Top 10 Simple Weather Facts

With the UK’s weather recently changing from snow to rain, from cold to more milder temperatures, we thought we’d look at the weather.

15:18 02 February 2013

With the UK’s weather recently changing from snow to rain, from cold to more milder temperatures, we thought we’d look at the weather. So, if you want to familiarise yourself with information on tornadoes, or if lightning sparks your interest, check out this week’s Top 10 Simple Weather Facts…

1.If you’re afraid of lightning (and there’s no shame in admitting it!) it is said to be known as: Astraphobia. Bet you didn’t know that? Which is why it’s in our Top 10 weather list!

2.A waterspout is seen as being a tornado that begins over water. This can be the sea or other forms of water.

3.Flash floods are a rapid flow of water and they can be caused by a number of factors; heavy rainfall, snow thawing, storms, wet ground soaking up more water and also from dams breaking.

4.A tornado can change colour, and the reason for this is that it collects debris and dust. This is how the cloud of a tornado can darken in colour.

5.Did you know that the maximum speed an average snowflake can reach is 1.7metres per second - that’s over 5.5feet! Isn’t the weather mind boggling sometimes?!

6.The average time a tornado lasts for is approximately 15 minutes. And the average length that a lightning bolt can reach is around 2-3 miles, that’s up to 4kilometres!

7.There’s not always a warning when a flash flood happens. They can also be a powerful force of nature. Floods are thought to be one of Earth’s natural disasters, aside from earthquakes and fires.

8.America is one place that tends to suffer more from tornadoes (which touch the ground) than other countries.

9. Dust from the desert has been found in cities many miles away from the desert itself. This is because the wind blows the dust and sand from the desert. That’s why this is in our Top 10 Simple Weather Facts.

10.Who can forget about snow when thinking about the weather? Although it can cause much chaos for drivers and such, many people enjoy it when it snows. However, there are some people who are scared of certain types of weather. The fear of snow is known as: Chionophobia.