The world regulated sulfur in ship fuels − and the lightning stopped

An unplanned experiment takes scientists closer to solving a long-standing mystery: To what extent, if any, have human-created emissions influenced thunderstorms?

Chris Wright, Fellow in Atmospheric Science, Program on Climate Change, University of Washington • conversation
March 11, 2025 ~8 min

How are clouds’ shapes made? A scientist explains the different cloud types and how they help forecast weather

Puffy to wispy, barely there or dark and menacing, clouds come in many shapes and sizes. Each tells a story about what’s going on in the atmosphere.

Ross Lazear, Instructor in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
March 3, 2025 ~5 min


Microplastics promote cloud formation, with likely effects on weather and climate

Clouds affect Earth’s weather and climate in many ways. New research suggests that the presence of microplastic particles could alter these processes.

Heidi Busse, PhD Student in Chemistry, Penn State • conversation
Nov. 7, 2024 ~7 min

Wildfires can create their own weather, including tornado-like fire whirls − an atmospheric scientist explains how

Fire-produced thunderstorms and tornado-like fire whirls are more common than anyone realized, as high-resolution satellite images and data now show.

Kyle Hilburn, Research Scientist in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 1, 2024 ~7 min

Wildfires can create their own weather, further spreading the flames − an atmospheric scientist explains how

Fire-produced thunderstorms and tornado-like fire whirls are more common than anyone realized, as high-resolution satellite images and data now show.

Kyle Hilburn, Research Scientist in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 1, 2024 ~7 min

Lightning season is here: Fast facts and how to stay safe, from a meteorologist

What really happens when lightning strikes cars, what to do if you’re out in the open or on a beach, and other tips for National Lightning Safety Awareness Week.

Chris Vagasky, Meteorologist, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
June 20, 2024 ~6 min

How to stay safe during lightning storms – summer is the highest-risk season

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 23-29, 2024. With the U.S. averaging 37 million lightning strikes and 21 deaths a year, it’s a good idea to pay attention.

Chris Vagasky, Meteorologist, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
June 20, 2024 ~6 min

How is snow made? An atmospheric scientist describes the journey of frozen ice crystals from clouds to the ground

There are an infinite number of paths an ice crystal can take before you touch it.

Alexandria Johnson, Professor of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Purdue University • conversation
Feb. 26, 2024 ~6 min


Air pollution cools climate more than expected – this makes cutting carbon emissions more urgent

The best way to cut air pollution is to burn less fossil fuel.

Philip Stier, Professor of Atmospheric Physics, University of Oxford • conversation
Nov. 16, 2022 ~7 min

Cloud seeding might not be as promising as drought-troubled states hope

Several states are experimenting with weather modification to try to generate snow as water supplies shrink. An atmospheric scientist explains the history behind it – and the challenges.

William R. Cotton, Professor Emeritus of Meteorology, Colorado State University • conversation
March 16, 2022 ~7 min

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