WEATHER

California wildfires: Firefighters struggle with strained water system

What Are the Santa Ana Winds?

News reports warn about the Santa Ana winds and their power to turn modest wildfires into conflagrations. Here’s why these wind patterns in Southern California can be so destructive.

They're a must-have in the wintertime for a reason.

All-Season Tires vs. Snow Tires: What’s the Difference?

Are snow tires really worth it? Discover the real differences with all-season tires, including affordability, rubber tread, and more.

If Your Dog Hates Booties, Use Petroleum Jelly to Protect Their Paws in the Winter

If you dread wrangling your pet into their winter booties, a swab of petroleum jelly can protect their paws from snow, ice, and salt in a pinch.

Why You Shouldn’t ‘Heat Up’ Your Car’s Engine in Cold Weather

Many drivers think that giving your engine time to reach its normal operating temperature is easier on your car than hitting the gas as soon as you turn the ignition on. Many drivers are wrong.

Here‘s how people are able to stay warm in igloos.

How Do Igloos Keep People Warm?

The interior of an igloo can be 40 to 60 degrees warmer than its surrounding environment.

15 Surprising Facts About Snow

Get to know the flurries and flakes on a deeper level.

The Zavaritskii Caldera on Simushir Island, the site of a climate-altering 1831 volcanic eruption, as seen from the International Space Station.

Solved: The 200-Old Mystery Behind a Colossal Volcanic Eruption

Scientists have long suspected that a gigantic eruption was behind the strange atmospheric phenomena of 1831. Scientists have finally figured out which volcano blew its top.

A tugboat on the Thames near Tower Bridge in heavy smog, 1952.

The Great Smog Descended on London More Than 70 Years Ago—And its Cause Took Almost As Long to Discover

Heavy fogs have long been a part of life in London. But the darkness that enveloped the city on December 5, 1952 wasn’t your typical pea-souper.

How to Keep Your Water Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes—and what to do if one freezes or bursts—is important information for homeowners.

What‘s the Difference Between Hail, Sleet, and Freezing Rain?

Frozen precipitation comes in many forms, and they all pose unique threats.

This Handy Chart Tells You When It’s Too Cold to Walk Your Dog

Dogs have built-in fur coats, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get chilly during their winter walks.

Experts say that it pays to proceed with caution.

Is It Really Possible To Have a Heart Attack Shoveling Snow?

Worried about the health risks that come with shoveling show? Here's what you need to know, plus a few tips for how to do it safely.

10 Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World

Cultures around the world performed rituals on the winter solstice for the return of the sun. While some of these celebrations have been left in the past or absorbed into other winter festivities, others are still celebrated to this day.

Mountaineers making their way to the summit out Mount Everest.

29 Geographical Superlatives That Will Change How You See the World

From the world’s tallest peaks to its deepest lakes and beyond

Don't believe everything you've been told about lightning.

Wild Misconceptions About Weather

From the color of snow to the shape of rainbows, weather breeds a lot of misconceptions.

Jack Frost pops up in a number of wintery tales.

Who Is Jack Frost?

Most iterations of Jack Frost see him clad in icy blue and white, and as well as being responsible for nose-nipping, he’s also credited with creating frost. But where exactly did this mythical cold-weather figure originate?

Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened.

Thunderstorms Can Cause Air Turbulence Up to 55 Miles Away from the Source

The effects of weather disturbances and resulting turbulence can be widespread. Airplane passengers might want to pay more attention to that fasten-seatbelt sign.

15 Regional Words for Wintry Weather

Americans have no lack of idioms for snow and other features of winter weather. Here are 15 regional terms you should know.

The Big Apple draws a big crowd every time the winter season hits.

The 20 Most Popular Winter Holiday Destinations

Planning a holiday vacation retreat? Here are the top winter destinations to hit up, regardless of whether you prefer warm or cold weather.

The 25 U.S. Cities Most Likely to Have a White Christmas

Northern states, such as Alaska and Minnesota, will likely see snow on Christmas.

Don’t let sitting in traffic become your holiday experience.

Traveling for Thanksgiving? Avoid Driving on These Days, According to AAA

Choosing the wrong time to hit the road can make your Thanksgiving a traffic nightmare. Here’s how to avoid it.

Members of Robert Falcon Scott's 1910-1913 expedition to reach the South Pole.

Frostbite vs. Hypothermia: What’s the Difference?

Here's how to tell frostbite symptoms from hypothermia symptoms.

They are several differences between the two.

Tsunami vs. Tidal Wave: What’s the Difference?

Tsunamis and tidal waves may look similar, but they differ in crucial ways.

11 Chilling Facts About the 1972 Andes Plane Crash

Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed in a remote location in Chile’s Andes Mountains on October 13, 1972—and those who made it through the crash would need to resort to desperate measures to survive.