Know the Lingo:

Here are a few summer weather definitions.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a huge storm! It can be up to 600 miles across and have strong winds spiraling inward and upward at speeds of 75 to 200 mph. Each hurricane usually lasts for over a week, moving 10-20 miles per hour over the open ocean. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." The center of the storm or "eye" is the calmest part. It has only light winds and fair weather. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and large waves can damage buildings, trees and cars.

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes only form over really warm ocean water of 80°F or warmer. The atmosphere (the air) must cool off very quickly the higher you go. Also, the wind must be blowing in the same direction and at the same speed to force air upward from the ocean surface. Winds flow outward above the storm allowing the air below to rise. Hurricanes typically form between 5 to 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. The Coriolis Force is needed to create the spin in the hurricane and it becomes too weak near the equator, so hurricanes can never form there.

When does the hurricane season start?

The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but most hurricanes occur during the fall months. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30.

What is a Hurricane Watch?

Hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are possible in your area within the next 36 hours. This WATCH should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated. Especially, those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat and leaving a barrier island.

What is a Hurricane Warning?

Hurricane conditions are expected in your area within 24 hours. Once this WARNING has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Weather Jokes

How do hurricanes see?

With one eye!

What did the hurricane say to the other hurricane?

I have my eye on you.

Spring Review

Spring 2013 started off quiet thanks to the harsh winter across much of the United States.

The tornado season started off slow, but by the end of April a large outbreak occurred causing major damage from April 27-30. Numerous tornadoes ripped across parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida. A large, violent tornado struck Mayflower and Vilonia, Arkansas, on April 27 causing severe damage. The tornado was rated a high-end EF4, the first violent tornado of the year. Another tornado on the 28th occurred when an EF4 tornado struck Louisville, Mississippi. EF3s caused major damage and fatalities in Coxey, Alabama and Tupelo, Mississippi as well. Overall, this outbreak produced 80 tornadoes and killed 35 people.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report, 37.3 percent of the contiguous U.S. was in drought. In Texas, extreme and exceptional drought coverage in the state is five times greater than at the start of the calendar year. Drought conditions worsened in parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. The long- and short-term dry conditions across the Southern Plains and the West helped fuel several large wildfires that threatened homes during May.

Summer Precip Outlook

The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting below normal precipitation across parts of the Deep South and above normal precipitation across the West and Southwest.

Summer Temp Outlook

The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above normal temperatures across most of the United States with below normal temperatures across the Upper Midwest.

2012 Hurricane Outlook

The 2014 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1st. Forecasters are predicting a normal to below normal hurricane season. Here's the breakdown from NOAA and the yearly average:

	NOAA	AVERAGE
Named Storms	8-13	11
Hurricanes	3-6	6
Major Cat 3 or Higher	1-2	2

Summer Deal

Weather Wiz Kids® Bug Catcher Kit
Product Information:
Included: 1 net to catch bugs, 1 tweezer to grab bugs, 1 bug catcher to hold bugs, a magnifier to see bugs better, an opening top with an air hole, and a carrying strap to show to everyone.

Price: $4.99

For more information: Check out www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-store-bug-catcher.htm

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