Unusual Facts About the Weather
Here are some unusual facts about the weather:
It can rain animals: Occasionally, small animals such as frogs, fish, and even birds have been known to fall from the sky during heavy rain or thunderstorms. This phenomenon is known as “animal rain” or “rain of animals.”
Snow rollers: Snow rollers are a rare weather phenomenon that occurs when large snowballs are formed naturally as the result of wind gusts. They usually form when the snow is sticky and wet, but the air temperature is cold.
Red sprites and blue jets: These are electrical discharges that occur above thunderstorms. Red sprites are red, jellyfish-like shapes that can reach up to 50 miles high in the atmosphere, while blue jets are blue, cone-shaped discharges that shoot up from the top of thunderstorms.
Sun dogs: Sun dogs are bright spots that can appear on either side of the sun. They are caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Waterspouts: Waterspouts are tornado-like columns of water that form over bodies of water. They are caused by a combination of high winds and low pressure.
Thunderstorm asthma: This is a rare condition that can occur during thunderstorms, especially in areas with high pollen counts. The electrical charges in the air can cause pollen grains to break apart into smaller pieces, which can then be inhaled and trigger asthma attacks.
Morning Glory clouds: These are long, tube-shaped clouds that form over the Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia. They can be up to 1,000 kilometers long and are caused by a combination of sea breezes and atmospheric conditions.
Ball lightning: Ball lightning is a rare and unexplained phenomenon where a ball of light appears during thunderstorms. It can last for several seconds and has been known to move through walls and windows.
Frost flowers: Frost flowers are delicate ice structures that form on the surface of water and plants in very cold temperatures. They look like delicate petals or feathers and are often only a few inches tall.
Heat bursts: Heat bursts are rare weather events that occur when hot, dry air suddenly descends from the atmosphere and hits the ground. They can cause sudden spikes in temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and can be dangerous for people and animals caught
Thundersnow: This rare phenomenon occurs when a thunderstorm produces snow instead of rain. It requires very specific conditions and is most common in areas with cold climates, such as the northern United States and Canada.
Virga: This occurs when rain falls from the clouds but evaporates before reaching the ground. It creates the appearance of a “rain curtain” hanging from the clouds.
Microbursts: These are intense, localized downdrafts of air that can cause significant damage. They are most commonly associated with thunderstorms but can occur in other weather conditions as well.
Waterspouts: These are tornadoes that form over water. They are most common in tropical areas but can occur in other locations as well.
Thundersleet: Similar to thundersnow, this occurs when a thunderstorm produces sleet instead of rain or snow.
Noctilucent clouds: These are rare, glowing clouds that appear high in the atmosphere during the summer months. They are most commonly seen in the polar regions but can occur in other locations as well.
Fire whirls: These are whirlwinds that are created by heat and flames, often in the aftermath of a wildfire. They can be incredibly destructive and are sometimes called “fire tornadoes.”
Mammatus clouds: These are strange, lumpy-looking clouds that often form in the aftermath of a thunderstorm. They are most commonly associated with severe weather but can occur in other conditions as well.
Brinicles: These are icicle-like structures that form underwater in very cold conditions. They are sometimes called “sea stalactites” and can be seen in the polar regions.
Sun dogs: These are bright spots that appear on either side of the sun when light passes through ice crystals in the atmosphere. They are also known as “parhelia” and are most commonly seen in the winter months.