The science of sunshine and UV radiation
Some ultraviolet radiation penetrates earth’s atmosphere, and can pose health risks to humans.
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April 2025 by the numbers
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The second month of meteorological spring has come and gone, and another 30 days of temperature and precipitation data is in the books. April 2025 had its fair share of typical temperature swings locally. In St. Joseph, the average high rises from 61 degrees on April 1st to 70
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Earth Day – pollution and the water cycle
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Earth Day was recently celebrated on Tuesday, April 22, an annual effort at environmental awareness, which started in April of 1970. Earth Day is more than just taking pretty pictures and posting them to social media – it’s a reminder that, as a society, we must take care of
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2025 tornado tallies: A look at the numbers so far
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Spring tornado season started out with a bang for parts of the Midwest and deep South this year. From January to early April, the Storm Prediction Center has tallied at least 473 preliminary tornado reports across the United States. That’s well above the historical average of 266 twisters through
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How weather affects pollen progression
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As spring has settled in, many people find themselves sniffling and sneezing. Why? Pollen — the powdery substance that triggers seasonal allergies. Though it’s often seen as a nuisance, pollen plays an important role in nature. It’s essential for plant reproduction and supports ecosystems, especially pollinators like bees. Spring
Continue Reading April showers bring May flowers
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Spring is in full swing as flowers begin blooming, grasses turn greener and pollen makes a comeback. A common saying about spring’s weather is, “April showers bring May flowers.” So far, that holds true, as the first week of April brought multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, providing essential
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The science behind “troughs” and “ridges”
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As meteorologists, we sometimes use complex terminology to describe weather patterns. “Ridges” and “troughs” are among these terms, but what do they mean? When analyzing data and model trends, meteorologists look for ridges and troughs in the upper levels of the atmosphere to help determine what weather can be
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Spring blows in with turbulent weather
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — It’s official — we’ve made it to spring. The first day of the season officially arrived with the spring equinox on March 20, renewing hopes for warmer days, blooming flowers and vibrant green grass. Most are eager to get outside after a tough winter that included approximately 25 inches
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What is fire weather?
Fire weather may be an unfamiliar term for some and is often overlooked or not taken seriously. While fire is commonly used for activities like yard work, camping, grilling, and farming, it can also rapidly spread out of control given the right set of circumstances. The warm, dry, and windy days of early spring and
Continue Reading Post-Groundhog Day outlook: Phil got it right
Feb. 2, was Groundhog Day, a tradition many look forward to after enduring the harsh cold of winter. For more than a century, Punxsutawney Phil has been making his famous “weather predictions” from a small town in eastern Pennsylvania, adding a touch of fun and folklore to the winter season. Punxsutawney Phil is not the
Continue Reading How donuts describe variations of winter precipitation
Winter is well known for its cold and gloomy days but also for its different types of precipitation. Freezing rain, sleet and snow are typical of the season. So far this winter, we have experienced a glaze of freezing drizzle, a few pellets of sleet and mounds of snow. Weather can be tricky and hard
Continue Reading Powerful storm system blows through the heartland
A strong low-pressure system ripped through America’s heartland earlier this week, bringing a multitude of hazards and impacts. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms made headlines on the southern flank of the sprawling spring storm, while blizzard conditions plagued points farther north. Locally, the storm brought over an inch of rain, one to three inches of snow
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Powerful storm system blows through the heartland
A strong low-pressure system ripped through America’s heartland earlier this week, bringing a multitude of hazards and impacts. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms made headlines on the southern flank of the sprawling spring storm, while blizzard conditions plagued points farther north. Locally, the storm brought over an inch of rain, one to three inches of snow
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Meteorological vs. astronomical spring
Many are eagerly anticipating the first day of spring, especially after the wave of warmth and sunshine this past week. Temperatures have risen by up to 75 degrees since last Friday when early morning lows bottomed out around 10 to 15 degrees below zero. The five-day stretch of afternoon 60s has melted even the largest
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Mid-February freeze grips the heartland
Winter stayed relentless this week, bringing another round of snow and blustery winds, but this time with an especially stout arctic blast. Both temperatures and wind chills were brutal for days on end, triggering cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings from the Canadian border to the Texas Panhandle. Wind chills dropped as low as
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The science of snow ratios
No two winter storms are alike, making them a challenge to forecast. Similarly, no two snowflakes are the same, varying in size, shape and texture. One key factor in determining the texture of snow is the snow-to-liquid ratio., meaning how much liquid water is present in a set quantity of snowfall. Low snow ratios tend
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Making Wintertime Energy Management Easy
By NewsPress Now (NAPSI)—When the weather cools, it’s a good time for New Yorkers to prepare their homes for potential power outages. By taking a few simple steps, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and help manage monthly bills. Here are some actions to consider: Quick Fixes for Lower Bills
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How to maintain and improve your plumbing this fall and winter
By Brandpoint (BPT) (BPT) – Along with shorter days and dropping temperatures, fall brings a sense of urgency to get your home in shape before winter arrives. This is especially true for plumbing, as frigid temps can wreak havoc on pipes and outdoor faucets. Along with maintenance, homeowners can use the season to make simple
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Tips to Be Prepared for Cooler Weather
By NewsPress Now (Family Features) Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. In fact, understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care. Despite the old adage that
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