Ask Tom: How much does daylight increase in the week after winter solstice?
Dear Tom, By how many minutes and/or seconds per day does the amount of daylight increase in the Chicago area in the week after the winter solstice? — Jon Kartman,...
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White Christmas just a dream for most of U.S.
With relatively mild weather in place from coast to coast, the nation's snow cover continues to shrink at a time of the year when it should be rapidly expanding. As...
Ask Tom: Is there any truth to the old saying ‘Red sky in morning, sailors’ warning’?
Dear Tom, Is there any truth to the old sailor's saying "Red sky in morning, sailors' warning. Red sky at night, sailors' delight"? Mark Lowell, Indiana Dear Mark, There absolutely...
Ask Tom: What’s the difference between hoarfrost and rime ice?
Dear Tom, What is the difference between hoarfrost and rime ice? Diann Thomas, Westmont Dear Diann, Hoarfrost is a direct deposition of atmospheric moisture in the form of ice crystals...
Chilling north winds kick off astronomical winter on Friday
Friday marks the first day of astronomical winter, with the winter solstice set for 4:23 p.m. in Chicago. As low pressure departs to the east, north winds gusting as high...
Ask Tom: How rare is it to have thunderstorms during all three winter months?
Dear Tom, I know that it is unusual to have lightning and thunder in winter, but didn't the past winter produce thunderstorms in December, January and February? Has that ever...
Rain, seasonably mild temperatures on deck for Thursday
After experiencing abundant sunshine early this week, clouds will thicken over the area Thursday with occasional light rain as a cold front moves from west to east through the area....
Ask Tom: How different are sunrise, sunset times during solstices at Chicago and Green Bay?
Dear Tom, What is the difference in sunrise, sunset times at the two solstices at Chicago and Green Bay? — John Mckevitt, Riverside Dear John, Due to the 23.5-degree tilt...
Near 50 degrees on Wednesday, but cooler for the week’s end
The second consecutive day of complete sunshine on Tuesday helped keep our warm December trend on track. Tuesday was the eighth consecutive day with above-normal temperatures and the seventh day...
Ask Tom: What is the word ‘meteorology’ derived from?
Dear Tom, I have always wondered how the word "meteorology" is derived, and I have seen several varying explanations. What is your take? — Mildred Strafica, Chicago Dear Mildred, Many...