Weather
Understand the atmospheric phenomena that shape our daily lives, from gentle breezes to powerful storms that alter the course of history.
Hottest Recorded
56.7°C
Death Valley, 1913
Coldest Recorded
-89.2°C
Antarctica, 1983
Most Rain (Annual)
11,871mm
Mawsynram, India
Largest Hailstone
1.02kg
Bangladesh, 1986
Weather vs. Climate
Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions—temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind—at a specific time and place. Climate refers to long-term weather patterns over decades or centuries. While weather changes daily, climate changes gradually. However, human activities are now causing unprecedented rapid climate change, with global temperatures rising faster than any time in Earth's history.
The Science of Weather
Weather is driven by the uneven heating of Earth's surface by the sun, combined with Earth's rotation. Warm air rises at the equator and flows toward the poles, while cold air descends and moves toward the equator, creating global circulation patterns. Ocean currents, mountain ranges, and local geography all influence regional weather. Modern meteorology uses satellites, radar, computer models, and ground observations to predict weather with increasing accuracy.
Major Climate Zones
Tropical
Hot year-round with abundant rainfall
Near equator
Dry
Limited precipitation, hot or cold
Deserts and steppes
Temperate
Moderate temperatures, distinct seasons
Mid-latitudes
Continental
Large temperature variations, harsh winters
Interior regions
Polar
Extremely cold year-round
Arctic and Antarctic
Major Weather Phenomena
Hurricanes & Typhoons
Massive rotating storm systems that form over warm ocean waters. Called hurricanes in the Atlantic, typhoons in the Pacific, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. These storms can span hundreds of kilometers and produce winds exceeding 250 km/h, causing catastrophic damage to coastal areas.
Historical Impact
The deadliest tropical cyclone in history was the 1970 Bhola cyclone in Bangladesh, killing an estimated 300,000-500,000 people. Hurricane Katrina (2005) caused over $125 billion in damage to the US Gulf Coast.
Tornadoes
Violently rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms to the ground. The most intense tornadoes can have wind speeds over 480 km/h. 'Tornado Alley' in the central United States experiences more tornadoes than anywhere else on Earth.
Historical Impact
The 1925 Tri-State Tornado remains the deadliest in US history, killing 695 people across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Modern warning systems and building codes have dramatically reduced tornado fatalities.
Monsoons
Seasonal wind patterns that bring dramatic shifts between wet and dry periods. The South Asian monsoon, affecting over a billion people, delivers 70-90% of the region's annual rainfall in just a few months. Monsoons are crucial for agriculture but can cause devastating floods.
Historical Impact
Monsoon patterns have shaped Asian civilizations for millennia. Ancient Indian texts describe monsoons in detail. Climate change is making monsoons increasingly unpredictable, threatening food security.
Droughts
Extended periods of below-average precipitation causing water shortages. Droughts can last weeks or years, devastating agriculture, causing wildfires, and triggering famines. Climate change is increasing drought frequency and severity in many regions.
Historical Impact
The 1930s Dust Bowl in the American Great Plains displaced millions. The Sahel droughts of the 1970s-80s killed hundreds of thousands. California experienced its worst drought on record from 2011-2019.
El Niño & La Niña
Climate patterns caused by variations in Pacific Ocean temperatures. El Niño (warming) and La Niña (cooling) affect weather worldwide: altering rainfall patterns, influencing hurricane activity, and causing temperature anomalies across continents.
Historical Impact
El Niño events have been occurring for thousands of years, as evidenced by historical records from South American civilizations. The 1997-98 El Niño was among the strongest, causing an estimated $35 billion in damage worldwide.
Blizzards & Ice Storms
Severe winter storms characterized by heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility. Ice storms occur when rain freezes on contact with cold surfaces, coating everything in ice. These storms can paralyze cities, down power lines, and create dangerous travel conditions.
Historical Impact
The Great Blizzard of 1888 buried the northeastern US under up to 150 cm of snow, killing over 400 people. The 1998 North American ice storm left millions without power for weeks.
Climate Change
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities—primarily burning fossil fuels—have released enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Global temperatures have risen approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, with most warming occurring since 1970. This is causing more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, melting ice caps, and shifting climate zones. Scientists warn that limiting warming to 1.5°C requires immediate, dramatic reductions in emissions.