What is a monsoon? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-08-24 | What is a monsoon? The word monsoon comes from the Arabic word 'mausim' which translates as 'season', which is suggestive of the seasonal nature of the monsoon and its associated rains.A monsoon climate is characterised by a dramatic seasonal change in direction of the prevailing winds of a region which brings a marked change in rainfall. The monsoon climate results in high annual rainfall totals exceeding 1.5 m (5 ft) in many places.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What happens during the summer solstice? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-07-01 | What happens during the summer solstice?Written and presented by Jodie RamsdaleAnimated by Mark MachinSound effects by Zapsplat
Chaos Theory Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-05-12 | Weather forecasts are improving all the time but, despite huge progress in science and technology, there remains a limit on how far ahead the future can be predicted. This limit is due to chaos theory, the idea that the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil could lead to a tornado in Texas. Whilst this may be a slight exaggeration, chaos theory can have a powerful impact on weather forecasts but there are ways that meteorologists can lessen its impacts and improve predictions...
What is a Storm Surge Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-05-03 | A storm surge is a change in sea level from the usual predicted tidal water levels driven by weather systems. With nearly half of the world's population living near the coast, many are at risk of the destructive impacts of storm surges. In this video, we look in detail at what drives a storm surge and how the direction of the wind, the shape and depth of the sea floor and coastal area can affect surge formation and height.Because this is an in-depth video, links to supporting videos that cover some of the concepts discussed will appear at appropriate times.Written and presented by Jodie RamsdaleAnimated by Mark MachinSound effects: ZapsplatThames Barrier plaque courtesy of Steven CravenStorm surge at Hemsby courtesy of Evelyn Simak
Mostly Weather podcast - The pioneering work of Meteorologist Jule Charney Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-03-02 | Audio only podcast series in which Met Office scientists talk about the fascinating subject of weather.In this episode we hear about the scientific achievements of American Meteorologist Jule Charney, a pioneer of numerical weather prediction whose work developing weather models helped fuel our understanding of climate.Presented by Penny Tranter and Dr. Catherine Ross with guest speaker Dan Harris, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist. Producer: Clare NasirEditor: Simon HammettThe Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. Our website carries the latest UK and global weather forecasts, detailed information on weather types and climate science and UK weather records for previous months, seasons and years.www.metoffice.gov.uk
How a weather forecast is made - In 60 seconds (ish) audio Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-01-31 | Making a weather forecast is a complex process, that requires the use of powerful supercomputers and the skill of experienced meteorologists.
Mostly Climate Audio Podcast - COP Outcomes Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-01-24 | Audio only podcast series looking at our climate and the challenges posed by climate change. COP OutcomesIn November 2021 the UK hosted climate conference COP 26. What was it like to attend COP and how might the conversations at the event translate into action? To find out, Presenter Dr. Rosie Oakes talks to Met Office Climate Correspondent Grahame Madge. Producers: Clare Nasir and Grahame MadgeSeries Editor: Adrian Holloway
Shackletons last expedition to Antarctica Met Office - Learn About Weather 2022-01-04 | To mark the centenary of the death of explorer Sir Ernest Shakleton we look back on at his remarkable life and the scientific legacy of early polar exploration.Contributors: Dr. Catherine Ross, Dr. Helen Hewett, Grahame MadgeProducer: Adrian Holloway
Climate Change - How Fast is the World Warming? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-11-01 | Climate change is causing more extreme weather throughout the world. But how much has the world warmed, what has caused this warming and what might the future look like? Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern summarises what the science tells us.
How Does a Sea Breeze Work? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-10-15 | A sea breeze is a familiar accompaniment to a warm, sunny day on the coast. In this video, we look in detail at the physical processes involved in how sea breezes form, how they can move inland due to the shape of the coast and the type of weather that happens when sea breezes collide.Because this is an in-depth video, links to supporting videos that cover some of the concepts discussed will appear at appropriate times.Written and presented by Jodie RamsdaleAnimated by Mark MachinSound effects from Zapsplat.com
What are the Air Masses? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-06-09 | The UK’s weather is notoriously fickle. We are surrounded by so many different influences: a large ocean to the west; a continent to the east. Mid-summer heat can originate in North Africa, but in the winter the North wind doth blow and we shall have snow – sometimes.These various influences are also known as air masses. But what are air masses and how do different air masses affect the UK?Presented by Aidan McGivern.
What are the Gas Laws? Part 2 Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-05-13 | Have you ever wondered why tires expand when they are heated? Why do balloons rise when they are filled with hydrogen or helium? How were the Gas Laws discovered and why are they so important when predicting the weather? In this video, we look at Gay Lussac's Law and Avogadro's Law, which explain the relationships between gas amount, temperature and pressure. We also look at how the Gas Laws are combined in one equation - the Ideal Gas Law.In case you missed it, part one is here:youtube.com/watch?v=ArM6EQmVz6cProduced by the Met Office:Written by Aidan McGivernAnimated by Mark Machin
How jet streams affect our weather: an in-depth guide Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-04-20 | Jet streams are fast-flowing currents of air that meander around the world at around 8 to 15 kilometres above sea level. We know that these high-altitude winds affect the weather at the surface, but how?In this in-depth guide, we explain how faster winds within the jet impact the shape of the larger jet stream and what this means for the weather at the surface. We also take a detailed look at how faster parts of the jet stream cause vertical air motions which affect surface weather.As this is an in-depth video, links to supporting videos that cover some of the concepts discussed will appear at appropriate times.Written and presented by Jodie RamsdaleAnimation by Mark MachinMusic is YellowDayz ©, composed by Amelie MachinNote: this was previously uploaded on 1st March 2021. It's now been uploaded again along with some links to supporting videos.
Mostly Climate Audio Podcast - Climate models Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-03-11 | Audio science podcast series from the Met Office all about our climate and the challenges we face from climate change. Episode 1: Building a climate model In the first episode we look at climate models. These complex representations of natural forces underpin our scientific understanding of climate, but how do you ensure you have all the pieces when trying to solve the climate puzzle? To find out podcast presenters Doug McNeall and Annie Schultz talk to experts at the cutting edge of climate research. Music: Dan Autiero The Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. Our website carries the latest UK and global weather forecasts, detailed information on weather types and climate science and UK weather records for previous months, seasons and years.www.metoffice.gov.uk
What is humidity? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-02-15 | High humidity in the atmosphere can lead to cloud, mist and fog. It can also make us feel uncomfortable. But what is humidity and how do we measure it?
Why is snow tricky to forecast? - 3 Minute Met Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-02-11 | Why is it so tricky to forecast snow – especially in the UK? How can several centimetres of snow settled in one place but, just a mile down the road, there’s only rain? Filmed during the January 2021 UK lockdown restrictions, Met Office meteorologists Clare Nasir, Alex Deakin and Aidan McGivern discuss the many challenges of snow forecasting in just three minutes.The forecast and any weather warnings within this video are accurate at time of recording. To ensure you have the most up to date weather information, check the forecast on www.metoffice.gov.uk or via the Met Office app.
What is the Indian Ocean Dipole? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2021-01-14 | Between 2019 and 2020, a strongly positive Indian Ocean Dipole was blamed for Australian wildfires, flooding in East Africa and the UK's wettest February on record. But what is the Indian Ocean Dipole and how does it influence weather patterns around the world?
Learn how to name the clouds - 3 Minute Met Met Office - Learn About Weather 2020-05-19 | Do you know your stratocumulus from your cumulonimbus? Have you ever wondered what cloud names such as cirrus and stratus actually mean? Aidan and Alex teach you how to name the 9 main cloud types in just 3 minutes!
What are the Gas Laws? Part 1 Met Office - Learn About Weather 2020-01-27 | Have you ever wondered how hot air balloons work? Why does air rise when it is heated? How were the Gas Laws discovered and why are they so important when predicting the weather? In this video, we look at Boyle's Law and Charles' Law, which explain the relationships between gas temperature, pressure and volume.But what about the other Gas Laws? Part 2 is coming soon!Produced by the Met Office:Written by Aidan McGivernAnimated by Mark Machin
Why is the sky blue? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2020-01-06 | To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
The Aeronauts: the man behind the movie Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-11-07 | Biographical adventure film The Aeronauts, released November 2019, chronicles the life and work of Victorian meteorologist James Glaisher.Whilst the film is inspired by Glaisher’s pioneering balloon ascents, he also made huge contributions to our understanding of meteorology and his legacy lives on today. Met Office archivist Catherine Ross looks at the man behind the movie.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What happens during an equinox? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-10-02 | Twice a year, in March and September, an equinox occurs. But what is an equinox and what happens when it occurs?To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Fahrenheit to Celsius: History of the thermometer Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-07-03 | How do thermometers work and how were they invented? Why does water freeze at 32 degrees on the Fahrenheit temperature scale but zero on the Celsius scale? And have you ever heard of the Réaumur temperature scale? Watch this to find out everything you need to know about the history of thermometers and the temperature scales we use today.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here:soundcloud.com/metofficepodcastsProduced by the Met OfficeScript and narration: Aidan McGivernAnimation: Mark Machin
Temperature Inversions Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-04-08 | Mist and fog, hazy horizons, layers of cloud and even persistent rain or drizzle can often be caused by temperature inversions. But what are temperature inversions and how do they form? Watch this video to find out.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
How does atmospheric pressure affect weather? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-03-19 | Although you can't see it, atmospheric pressure has a huge influence on our weather. In this video you can find out how the force exerted by the weight of air above us, affects the weather we experience. You can find more information on how high and low pressure systems affect weather on the Met Office website: youtube.com/channel/UCylCbuzRsB92Gc1l8ru6VIgTo learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcastsSong: Mechanical Birds by Unwritten Stories
What is a squall? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-03-12 | They can arrive very suddenly with little notice and can bring severe and potentially dangerous weather, but what exactly is a squall and how do they form….To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Buchan spells, the invention of isobars and fixing a date for Easter Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-02-15 | Weather charts, cold and warm weather and fixing a date for Easter - watch this video to see how they all tie together.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
5 more amazing weather satellite images from 2018 Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-02-08 | Here are another five amazing weather satellite images from 2018, this time focussing on the second half of the year.Record-breaking heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere led to scorched landscapes and smoke plumes from wildfires. Meanwhile, some of 2018's most powerful hurricanes and typhoons were captured in incredible detail from satellites thousands of kilometres above the Earth's surface.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Sudden Stratospheric Warming Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-02-01 | A Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) of the atmosphere refers to a rapid rise in temperatures in the stratosphere that is sometimes linked to the onset of cold weather in winter. In this video, we describe how this occurs and why rising temperatures at altitude can sometimes bring cold weather to the UK.For further information, please follow the links below:agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2009JD012643youtube.com/watch?v=1MiUlTthSNArmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/asl.598To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Raindrop size comparison Met Office - Learn About Weather 2019-01-18 | A comparison of precipitation sizes – from tiny cloud droplets to record-breaking hailstones!Cloud droplets can range in size from 0.001 to up to 0.1 mm but a typical cloud droplet is around one hundredth of a millimetre.Find out more here: metoffice.gov.uk/learning/cloudsOnce cloud droplets become larger than 0.1 mm, they can start falling from the cloud. Tiny drops with a diameter less than 0.5 mm are defined as drizzle. These droplets remain spherical due to surface cohesion.Larger raindrops, typically when their diameter exceeds 2 mm, become morphed due to air resistance. The bottom of the drop starts to flatten. Find out more here: youtube.com/watch?v=OdesSenwQgMEven larger raindrops normally morph further before breaking into two or more smaller droplets. However, the largest observed raindrop was 8.8 mm. This was observed on two separate occasions: in Brazil in September 1995 and in the Marshall Islands in July 1999. It’s thought theoretically possible that some raindrops could be as large as 1 cmagupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2004GL020167Hailstones can come in all shapes and sizes. From pea-sized to grapefruit-sized – or larger. The larger the hailstones, the greater the risk of damage from a hailstorm. Damaging hail can and does occur in the UK, especially in the summer. However, it’s in the USA where severe thunderstorms with damaging hail are more common. According to the US National Weather Service, severe hail is defined when hail is larger than a quarter / one inch / 25 mm and the risk of damage increases.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/hailjim.htmThe largest hailstone on record – in terms of diameter – was measured in Vivian, South Dakota on 23rd July, 2010. This hailstone measure 20 cm or 8 inches in diameter.webcitation.org/5rhd1coDR?url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/abr/?n=stormdamagetemplateTo learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What happens during the winter solstice? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-12-21 | The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs around December 21st. But why is winter in the Northern Hemisphere colder than the Southern Hemisphere, even though the Earth is closer to the sun.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here:soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What is the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-12-07 | Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin explains the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) - a term used to describe the variations in the large-scale surface pressure gradient in the North Atlantic region - and how it impacts our weather.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Different types of rain Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-11-23 | Rain is liquid water falling from the sky, but did you know that there are different methods for it to form? In this video we look at frontal, orographic and convective rain.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What is the difference between rain and drizzle? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-11-16 | They are both forms of precipitation - but how can you tell the difference between rain and drizzle?To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What are polar lows? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-11-09 | Polar lows are a winter phenomena. They are small-scale, but vigorous, low-pressure systems, which can bring strong winds and heavy snow.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Why does it get foggy around bonfire night? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-11-02 | Have you ever noticed that around bonfire night you often see increased amounts of fog? In this video we explain why.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What is a NorEaster? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-10-26 | What is a Nor'Easter?To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
How do rainbows form? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-10-12 | Rainbows are formed when sunlight is scattered from raindrops into the eyes of an observer.Most raindrops are spherical rather than the often depicted 'teardrop' shape and it is this spherical shape that provides the conditions for a rainbow to be seen.The position of the sun and the raindrops in relation to the observer need to be just right for a rainbow to form:- The sun needs to be behind the viewer- The sun needs to be low in the sky, at an angle of less than 42° above the horizon. The lower the sun in the sky the more of an arc of a rainbow the viewer will see- Rain, fog or some other source of water droplets must be in front of the viewerThe size of the raindrops does not directly affect the geometry of a rainbow, but mist or fog tends to disperse the effect more (see fogbows).Rainbows only appear semi-circular over level ground at sunrise or sunset, when the sun is exactly on the horizon, the majority of the time a smaller segment of an arc is seen.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What are lee gusts? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-10-05 | What are lee gusts and how are they formed?To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What is a blocking high? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-09-20 | The term 'blocking high' is used to describe a stationary area of high pressure, which can dictate the development and course of the weather - leading to prolonged periods of dry or dull weather depending on the season.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What is the Enhanced Fuijta Scale? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-08-10 | Measuring wind speed in a tornado is nearly impossible. Not only are tornadoes relatively small-scale phenomena, but they can destroy just about any unprotected weather instrument placed in their path. This is why a measurement scale for estimating the intensity of tornadoes due the damage they cause was developed. The Fujita (F) scale, showing approximate wind speed ranges, was devised in 1971 and revised in 2007 to become the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What are rotors? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-08-03 | Rotors are a small-scale overturning circulations that cause localised changes in wind direction and speed. They are associated with high-amplitude mountain or lee waves. To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcastsThey are sometimes visible through a roll of cloud that seems to rotate on itself, and they can cause problems for aircraft.For rotors to form we need a mountain range to provide the conditions for lee waves to form, a temperature inversion sitting above the mountain top and winds blowing across the range at a speed of around 30 mph.Rotors develop during mountain wave conditions because of changes of pressure and wind at the surface that accompany lee waves. Small areas of low and high pressure exist respectively with the troughs and crests of the waves. Wind at the surface accelerates beneath the troughs and decelerates beneath the crests.
What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-07-27 | The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to define tropical cyclone events by their wind speed and impacts.The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale consists of a five point scale of hurricane intensity and starts at 74 mph. Tropical cyclones with wind speeds up to 38mph are classified as tropical depressions and those with wind speeds from 39 - 73 mph are classified as tropical storms.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
What is blood rain and where does it come from? Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-07-20 | What is blood rain? Well, while it may sound like something you might see as the world ends, blood rain is actually a term used for a more harmless spectacle which sees red-coloured rain falling from the sky.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
The Coriolis effect in action Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-07-13 | Alex is back in the lab to take a look at the Coriolis effect and demonstrate how this apparent force works.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
The two types of waterspouts Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-07-06 | Did you know there was more than one type of waterspout? Some are formed during fair weather, whilst others are formed in the same ways a tornado, as a result of mesocyclonic action within thunderstorms.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
5 amazing weather satellite images from 2018 Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-07-02 | From their positions thousands of kilometres above the earth, satellites have had an incredible perspective on some of 2018's most incredible weather events. To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcastsHere are five of the best examples from the first half of 2018.
Measuring how far a thunderstorm is from your location Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-06-22 | Using just your eyes, your ears and some simple mathematics - you can estimate how many kilometers a thunderstorm is away from your location.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
Jet streams from around the world Met Office - Learn About Weather 2018-06-15 | The tropical easterly, Somali, Findlater, African easterly jet and polar night jets are temporary or seasonal jet streams. Jet streams are another name for fast-flowing currents of air. The Polar Front and Subtropical jets are the permanent high-level jets streams. They occur in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and are part of the larger global circulation. Temporary or seasonal jet streams can be found at various heights in the troposphere and even in the stratosphere.To learn more about the history of meteorology and the science behind the weather headlines, you can listen to our audio podcasts here: soundcloud.com/metofficepodcasts
