The United States is home to various fascinating and sometimes dangerous weather phenomena. From the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis to the destructive power of hurricanes and tornadoes, the diversity of the country’s climate creates unique experiences that can be both awe-inspiring and perilous.
Join us as we explore twelve unbelievable weather phenomena in the US, delving into the science behind them and highlighting some of the most notable occurrences
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a breathtaking natural light show primarily visible in the high-latitude areas near the Arctic. Alaska is the prime spot for witnessing this celestial spectacle.
The Northern lights are best seen between September and April, particularly during the equinoxes when geomagnetic activity is high. The lights are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Fairbanks, Alaska, offers one of the best views, with the lights visible on average 243 nights per year.
Supercells and Tornadoes
Supercells are thunderstorms characterized by a rotating updraft, known as a mesocyclone. These storms can produce severe weather, including tornadoes. These are common in the Tornado Alley, which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Tornadoes can have wind speeds exceeding 300 mph and cause significant damage, including destroying buildings, uprooting trees, and hurling debris. The US averages about 1,200 tornadoes annually, resulting in about 80 fatalities and 1,500 injuries.
Monsoon Rains
The North American Monsoon brings vital rainfall to the Southwestern US but can also lead to flash floods, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Utah experience the North American Monsoon.
Typically, from July to September, the monsoon season is marked by a significant increase in rainfall due to moisture flowing in from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico. This rainfall is crucial for replenishing water supplies and supporting agriculture in the arid Southwest.
Haboobs
Haboobs are intense dust storms carried by atmospheric gravity currents, often occurring in arid regions. The southwestern US, particularly Arizona, is prone to haboobs, especially during the monsoon season.
These dust storms can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds and pose health hazards, including respiratory issues. Haboobs can also cause traffic accidents and damage to electronic equipment. The largest haboob on record in Phoenix occurred on July 5, 2011, and was more than a mile high and 100 miles wide.
Lake-effect Snow
Lake-effect snow forms when frigid air sweeps across warmer lake waters, absorbing moisture and releasing it as snow. This is most common in the downwind of the Great Lakes, including areas in New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Lake-effect snow, most common from November to February, can result in heavy snowfall in localized areas. New York can receive over 100 inches of snow annually due to the lake effect. The snow belts around the Great Lakes are known for their significant snowfall, which can lead to transportation challenges and support winter sports and tourism.
Ice Storms
Ice storms occur when rain falls onto surfaces with temperatures below freezing, creating a coating of ice. Ice storms are common primarily in the Northeast and Midwest but can occur in many parts of the US.
These storms can cause widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions as ice accumulates on trees, power lines, and roads. The 1998 ice storm in the Northeastern US and Canada caused over $3 billion in damages and 35 deaths.
Heatwaves
Prolonged periods of excessive heat can have severe health and environmental impacts. Heat waves, which are common across the US, especially in the southern and western parts, can be precarious. Due to climate change, heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense.
They can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke and exacerbate existing health conditions. The 2021 heatwave in the Pacific Northwest resulted in hundreds of deaths and broke all-time temperature records, with Portland, Oregon, reaching 116°F.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that can cause widespread destruction through wind, rain, and storm surges. Hurricanes are common on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, affecting states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
Due to warmer ocean temperatures, hurricane intensity has been increasing. Hurricanes can lead to extensive flooding, severe wind destruction, and widespread power outages. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused over $125 billion in damages and over 1,800 deaths.
Blizzards
Blizzards are intense snowstorms marked by powerful winds and significantly reduced visibility. The northern and central parts of the US, including the Great Plains and Midwest, are prone to blizzards. Blizzards can immobilize regions and disrupt daily life.
They can cause fatalities from exposure, accidents, and heart attacks due to overexertion. The Great Blizzard of 1888 resulted in 400 deaths and paralyzed the Northeast with snow drifts as high as 50 feet in some areas.
Derecho
A derecho is an expansive, enduring windstorm driven by a swiftly advancing line of showers or thunderstorms. Derechos are common primarily in the Central and Eastern parts of the US.
They can produce hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash floods and cause extensive damage to property and power infrastructure. The August 2020 Midwest derecho caused $11 billion in damages, making it the costliest thunderstorm in US history.
Chinook Winds
Chinook winds are warm, dry winds descending the eastern slopes of the Rockies, causing rapid temperature increases. Eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, particularly Montana experience these strong winds.
These winds can raise temperatures by 50°F in a few hours, melting snow and ice and bringing temporary relief from winter cold. Spearfish, South Dakota, holds the record for the fastest temperature change: a rise of 49°F in two minutes, from -4°F to 45°F on January 22, 1943.
Chinook winds can exacerbate the spread of wildfires by carrying embers over long distances and sparking new fires. Recent examples of severe wildfires fueled by Chinook winds include the Second Old Stage Fire in 2009, the Fort McMurray Fire in 2016, and the Marshall Fire in 2021.
Fog
Fog, particularly coastal and valley fog, can create picturesque scenes but also dangerous driving conditions. It is common along the coasts, particularly in California, and in the valleys. Fog forms when air temperature drops to the dew point, causing moisture to condense.
Coastal fog is often seen in the summer when cold ocean air meets warm land air. Tule fog in California’s Central Valley is responsible for numerous traffic accidents annually, with some years seeing hundreds of incidents.