of 3/4 inch or more. Shallow fog Fog in which the visibility at 6 feet above ground level is 5/8ths of a mile or more. Shelf-cloud A low-level horizontal accessory cloud that appears to be wedge-shaped as it approaches. It is usually attached to the thunderstorm base and forms along the gust front. Short-fuse warning A warning issued by the National Weather Service for a local weather hazard of relatively short duration. Short-fuse warnings include tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood warnings. Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings typically are issued for periods of an hour or less, flash flood warnings typically for three hours or less. Shower Precipitation that is intermittent, both in time, space or intensity. Sky condition The state of the sky in terms of such parameters as sky cover, layers and associated heights, ceiling, and cloud types. Sleet Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects.

Forms when snow enters a warm layer of air above the surface and melts and then enters a deep layer of sub freezing air near the surface and refreezes. In Australia, sleet refers to a mixture of rain and snow or falling snow that is melting into rain. Slight chance In probability of precipitation statements, usually equivalent to a 20 percent chance. Slight risk (of severe thunderstorms) Severe thunderstorms are expected to affect between two and five percent of the area. A slight risk generally implies that severe weather events are expected to be isolated. Smog Pollution formed by the interaction of pollutants and sunlight (photochemical smog), usually restricting visibility, and occasionally hazardous to health. Smoke A suspension in the air of small particles produced by combustion. A transition to haze may occur when smoke particles have traveled great distances (25 to 100 statute miles or more) and when the larger particles have settled out and the remaining particles have become widely scattered through the atmosphere. Snow Frozen precipitation composed of ice particles in complex hexagonal patterns. Snow forms in cold clouds by the direct transfer of water vapor to ice. Snow burst Very intense shower of snow, often of short duration, that greatly restricts visibility and produces periods of rapid snow accumulation.

Snow flurries Light snow showers, usually of an intermittent nature and short duration with no measurable accumulation. Snow grains Light snow showers, usually of an intermittent nature and short duration with no measurable accumulation. In Canada, Snow grains are described as minute, white and opaque grains of ice. When they hit hard ground, they do not bounce or shatter. They usually fall in very small quantities, and never in the form of a shower. Snow pellets Precipitation of white, opaque grains of ice. The grains are round or sometimes conical. Diameters range from about 0.08 to 0.2 inch (2 to 5 mm). In Canada, snow pellets are brittle and easily crushed; when they fall on hard ground, they bounce and often break up. They always occur in showers and are often accompanied by snowflakes or rain drops, when the surface temperature is around zero degrees Celsius. Snow shower Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible. Snow squalls Intense, but of limited duration, periods of moderate to heavy snowfall, accompanied by strong, gusty surface winds and possible lightning.

In Canada, it is described that a snow squall brings strong winds, flurries and poor visibility. Snowfall The depth of new snow that has accumulated since the previous day or since the previous observation. Snowflake White ice crystals that have combined in a complex branched hexagonal form. Special marine warning Issued for brief or sudden occurrence of sustained wind or frequent gusts of 34 knots or more. This is usually associated with severe thunderstorms or waterspouts. Spray An ensemble of water droplets torn by the wind from an extensive body of water, generally from the crests of waves, and carried up into the air in such quantities that it reduces the horizontal visibility. Squall A strong wind characterized by a sudden onset in which the wind speed increases at least 16 knots and is sustained at 22 knots or more for at least one minute. In Canada, a squall is defined as a strong, sudden wind which generally lasts a few minutes then quickly decreases in speed. In Australia, it is described as a sudden increase of the mean wind speed which lasts for several minutes at least before the mean wind returns to near its previous value. Stability An indication of how easily a parcel of air is lifted.

If the air is very stable it is difficult to make the parcel rise. If the air is very unstable the parcel may rise on its own once started. Stable air Air with little or no tendency to rise, usually accompanied by clear dry weather. Steam fog Fog that is formed when water vapor is added to air which is much colder than the vapor's source. This is most common when very cold air drifts across relatively warm water. Steering winds (steering currents) A prevailing synoptic scale flow which governs the movement of smaller features embedded within it. Storm In marine usage, winds 48 knots (55 miles per hour) or greater. Storm surge A rise of the sea level alone the shore that builds up as a storm (usually a hurricane) moves over water. It is a result of the winds of the storm and low atmospheric pressures. Storm warning A marine wind warning for sustained winds greater of 48 knots (55 miles per hour) or more from a non-tropical system. Straight line winds Thunderstorm winds most often found with the gust front.

Subtropical storm A low pressure system that develops in subtropical waters (north of 20 north degrees latitude) and initially has non-tropical features (see table below for a list of tropical features) but does have some element of a tropical cyclone's cloud structure (located close to the center rather than away from the center of circulation). Sunny Sunny or a few clouds means that less than half the sky has clouds. Supercell A severe thunderstorm whose updrafts and downdrafts are in near balance allowing the storm to maintain itself for several hours. Supercells often produce large hail and tornadoes. Supersaturation Top Temperature A measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or substance with reference to a standard value. Thunder The sound caused by a lightning stroke as it heats the air and causes it to rapidly expand. Thunderstorm A storm with lightning and thunder produced by a Cumulonimbus cloud, usually producing gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes hail. In Australia, they are described to be usually short-lived and hit on only a small area. Tilted storm or tilted updraft A thunderstorm or cloud tower which is not purely vertical but instead exhibits a slanted or tilted character.

It is a sign of vertical wind shear, a favorable condition for severe storm development. Today Sunset to midnight. Tornado A violent rotating column of air, in contact with the ground, pendant from a cumulonimbus cloud. A tornado does not require the visible presence of a funnel cloud. It has a typical width of tens to hundreds of meters and a lifespan of minutes to hours. Trade winds Persistent tropical winds that blow from the subtropical high pressure centers towards the equatorial low. They blow northeasterly in the northern hemisphere. Tropical storm An organized low pressure system in the tropics with wind speeds between 38 and 74 miles per hour. In Australia, it is a term used in the northern hemisphere for a tropical cyclone. Tropical storm warning A warning issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour (34 to 63 knots) are expected within 24 hours. Trough A warning issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are expected within 24 hours. In Canada, it is described as an elongated area of relatively low pressure extending from the centre of a region of low pressure.

Trough A warning issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are expected within 24 hours. In Canada, it is described as an elongated area of relatively low pressure extending from the centre of a region of low pressure. Turbulence A warning issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour (34 to 63 knots) are expected within 24 hours. Twister A colloquial term for a tornado. Typhoon A hurricane that forms in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is a term used in Australia for a tropical cyclone in the northwestern Pacific with maximum winds above 117 kilometers per hour (63 knots). In summer, warm refers to four to seven degrees Celsius above normal. Warm front A narrow transitions zone separating advancing warmer air from retreating cooler air. The air behind a warm front is warmer and typically more humid than the air it is replacing. In Canada, it is defined as the trailing edge of a retreating cold air mass and moves in such a way that the warmer air replaces the colder air.

Wave In meteorology any pattern identifiable on a weather map that has a cyclic pattern or a small cyclonic circulation in the early stages of development that moves along a cold front. In Canada, A wave, in meteorology, is the intersection of warm and cold fronts. Weather State of the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, clearness or cloudiness. Also, weather is the meteorological day-to-day variations of the atmosphere and their effects on life and human activity. It includes temperature, pressure, humidity, clouds, wind, precipitation and fog. Wind Wind is the horizontal movement of air relative to the earth's surface and is caused by variations in temperature and pressure (for instance, air rises as it warms and a cool breeze moves in to take the place of the rising air.) Wind is also known as moving air. Wind chill The additional cooling effect resulting from wind blowing on bare skin. The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of wind and cold. The (equivalent) wind chill temperature is the temperature the body "feels" for a certain combination of wind and air temperature. Winter storm A heavy snow event.

A snow accumulation of more than six inches in 12 hours or more than 12 inches in 24 hours. Winter storm warning Issued when seven or more inches of snow or sleet is expected in the next 24 hours, or 1/2 inch or more of accretion of freezing rain is expected. A warning is used for winter weather conditions posing a threat to life and property.

Question: In weather terms what is a haboob?
Answer: Sandstorm