Have you ever watched a weather report and wondered what the forecaster was talking about? Meteorologists and newscasters may use certain words that you’re not familiar with.
There are numerous terms used to describe weather conditions and phenomena. At KLIM Roofing & Construction, we understand the importance of understanding weather news. It helps you schedule maintenance work on different parts of your home, such as your siding and roofing in Redmond WA.
To help you understand weather news and forecasts better, we’ve listed some jargons you may come across.
Alberta Clipper
It’s a low pressure system that often occurs during winter and develops in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta. It moves fast towards the southeast, affecting the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Midwest. This winter storm usually brings colder temperatures, strong winds, and snow, which is about one to three inches deep.
Bermuda High
It’s a high pressure area in the North Atlantic Ocean that is subtropical and semi-permanent. Its central pressure changes as it moves to the west and east. According to Climate Central, it helps determine whether Atlantic hurricanes will make landfall or recurve to the sea. Furthermore, it directs humid and hot air towards the Eastern seaboard.
El Niño
This temporary change of climate happens in the Pacific Ocean and in areas near the equator. As winds in the Pacific becomes weaker during this phenomenon, warm air from the west moves back to the east, making the eastern portion of the Pacific Ocean warmer.
Gustnado
It’s a small, ground-based, and short-lived whirlwind that is often linked to showers and thunderstorms. Although it may appear to be a tornado to an untrained eye, it isn’t. It doesn’t connect to any convective cloud. A gustnado may be between 30 feet and 300 feet high. It may carry rain and wind with speed between 60 mph and 80 mph.
Squall
It’s a sudden strong wind with wind speed that increases at 16 knots. The speed is often maintained at 22 knots or higher for a minimum of 60 seconds.
Keeping up-to-date with the weather doesn’t have to be confusing. The next time you watch a weather report, you won’t be staring blankly at the screen.
Need to prepare for a severe weather condition? Make sure your roof can withstand the elements. Get in touch with our roofing specialists. We provide a range of service for residential and commercial roofing in Redond WA. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we can inspect your roof and provide expert recommendations to keep it in top shape.