Weather Alert in California
Fire Weather Watch issued May 20 at 11:49PM PDT until May 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
AREAS AFFECTED: West Side Hills; San Joaquin Valley; Central Sierra Foothills; Southern Sierra Foothills
DESCRIPTION: * AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zone 579 West Side Hills. Fire weather zone 580 San Joaquin Valley. Fire weather zone 590 Central Sierra Foothills. Fire weather zone 591 Southern Sierra Foothills. * WIND...West to Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts reaching25 to 35 mph. Ridge-top wind gusts reaching 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...5 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
INSTRUCTION: A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
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Weather Topic: What is Snow?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Snow
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake,
has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure.
Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup
of snow on the ground.
On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt
it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of
sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense
and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.
Next Topic: Stratocumulus Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Stratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratus Clouds
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a
lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the
distinguishing features of most clouds.
Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform
look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud.
The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation,
such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form
of a stratus cloud.
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
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